mmm-yoso!!!

Monday Meanderings - Sushi Hachi by Kimura Opening Dec 6th, Harland Brewing Coming to Morena, and Stehly Farms Morena is Closed

Funny, when it rains it pours; over the last week here are "stuffs" I saw while running errands and such.

Sushi Hachi by Kimura Opening Dec 6th:

While checking out Izakaya Sakura on Black Friday (they were closed), I noticed that Swab, ummmm Shabu World was being replaced by something called Sushi Hachi by Kimura.

I stopped and walked over. The sign said "Opening Soon" and taking a look at the menu gave me the impression that this is kind of fusiony sushi; with everything from Aburi Sushi, to various rolls, to nigiri....stuff like yuzu ceviche, truffle salmon carpaccio, tuna guacamole rolls, crispy rice......kinda interesting in a way.

And so, like I always say; "Google is my friend". I went ahead and did a quick Google search yesterday and found that Sushi Hachi is opening on December 6th. There's also a bio on Shuji Kimura, who owned and operated the SushiStop chain in LA. I'm guessing he probably sold the chain....you should look at SushiStop's menu....it looks reaaally familiar. Anyway, it seems that this is a family project that he's opening with his wife and three children.

3904 Convoy St #117
San Diego, CA 92111

Harland Brewing Coming to Morena:

I was actually told this by some friends and so I stopped by to take a look.

And yes, that's what the ABC notice says. This is in the fairly large spot that Benchmark Brewing was in for a hot second.

4112 Napier St
San Diego, CA 92110

Stehly Farms Morena is Closed:

On a recent visit to Zgara Greek Grill, I peered over and saw the "Available for Leas" sign in the window of the space Stehly Farms Market used to occupy.

Bummer....I wasn't a regular, but I'd drop by every now and then when I wanted or needed some good quality produce. Sad to see them go.

1231 Morena Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92110

I'm hoping everyone is safe. Things are getting a bit hairy out there, please take care, be considerate, it's times like these where our caring, compassion, and humanity should come thru. I pretty much keep the Missus and my work and non-trip/food related items separate from this blog. And I'm thinking you might wonder why I try to "gently" remind folks to be safe and take reasonable care.

Well, to not give away too much; both the Missus and I have skin in the game. I've been in healthcare since 1984 and the Missus is on the frontlines of this. I keep that photo of the Missus on my phone, as one of my Zoom backgrounds, as a screen saver, it is never far from my mind and my heart.

The last thing I would want is for this insidious virus to harm her or you.

So please, stay safe!

Munich - Augustiner Keller Biergarten

What would be better after a busy day walking around Munich, than having a (couple of) cold one(s), right? And of course we were in Munich, so we had to check out at least one beer garden. Folks I knew recommended Hofbrauhaus, but I did a bit of reading and the place just screamed "tourist". Augustiner Keller on the other hand; well, I'm sure that many tourists visit; in fact we got to chatting with two fellows from the UK who were visiting while their wives were off on a "girls trip". Also, Augustiner Keller seemed quite close to where we were staying....at least it seemed that way.

So, we headed out taking a left down Landwehrstrasse, walking past the Church of Saint Paul and taking another right, then a left, eventually finding a pedestrian overpass to the large street below.

Then heading up a nice pedestrian path named the Kurt Haertel Passage, then crossing over all the train tracks on Hackerbrücke (Hacker Bridge), where I noticed couples climbing up the railing. I later learned that this is a favorite place to view the sunset for young couples.

We made it to the other side and walked East for a rather long block where I saw this rather discreet sign.

Which belies how huge Augustiner Keller is; established in 1812, first legally serving beer outdoors since 1842, the place seats 5,000 people under 100 Chestnut trees, has three restaurants, a fairly expensive regular restaurant, a table service outdoor area, and a self-service area, where I understand folks can even bring their own food. It was a happening place on this beautiful Sunday at the end of May.

We decided on the self-service side of things.

And while the pretzels and pork knuckle looked mighty tempting......

We decided on encased meats in tubular form. Beer was dispensed from wooden barrels and you can get half liter pours....but c'mon, you're in a beer garden in Munich. You need to get beer in a stein (rightfully called a "mass" in German) the size of your head.

The Missus, who just really wanted some sauerkraut, got the Nuremberg Rostbratwurstel which came with Sauerkraut (8,8€).

Six very porky sausages, with slight lemony-herbaceous tones, with a nice "snap" to them. The Missus loved the flavor of the sauerkraut; though the texture was on the soft-mushy side.

I saw a sausage I enjoyed earlier on the trip and got the Käsekrainer (8,4€), basically a sausages stuffed with cheese, which came with fries.

The beer was wonderful, quite refreshing, I had two. The fries were fairly crisp but standard issue, the sausage was not quite as good as what I had in Austria....but I still enjoy that vein of milky cheese in the middle.

We really enjoyed our meal...in a beer garden; in Munich, on a beautiful day, under chestnut trees, surrounded by mellow folks enjoying the day, and drinking a beer the size of my head.

I mean really...….

Augustiner-Keller
Arnulfstrasse 52
80335 Münich, Germany

Life was good!

Thanks for stopping by!

Man, was it warm enough for you the last couple of days?

So, I'm kinda stewing in my juices here wondering what post I should do...….

After sitting for a while....I just decided to cut my losses and grab a pizza.

That's a pesto chicken pizza from Poseidon Project.

And have a cold one.....I had a couple of cans of Avery Brewing Ellie's Brown Ale.....I really just got it because I loved the pooch on the can.

And that's it for today.

I'm glad things will be (hopefully) cooling down the next couple of days....this dry heat and the Santa Ana's have meant some pretty dramatic bleeding from my nose the last two days.....not a great look with a mask on.

Be safe and have a great rest of the week!

 

Sunday Stuffs.....

I think of this more as a Sunday check-in. How is everyone doing, physically, and well, mentally as well? I keep wondering how all the FOYs are doing.

On my "mission for groceries" I was wondering how some of the restaurants with long histories on Convoy are doing.....Ichiro came to mind. The entire parking lot at 4344 Convoy was empty, with Tasty Bakery the only business open in the strip mall.

And the sign at Ichiro's..... I think I need to make it a point to get more take-out.....

I took the long way home; wondering what was open in the Linda Vista area.... Thai Papaya had a sign saying that The Original Sab-E-Lee is open seven days a week. Pho Hiep and Grill is closed as is Pho Hoa Huong. The porch where the "old timers" used to hang out and drink coffee had been taken over by a group of homeless folks.

As I drove past Tio Leo's on Morena....for some reason, I always make it a point to check out the signs...….this is what is currently posted.

We've cancelled our upcoming trips...luckily, we're able to either get vouchers or full refunds....one of the Airbnb hosts replied to me saying that though their home is an amazing place to visit; now was not the time. Her son is an Emergency Room Physician and she is ever so worried about him.

I have a ritual of sorts when I return from a long trip. I'll get my fix of if a West Coast Icon. Since we wouldn't be travelling anytime soon, after shopping stop at Mitsuwa, I ordered one of these.

I even got Animal Fries.

Which confirmed, much like the egg at Santouka, that I'm still not sure why folks like the fries at In-N-Out....no matter how much lipstick you put on the pig...…it's still a pig. Still, having one of my Bi-annual visits to In-N-Out was both comforting and sad at the same time.

Hope all is well.....

Eating (and Drinking) in the Time of Covid-19 - Take-Out from Poseidon Project and Wa Dining Okan

A few more take-out orders....

Poseidon Project:

My favorite weekly "pau hana time" stop is now doing take-out pizza, beer, and family meals. So, how can I not support the place?

Mostly stopping to pick up a couple of beers now and then; though the Missus has really taken to the Wild Barrel Vice with Passion Cactus Dragon Fruit. I knew the Missus would enjoy this Berlinerweisse the first time I tasted it. I'm happy to get it for Her while they still have it in stock.

And once in a while; one of their pizzas will hit it out of the park.....

Poseidon Project
4126 Napier St
San Diego, CA 92110

Bentos from Wa Dining Okan:

If you're standing in line to get into Nijiya, you can't miss their signs.

I called while waiting in line at Nijiya and ordered the Karaage Bento. When I finished my shopping, I popped in.

While the karaage didn't hold up over the trip back home; I thought this was pretty good.

In fact, I kinda prefer this to my recent sit-down lunches.

And the miso soup was perhaps the best I've had from Okan.

I decided to order again on my last trip to Nijiya and this time ordered the Buta Kakuni.

And while I wish the eggs weren't cooked so much; the pork was surprisingly tender and full of flavor.

I might do this again while waiting in line at Nijiya.

And this post on Okan goes out to "FOY" (friend-of-yoso) ChrisR, who is always the first to gently remind me via email, of how wrong I am whenever I type a negative word on Okan. I hope you and yours are safe and in good health Chris!

Wa Dining Okan
3860 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111

Take care everyone!

Eating (and drinking) in the Time of Covid-19 - Chicago Fire Grill, Bay Park Fish, and Beer From Harland

How is everyone doing? Here are a couple of stuff-to-go and a couple of cold ones. I'm not going to go into the food much here....it's just not the time for that.

Chicago Fire Grill:

I went to grab a quick lunch for the few souls who are still in the office....plus I wanted to see what "words of wisdom", George, the owner had. Anyway, upon getting there, I ordered from the doorway....George asked me if I could hear him......I told him, "I could hear you from Orange County....."

We all had a zillion calls during the day and with all the self-quarantine, it actually felt good to get out for 20 minutes to grab lunch and scurry back to the office and yet another call.

George says that he'll hang in there; though he wasn't totally sure about the hours....he's trying to keep it going at least for lunch.

Chicago Fire Grill
8935 Towne Centre Dr.
San Diego, CA 92122

Bay Park Fish Company:

During my short shopping stop at Seisel's, I saw this sign in front of Bay Park Fish.

And while BPF has kinda fallen from favor for us over the years; it along with Siesel's were the subject of one of my first posts back in 2005. So I went in and placed an order before I went to Siesel's. When I got out of Siesel's and walked over, my food was ready...….I decided not to take the 30% off and also tip a bit...….it's almost like my responsibility.

Got the shrimp torta and smoked fish stack.

Currently open from noon to 5pm for take-out.

Bay Park Fish Co.
4121 Ashton St.
San Diego, CA 92110

We've been trading food with Frankie's favorite auntie "Alle", who lives close by. One day, she had gone on a "beer run" to Harland and graciously gave some brews.

Here's the Harland Japanese Lager.

And something really special; the Harland MoMo Mochi IPA.

Nice, slightly fruity, mildly sweet, in the session IPA hoppiness scale....very nice Hazy IPA made with...well "Momo" (peaches) of course.

Thanks Alle!

Be safe everyone!

Eating (and drinking) in the Time of Covid-19 - Soup, Sandwich Emporium, and Beer from Bay Hill Tavern

First off; we sincerely hope that your family, friends, and loved ones are in good health.

It's been an interesting couple of weeks for me; I haven't had a day off in a couple of weeks. Still, we've had to make due with all the restaurant and bar closures.

I'm figuring most of you are eating like us....here's some Cauliflower Soup I made.

The secret ingredient, other than the truffle oil and bacon fat; is that I use saved up Parmesan rinds when making the soup. It adds a nice, milky-savory flavor to soups. So, go ahead and freeze those rinds; don't throw them away.

While the rational part of my brain wasn't surprised when the order came down to end dine-in service at restaurants; another part of me was jolted....I mean.....I kinda like eating out (in case that wasn't obvious). So what to do?

Well we are eating at home and such, and many places are closed, but there are lists like this one and of course Social Media, where you can find places that will deliver. And since one of those places and I go back to the beginning of the blog, I got some of the folks in the office to team up and place a pick-up order.

It was, like most times a decent sandwich. I think the fact that we were able to help out a place that is close to home made it taste even better.

Sandwich Emporium
3054 1/2 Clairemont Drive
San Diego,CA

Give them a call at one of the three locations to see what the hours are.

Speaking of close to home. I was driving home when I saw this......

While I'm sure there was a hint of humor here....after all, the crowds on most evenings from Wednesday to Saturday! I still felt something stir inside....perhaps I was thirsty?

So, I went into the parking lot; which is usually packed, today.....it was desolate. And decided, while I wasn't hungry, I was going to make dinner at home, I did need a digestif, right?

So tonight after dinner; I'll have my Duchesse...or as we were correected and laughed at in Belgium; a "Doo-Chezz"!

And nope, I haven't actually had a drink, nor eaten at Bay Hill Tavern yet......wouldn't it be funny if the first meal I had there would be during the Coronavirus outbreak?

I was told that they are open afternoon and evenings, with to-go brunch on weekends. You can check their website.

Bay Hill Tavern
3010 Clairemont Drive
San Diego, CA 92117

Of course, who knows what tomorrow...or even tonight will bring?

Take care and best wishes from us!

Salzburg - Hohensalzburg Fortress and a Stop at Stiegl-Keller

*** Not much food in this one; just a couple of "cold ones"

Revived by our coffee at Cafe Tomaselli, the Missus had one more item to check off our "list". On the cliffs above the Old Town is a pretty imposing castle.

This is Hohensalzburg Fortress; first constructed in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard during a power struggle between the Holy Roman Emperors and the Roman Catholic Church called the Investiture Controversy. The Archbishop first built a fortress on Festungsberg as a symbol of the power of the Catholic Church, directed at Henry IV.

There's a funicular that can take you quickly to the top off the hill....but you know the Missus....we walked up. The walk isn't super long; but it's pretty steep. I was somewhat glad to see, that there were other folks, most much younger than me, huffing and puffing their way up the hill as well.

And I gotta admit, the views on the walk up weren't half bad.

And while there are a bunch of various room, tours, and such, we had really come here for the views; which were wonderful on a beautiful day like this one.

We wandered along the perimeter of the courtyard, making time to take in the fantastic view. I'll say it again; it was a beautiful day.

We then took some time to visit some of the rooms and also St George's Chapel; a little church that dates back to 1500, with marble reliefs of the Apostles that date back to 1501.

From what I read; the Chapel is named after St George, who is the Patron Saint of Horses.

The small domed ceiling and bright white colors really made the chapel come alive.

There's even an interesting sundial on the outside wall of the Chapel that you can see in this photo.

Still, for us, it was about the view.

You understand what I mean; right?

Walking across the courtyard we were rewarded with another wonderful view.

Looking off to the Berchtesgaden Alps in the distance....I got it. All together now, "The hills are alive with the sound of music ……"

Then it was time to head back down.

I had noticed a place on the way up.

The Missus doesn't drink much beer these days (though She did on this trip); but Stiegl's Grapefruit Radler is a favorite of Hers. Stiegl's Headquarters and Brewery is located in Salzburg and we just happened to be passing their "Gastgarten"......how convenient wouldn't you say?

There was some outdoor seating available; but we weren't going to be eating anything and decided to just head into the bar area. Where we both got Grapefruit Radlers.

The clean, bright citrusy grapefruit, with a hint of sweet, low ABV at 2%, it was so refreshing on a rather warm day.

And the Missus got Her Stiegl Grapefruit Radler in Salzburg.

Stiegl-Keller
Festungsgasse 10
5020 Salzburg, Austria

It was time to head back to the room; freshen up and find a place for dinner.

Thanks for stopping by!

Monday Meanderings - Beer and Cheese (from Venissimo) Edition

I was going to do a post on a couple of soup places....but man; it's hitting the 80's today. Let's save that for tomorrow.....how about a couple of brews and getting cheesy.

I noticed that I tend to go with quite a few Belgian style beer when I'm at home and usually get something lighter when I'm out and about; unless there's something I'm really interested in.

The Duval Single Fermentation was quite light and the ABV is lower than the typical Duvel Golden which goes thru a double fermentation. I'll take the stuff in the bottle any day of the week.

I was thinking about our trip to Belgium recently. While the Missus no longer enjoys beer and really isn't into revisiting Belgium. I had a blast. When I saw the bottle of St Bernardus on the shelf, it brought me back to biking to Watou, after going to Westvleteren earlier in the day.

Even though a lot of the Belgian brews don't travel well, the memories last.

Did I mention that I've started keeping a cheese journal? Both the Missus and I love cheese...She especially loves the washed rind stuff like Epoisses (did you know that Epoisses is banned on the metro in Paris?) She actually went and requested Limburger from Whole Foods....they had to go into the back of the shop to get it for us.

Anyway, I hadn't been to Venissimo in a while; but dropped by while the Missus was at work yesterday. I went right when they opened and the Cheese Monger working was amazing! We got four definite winners!

From the left to right Brie Fermier, wonderfully rich, with an awesome mushroom-earthy flavor. It was amazing when served at room temp. Jeff's Select, a Gouda from Minnesota, with a bright annatto colored rind, was mildy nutty and easy to eat. My favorite, Monte Enebro, which Liz Thorpe in her wonderful book The Book of Cheese categorizes as a "misfit cheese", was just love at first bite for me. The cheese is ripened with Penicillium Roqueforti; the mold that is used for blue cheese. But while it does have that "spice" like a blue cheese; there's that definite creamy "barnyard" flavor of a goat cheese, along with a mild tanginess and buttery texture. Man, it was so good. The Missus's favorite, was something I just decided to taste on a whim after I had already picked three cheeses, the Ameribella, a washed rind cheese from Indiana. Oh man, this was so creamy, the mushroom funkiness and pungency turns in an almost buttery flavor at finish. Man, four for four, I can't remember the last time I brought home all winners! Thanks Venissimo!

Venissimo Cheese
754 W Washington St
San Diego, CA 92103

That duck salami I got from one of the vendors at the Little Italy Mercato was a winner as well. I add a couple of slices with the Missus's salad for lunch.

Speaking of the Little Italy Mercato. Ever see this interesting couple around?

On this day, they were both strutting their stuff, with "Wild Thing" blasting on the hand held speaker! You gotta love it!

And thanks so much for indulging me!

I'll be back with something more substantial tomorrow!

Midweek Meanderings - Tram Chim Opens, Junz Closes, and Royal Garden Has Limited Hours

It's been a while since I've done one of these......

Tram Chim Opens in City Heights:

Two years ago, I mentioned that Ly's Garden was the last "man standing" of the former 54th St trifecta of Ly's, Lee's, and Lucky Star. Well that's no more as Tram Chim; yes, Tram Chim, the seafood specialist with restaurants in Garden Grove and Westminster has taken over the spot.

This is going to be an interesting addition, as folks who I know mentioned they are not particularly fond of the OC locations for either food, nor hygiene.

Tram Chim
4350 54th St
San Diego, CA 92115

Junz Teriyaki & BBQ Closes:

I noticed this last month when the Missus had Her hair appointment in the area.

Though I wasn't particularly fond of the food here; I know folks who liked the place. Looks like the Hanaoka "empire" has taken a hit.

As an aside....notice the little sticker on the left hand side? Hmmm......is that what's moving in?

3010 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92104

Royal Garden Has Limited Hours:

The reason I ended up at Hoai Hue this past weekend, was that I drove by Royal Garden nd noticed they were closed! So I parked the car and took a look.

Not sure what's going on here...according to the sign it says they are only open on Thursday and Friday evenings. I'm hoping this is only for the short term.

Royal Garden
4201 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92105