mmm-yoso!!!

Road Trip - Whoa Nellie Deli (Lee Vining), Gull Lake and June Lake Brewing (Again), June Lake, and Other "Stuffs"

On the way back from hiking the Gardisky Lake Trail, we decided to make a "pit stop" at the Tioga Gas Mart, which is at the intersection of Tioga Road and the 395 in Lee Vining. No, we didn't need gas, but really needed to "fuel up"....that would be getting some lunch. You see, one of the places that had been recommended to us was in the Tioga Gas Mart; the gas station, gift shop, is home to a stand named "Whoa Nellie Deli". Yep, for reals.....

The menu has quite a few options; everything from Wild Buffalo Meatloaf to Lobster Taquitos to Pizza. The Missus didn't feel like having meat, so She ordered the Grilled Veggie Sandwich ($17). I had heard good things about the "World Famous" Fish Tacos ($18), so I went against my instincts and got that. We got a number and sat at one of the tables outside.

Soon enough our number was called and went to the counter to grab our lunches.

The "veggies" on the Missus's Grilled Veggie Sandwich where barely grilled, that Hollandaise like sauce was gloppy and lacked flavor.

The eggplant was quite bitter. The bun was nicely toasted. The fries were the best item, crisp and well salted.

As for my "world famous" fish tacos......

  Good lord. The fish was supposedly mahi mahi, overfried, not seasoned, and dry as heck. The tortillas were like cardboard. The purple cabbage slaw was flavored with ginger and the other had mango "salsa" which really needed some spice. It was all accompanied by a pool of pasty black beans, which at least was seasoned adequately.

I know this place is kind of a cult favorite, but it wasn't our thing. It's interestng that the deli has it's own entry in Wikipedia which says "The Whoa Nellie Deli is a casual gourmet restaurant located in Lee Vining...."

Whoa Nellie Deli in the Tioga Gas Mart
22 Vista Point Rd.
Lee Vining, CA 93541

After our meal, we headed north on the 395 and took a quick side trip to the Mono Basin Visitors Center.

Where we got some nice views of Mono Basin and learned a bit about the history and geology of the basin.

Maybe next time we'll spend a bit more time here.

We headed back to our room and took a nice post lunch nap. Upon waking, the Missus wanted to head back down to Gull Lake, we took the car incase the Missus wanted to do more paddle boarding. We easily found parking, even though there were some festivities going on.

We took a stroll around the area.

As we walked past the Gull Lake Marina Shop, we saw this terrified pooch hiding by the small pond in front of the shop.

We were wondering what was going on? As we walked to the shop we saw the reason. Remember the "beware of cats they attack dogs" sign? Well guess what, I think that poor pooch found out that the sign was in fact true. Also, guess who was waiting by the sign to make a point?

The Missus decided to get one more session in, so I took a nice walk around the marina.

Since the Missus was going to be a while, I had told Her to go ahead and meet me back at the June Lake Brewery when She was done and I'd go ahead and make dinner.

This time around, since it as only myself, I had a seat at the bar in the enclosed area.

I got the Brown Ale which I really enjoyed. The young lady working the register remembered me from the night before! I also found out that the locals sit in this area and had some nice chats; including one with a gentleman from Maui! 

The Missus arrived a bit later and wanted a Japanese Lager. When I walked up to the counter and ordered, the young lady told me "you already left us a nice tip, so don't worry about it, ok?" Wow, that's a new one for me! Like I said, the folks in June Lake are so nice!

June Lake Brewing
131 S Crawford Ave.
June Lake, CA 93529

Once we were done, I made a quick trip to the General Store for a couple of items.

I then returned to the room and I put together a dinner for the both of us.

After dinner we took a short stroll on Boulder Drive, aka the June Lake Loop.

We really enjoyed our stay at the June Lake Villager.

The next morning we woke early. We'd be headed to Lake Tahoe on this day. But first, the Missus wanted to get one more session in, this time at June Lake. I had read that there are only 98 parking spaces at June Lake Beach and it fills up fast. I had also read that in April a $10 per car fee had been started, which isn't such a big deal to us. The folks at the motel had told us to go early in the morning, before the crowds descend.  So, what we ended up doing is to check out at right before 7am, then head on over to The Lift a coffee-tea-cafe-wine bar that opens at 7.

There was actually a line of people waiting for the place to open. We got in, got our coffees, I got a ham and cheese croissant for my breakfast and we headed off.

The Lift
2587 Hwy 158
June Lake, CA 93529

We then headed off to June Lake Beach. The entrance booth where you now pay to enter wasn't open, we had been told by the folks at the motel that it's ok, just go ahead and park. So, that's what I did. It was a lovely morning.

The Missus inflated Her paddle board and sailed off.

I went and enjoyed the view with my croissant, which was still warm. Not really a croissant per se, the crust was crisp and flaky, but it had cheese melted on it, which wasn't a bad thing.

The interior was kind of doughy, a bit too moist, but this did the trick, at least on this day since I wasn't really expecting a classic croissant aux beurre if you know what I mean.

After my breakfast, I decided to take a walk around the lake. I saw a ton of deer hanging around.

Folks were starting to arrive, many of them with their "furry friends".

This pup really didn't want to get on the paddle board, but was eventually coaxed. It was quite humorous.

I enjoyed walking along the west side of the lake which had wonderful views.

Until I smelled a very unique "fragrance" and saw four dudes enjoying the "cash crop" if you know what I mean?

So, I headed back to the beach and walked to the car. I noticed a ranger putting slips of paper on vehicles windshield. I thought this would mean we'd pay on the way out. But no, it was just a count of cars, so they would know how many cars were in when the booth opened and note vehicles as they left. Remember, there are only 98 spaces.

I returned to a table and opened a book, taking time to watch this happy pooch playing fetch.

It was so relaxing.

Eventually the Missus was done. We cleaned up, packed up, and headed to our next stop.....Lake Tahoe!

Road Trip - Silver Lake, Silver Lake Resort Cafe, and Hiking the Gardisky Lake Trail (June Lake)

After having a little taste of SUP at Gull Lake the previous afternoon, the Missus was up and ready to go at sunrise the next morning. After getting organized, I thought that heading to Silver Lake early in the day might work out well. So, we headed out. We had no problem finding parking near the Silver Lake boat ramp and the Missus was off and ready to go in no time at all!

Like the day before, I took a walk, taking in the beauty of Silver Lake. I loved the light and reflections at this time of the morning.

It was breathtakingly beautiful.

And all you have to do is turn around......

Silver Lake is home to the oldest "resort" in the Eastern Sierra's; formerly known as Carson's Camp which was established in 1916, it is now the Silverlake Resort which has cabins, an RV Park, and most importantly (to me) a store and cafe, which opens at 7am.

There were folks waiting in when the place opened at 7. I decided to take a walk along the lake and returned about 20 minutes later. 

I walked into the shop and over to the entrance of the cafe. I was going to write my name down on the waiting list, but I was waved on in. There were some seats  at the bar, so I lucked out.

I loved the very "old school" look of the place!

The guy expediting behind the counter was super efficient and quite nice. Of course, I had to start with a cup 'o Joe, right?

Be it Folgers, Maxwell House, Kirkland, or whatever, I enjoyed this!

There were lot's of choices on the menu, I started looking over the specials.

Since I sat right across the window, I could see the breakfasts coming out. Some looked pretty hefty and I really wasn't in a position to head back to the motel for a nap. I did want to have a couple of items and I knew what to order when I saw the special.

So, I got the "Fisherman's Breakfast", nicely priced at $9.99.

   With not too much of anything, I could try the biscuits and gravy. The gravy wasn't too salty or greasy, the texture was on the lighter side of things, but it wasn't bad. The egg was perfectly easy over, the yolk having no off flavors. The breakfast potatoes nice and crisp on the exterior, the breakfast sausage routine. This was good enough to bring back memories of old school - diner breakfasts I'd had in my younger days.

It wasn't too much and actually was better than I had thought it would be. No wonder the place is so popular! There were about 8 people waiting in line as I left.

Silver Lake Resort Cafe
6957 Hwy 158
June Lake, CA 93529

As I walked back to the boat ramp I could hear the whistling of air being released.....as I figured, it was the Missus deflating Her paddle board. I had perfect timing! Once squared away, the Missus told me "it's too early, we need to do something else before lunch, and you need to burn off your breakfast!" Luckily, I had something in mind. We headed north on the 158 loop, then turned north on the 395 to Lee Vining. From there we headed west on Tioga Road, which was somewhat familiar to us as we had driven here when we visited Yosemite in 2021. Tioga Road heads to the Tioga Pass entrance to the park. We wouldn't be driving quite that far. We took a right onto Saddleback Lake Road and eventually after driving a bit on a dirt road found some parking and the trailhead to Gardisky Lake.

I believe I mentioned before how the Missus enjoys Her non-switchback straight up and down trails. Well, according to Alltrails, this was but a 1.8 mile out and back, but with a 750 foot elevation gain.

At the beginning it was rather easy. 

Yes, it was a climb, but the views were quite nice.

Walking alongside the river flowing downhill;  it was apparent that the winter snow and ice was still melting. And this was in July!

The portions with all the rocks and boulders were the hardest. You had to be aware not to twist an ankle or fall here.

At the top it really looked like an Alpine Meadow. I guess this is why folks call the area the "Switzerland of California".

The Lake itself is not very large.

But with no one in sight, we did not see anyone else on the trail, it was quite peaceful. Check out the snow still hanging around the lake!

We didn't run into anyone else hiking on the way down either. 

All in all, a steep, but very nice short hike.

Now the big question was; where we were going for lunch?

Thanks for stopping by!

Beginners Diner and the Lafayette Hotel

Recently, we needed to have some work done on our house. It was scheduled (and took) for four days. I needed to be present onsite during parts of the day. The Missus however, was working on a couple of those nights. In the end, we decided to do a staycation and stay at the recently renovated Lafayette Hotel. I would shuttle the Missus back and forth to work, spend the nights at the hotel, the Missus would sleep during the day, and on Her nights off, we'd relax and explore a bit.

CH Holdings spent 31 million renovating this historic hotel and we were interested to see how it was. Well, it was quite chic and lavish, in a retro, over-the-top manner. From the time set foot into the lobby.

The check in counter is a small kiosk, which doubles as a coffee bar.

The Missus actually enjoyed the coffee from here; I believe She'd always get the Ethiopian. There are no phones in the room, so the hotel and concierge can be reached by text.

There are four (now five) venues to get your cocktail fix at the Lafayette. We actually took time to try all of them. Check out the simply named "Lobby Bar" with the statue of Atlas at the center.

Crazy, huh?

We checked in on a Sunday and I easily found parking around the corner, no need to feed the meter....more on the parking, or lack thereof later in the post. The Missus had to work so I enjoyed the Lobby Bar.

Classic cocktails; the bartenders work super hard here as the place was quite busy. Man, I'd hate to see the place on the weekends. The bartender still made time to greet and chat with each customer.

On one of the Missus's nights off, we stopped by for a cocktail before dinner and the Missus tried the famous Pimm's Cup. She said it was a bit too sweet for Her.

We were told that folks stood three or four deep on some weekends! Speaking of customers, they seemed to fit into four specific categories, the multi-generational adults, the "TikTok/Instagram/Influencer/Look at me" group (who were always doing selfies and filming....we saw one group walk back and forth down the front steps like six times!), the Hipsters, and the "Hip Replacements". I'll let you figure out which group I fit into.

Our room was humongous.

Check out the wallpaper.

The beds were comfortable and there was a huge mini-bar in the room. Because our room was overlooking El Cajon Boulevard it was a bit on the noisy side; but the Missus still managed to get some sleep at night.

There's a nice, more laid back pool bar.

The Missus and I had a nightcap here on our last evening. The drinks were described as Italian-Tiki in theme. As with all our interactions with staff at the Lafayette, the service was amazing.

Overlooking the historic pool.

That pool was designed by.....well, I'm thinking most of you wouldn't recognize the name, but it was one of my mom's favorite actors/athletes, Johnny Weissmuller, who is probably the definitive Tarzan and to claims to have invented the Tarzan yell!

In fact, there were several moments when I wished the place did tours. Most folks working really didn't have much of a grasp on the history. Except on my last day there, when I spoke to...I believe his name is Dexter. He told us the room we were staying in is his favorite; according to Dexter, room 326 is where Bing Crosby stayed, it's where Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner stayed. It's also where; clearing one's throat a certain president and a certain "Blond Bombshell" stayed under assumed names and off the books. I dunno, but it makes for a great story, huh?

On one of my evenings at the Lafayette, I decided to check out the very retro looking 24 hours diner in the lobby; Beginners Diner.

My goodness, I loved the classic diner look. I had a seat at the counter.

It was pretty early for dinner, so the place was pretty quiet.

I really wanted to try the Wagyu French Dip, but they were out. So, I ordered the Cali Banh Mi ($20). Soon enough it arrived at the counter.

  I didn't care for the fries which quickly got limp and were over salted. 

The sandwich was not bad. A bit too bready and the sambal aioli was kind of weak. But the pork pate, think (pate Campagne) was swiney and winey, if cut a bit on the thinner side for my taste.

The place was getting quite the "hipster infusion" as I was leaving. On an interesting note, the Missus took a walk during one of Her days there and told me the place was packed with folks form the 60+ club. My good friend Candice also noted that quite a few folks who were regulars at the old Red Fox; which has moved across the street now frequent this place.

Beginners Diner (In the Lafayette Hotel)
2223 El Cajon Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92104
Open 24 Hours Daily

You know, I've never been the biggest fan of CH Holdings restaurants which always seemed more style than substance. We were hoping that our upcoming dinner at Quixote would change that.

But I was really enjoying the Lafayette.......and it was time to head on to the Lobby Bar for a nightcap.

The Lafayette Hotel
2223 El Cajon Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92104

Thanks for stopping by!

Something to be Thankful For - Lucky's Breakfast

I'd recently heard that a place near and dear to my heart was up for sale and would be closing its doors; Lucky's Breakfast. From the first time I set foot thru those doors back in 2008, Lucky's has been a sentimental favorite of mine. Beyond the old-school breakfast, it was the owner, jack of all trades, who took your order, bussed the tables, served the food, and cooked everything, Lucky that was the reason I visited. Even though I used to drop by every so often, I'd do a post about every five years it seems. But, I hadn't visited since before Covid, and when I did drop by, usually on weekends, the place would be pretty busy, so I'd just wait. It seems that various social media outlets had made Lucky quite popular. Though, having been a customer for over 15 years, I know Lucky would never change.

Having a weekday off and having heard the news, I headed on over.....

And the place wasn't busy, so I had a seat.

Looking at my old photos, I guess I always sit in the same spot here? I always take a few minutes to appreciate the kitschy beauty of the place....it reminds of diners from my "small kid time". As I've said and repeated on all my posts on Lucky's "I'm sure thousands of stories have echoed off the walls" here.

Of course, there are changes. Of course, breakfasts are no longer $4-$6, but the prices are quite inexpensive for the area.

And of course, that calendar keeps moving. Lucky does look older now, he moves a bit slower, and maybe should take a "second" retirement (his "first" retirement was when the place went from a Chinese restaurant to only serving breakfast).

But there are those things that hold steady; Lucky's always trying to refill your coffee, he hates waste (one of the hipsters left a piece of toast and Lucky wrapped it for him to take with him), and while things move a bit slower these days there's the ever present wit.

I heard the classic "Lucky line", which I've heard many times during my visit to here. When a "mature" woman would order coffee, Lucky would tell them the classic line I heard on my very first visit; "you too young for coffee, it will stunt your growth!"

As for my breakfast.....

It did the trick. And at $9 bucks, this is bargain these days!

As for Lucky selling? Well, I'd heard that the listing was pulled. I thought of asking, but really didn't want to be nosy and the place was filling up. I just wanted to enjoy my visit and take in the "atmosphere".

And of course, Lucky makes sure you get some fortune cookies.....

And in this case; I'll let Lucky's Fortune Cookie have the last word!

Lucky’s Breakfast
3804 Grim Ave
San Diego, CA 92104
Current Hours:
Mon - Sat 715am - Noon

Tom's Famous Family Restaurant #23 (Escondido) (revisit)

Today, mmm-yoso!!! has another post about food for you to read.  It's written by Cathy, since Kirk is still on vacation. 

I wrote about Tom's #23 last November and some things here are pretty much the same, but some changes have occurred. Walk up, order, pay...and you are asked where you will be sitting- the table numbers are tall and visible from the cash register; you aren't handed one to put on your table.  Why? Because your food will be delivered to your table by Tomcat!

   The Mister ordered a chicken fried steak breakfast ($10.99), with home fries and over easy eggs.  Beautiful, orange-yolked eggs.  Perfectly crispy fried steak, wonderful sausage gravy, crispy. skin-on potato chunks. Instead of toasted bread, He chose French toast ($1.99) Eggy, crisp with a fluffy interior.  Really nice. 

 I decided on a breakfast sandwich with ham on rye toast ($5.49).  I nice, thick slice of ham with lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise along with the folded egg omelet.

Good food and a fun time. 

Tom's Famous Family Restaurant #23, 505 West 5th Avenue (at Centre City Parkway) Escondido 92025 Open daily 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Breakfast served all day

 Tomcat talks to you, politely (even says "goodbye") and knows when all of your order has been removed from the shelves.
 

Ramona Cafe (Breakfast)

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Today's post (again, written by Cathy) takes you a bit inland of this 4200 square mile County.

The Mister and I found ourselves in Ramona one morning, saw cars parked on Main Street and knew that we should stop.    (FYI, there is parking and an entrance from the alley)
 The breakfast menu is on one page; lunch on the flip side.  Our friendly waitresses were familiar with just about every patron on this weekday.  (I did not notice the top left corner; next time).
 The Mister ordered the Farmer's Omelet ($12.50) with home fries- and was asked if he wanted onions with the home fries(!).  Hash browns were not an option (which is nice; limited menu) and the fresh, cubed potatoes were crisped and nicely browned.
 The three egg omelet was filled with cheddar cheese and ground breakfast sausage, topped with sausage gravy and more cheese.  A large amount of mild breakfast sausage which went well with the eggs and (mild) gravy.  We ended up adding pepper to the sausage halfway through. 
 Of course, the only 'bread' that The Mister could consider ordering with this particular omelet was a fresh baked biscuit.  (There is also a choice of toast or English muffin).
 The tall, fluffy-interiored, crisp crusted biscuit was quite large and arrived with its own container of honey.  A different type of hand made biscuit, which we shared.
 I decided to order the California Eggs Benedict ($13.50) (a traditional Eggs Benedict with tomato and avocado for an additional $1).
 Nice amount of thicker cut smoked ham on top of a toasted English muffin topped with the avocado and tomato, a light-medium poached egg and house made hollandaise (not very lemon-y but a perfect consistency).  

Another Covid-19 survivor.  We will be back.

Ramona Cafe  628 Main Street Ramona, CA 92065  (760) 789-8656 Website Open daily 6 a.m.- 8 p.m.

2022 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Float Road Test Four, Breakfast at Georgia's Original Bun 'n Burger (Covina)

Thank you for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog sometimes with explanations as to why and how the food was found. Cathy is writing today while Kirk enjoys a short break.

Link to 2022 Rose Parade Float Test One

Link to 2022 Rose Parade Float Test Two

Link to 2022 Rose Parade Float Road Test Three 

The Mister and I drove North very early on Saturday, in light rain which turned to fog, to watch another Road Testing of mechanics and maneuverability of some floats which will be participating in the 2022 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade, which has the theme of "Dream, Believe, Achieve". 

"Soaring to New Heights" will be presented by Farmers Insurance and features not only a surfer, but also a bicyclist and a 'person' who is 'bouldering' (outdoor wall climbing).  The float photo is of the 'off camera' side of the float, while the drawing shows the 'camera side'.  Large, beautiful and (of course) I am most interested in the materials which will be used for decorating this colorful float.  Every visible inch of each float must be covered with all natural materials; nothing dyed or artificial.  
The City of Hope, "Gardens of Hopes and Dreams" is whimsical, with giant butterflies moving their wings as well as oversized flowers and mushrooms. 
 "Wild Kingdom" presented by RFD-TV and Mutual of Omaha will honor both Marlin Perkins and Jim Fowler, the original hosts of this longtime (since 1963) documentary style television show which features wildlife and nature.
 Shriners Hospitals for Children will have another float featuring the larger than life "Fezzy Bear", who will collapse while going under objects (like signal lights and the 210 freeway) along the five mile Parade Route.
  The first (Banner) float in the parade as well as the Closing float (introducing the event following the parade on television, the Rose Bowl Football Game) were also tested on Saturday. 

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As we have been doing this year, after viewing and taking photos, The Mister and I head East from the Phoenix Decorating barn area in Irwindale and look for cars parked, indicating a restaurant serving breakfast.  
 
 This was the place- Georgia's Original Bun 'n Burger with some neon signage above the door indicating its name had been Plum's Cafe (which moved to Costa Mesa in 2012). 
 It was a little crowded and instead of eating outside, we sat at the counter, with a view of the kitchen as well as a view of the rest of the counter and other side of the interior. (Factoid: the record album at the far right in this photo is the Don Ho Show album, which we owned; Mom and Dad loved that nightly comedy, variety and audience participation television show, which only ran for five months in 1976-77 with 90 episodes.)

The printed, disposable menu is quite extensive, with breakfast being served all day.

 'Tavern' ham, eggs (three, poached) and home fries (look at the nice size pieces of potato) along with rye toast ($11.99). A great tasting thick slice of ham as well as the potatoes and eggs and toast.  Very satisfying breakfast.
A very thick, but not dense, vanilla flavored waffle with two eggs (over easy) and crispy, thick bacon ($11.99) was also quite a large breakfast. 

There were bottles of wine in the (former) pie case, because this restaurant is open late (a rarity it seems) and the lunch and dinner items, especially the burgers, have us curious to try more of the menu.

Georgia's Original Bun 'n Burger 180 East Rowland Street Covina, CA 91723 (626) 915-2016 Open Sun-Wed 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Thur-Fri-Sat 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

2022 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Float Road Test #3, Breakfast at Lisa's Coffee Shop (Covina)

It's time for another mmm-yoso!!! 2022 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float Road Test post.  Kirk (and His Missus) remain on vacation and Cathy is writing.

Link to 2022 Float Road Test #one

Link to 2022 Float Road Test #two

The Mister and I were at Phoenix Decorating in Irwindale early on a Saturday in late September, in time to see floats lined up and ready to undergo mechanics and maneuverability testing.   The Lions Clubs International float has another cute design this year to accompany their "Quest for Kindness" theme.
The City of Alhambra has their 2022 entry to the Parade, "School Rocks" featuring a bit of movement of the float-the engine will be 'wobbling' its way down Colorado Boulevard over the five mile Parade Route.
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day , a company that makes some delightfully scented cleaning products, will be sponsoring a float for the third time.  The 'outline' of Mrs. Meyer is on the label of most of their products and the reason for this float design.  Clever and cute.
Rotary International, another Service Organization, has their 2022 Parade entry, "Changing Lives Through Education", symbolizing the importance of education around the world and one of Rotary's seven areas of focus: Basic Education and Literacy. 
   The City of Hope Cancer Treatment Center will again (for the 49th year) be inspiring America with cancer survivors riding this beautiful float along the Parade route. 

Bonus photos:  This basic outline of a float might give you an idea of the design as well as the detail of sturdiness built into all floats. Hopefully more will be complete with the next Road Test to help 'connect the dots'.

 There is always a Driver, who only follows the 'rose colored line' along Colorado Boulevard, looking down the entire route. Then there is the Spotter, who can see out the front of the float and communicates with the driver constantly over headphones.  I caught the Spotter resting his hand out of his viewing area. {you can also see the Spotters’ cut out in each of the above float photos as well as the Spotter and Driver on the Mrs. Meyer's float}  Here are some peeks inside the decorating barn. 

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As always, we make no plans and just begin driving home, looking for a breakfast spot.  Usually, we see cars parked so we know a restaurant is open.  This time, we saw the signage.  Had to stop.  A good size breakfast menu with many choices.  Again, we did not order coffee, even though this is a Coffee Shop.

 The "Mini Attack" ($8.99) was wonderful.  House made buttermilk biscuit (light and fluffy), grilled and then filled with scrambled egg and a sausage patty (really good quality, flavor and size) and smothered in house made Country Gravy.  It was served with two *very good* house made salsas. 
The Corned Beef Hash breakfast plate ($13.99) was enough to share.  A good sized serving of griddled crisped hash along with nicely crisped Home Fries, two (poached) eggs and toast.  Flavors! Filling!  A great neighborhood place! 

Lisa's Coffee Shop 1530 W. San Bernardino Road Covina, CA 91722 (626) 339-2014 Open seven days, 7 arm,-2 p.m.

Tom's Famous Family Restaurant (number 23)(Escondido) (again)

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy while Kirk takes a break.

I wrote about Tom's Famous Family Restaurant in 2018 and it's time to post some revisits to this classic California diner (the first location opened in 1962).   There is a menu at the drive through, if you park at that end of the lot.

 But there is also the full menu taped in the window next to the door (and another above/behind the ordering counter). There are also posters in the window and a White Board next to the cash register advertising special prices. 
 The original 'open kitchen' is in view when you order and pay. Food is brought to your table.
 One of the window posters had a "Strawberry Pancake Meal Deal" ($8.99) Two bacon (crisp!), two sausage (good quality; skin on), two eggs (perfectly made over easy) and hash browns (a good crisp, not a 'raw' interior)...
Along with a choice of pancakes or French toast.  Thick piece of eggy bread, crispy exterior and a proper fluffy interior topped with that wonderful frozen then thawed strawberries in sugar sauce, like Mom used to put over ice cream.  The White Board next to the cash register had "Chili cheese omelet, includes coffee" ($7.99).  I had to.  You can see it is a well made plain omelet topped with two slices of cheese (one Swiss, one cheddar (not American)) smothered with beanless (hot dog) chili.  Great flavors! The home fries were wonderfully crisp, topped with onion and bell pepper.  What a great breakfast! 

The Mister was craving pastrami so we were back the other day.  Tom's Pastrami sandwich ($8.99) was ordered.  Not the combo (which is only $1 more). The hand cut, smokey, flavorful pastrami on a toasted bun with mustard and pickles hit the spot. 
 I ordered the three piece fish dinner ($9.99). The lightly battered, perfectly fried flaky fish pieces were very well prepared.  I chose onion rings and vegetables on the side. The whole slices of onion, fried crisp after being dipped in cornmeal batter were just so good (no uncharge!).  The "Normandy"steamed vegetable medley was a good choice this cool day.

 Also included were toasted bread (a hamburger bun, as I would make at home) and a choice of soup or salad.  This day, lentil soup the choice.  It was amazing.  Lentils, tomatoes, celery, onion, herbs and spices.  The bowl of soup could have been a meal in itself.  

Tom's Famous Family Restaurant #23 505 West 5th Avenue (at Centre City Parkway) Escondido 92025 Open daily 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Breakfast served all day

 

Perry's Cafe (El Cajon) breakfasts-again

This location of Perry's has, sadly, closed.  Only the Old Town location remains. 

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!! Cathy is writing today while Kirk is taking a break. 

I've written about the El Cajon location of Perry's Cafe only twice, but it has been a regular breakfast stop for us over the years. During some of the more restrictive COVID-19 days, there was outdoor seating in the parking lot and the condiments were ready to be put on the outdoor tables. One day, The Mister chose the strawberry French Toast breakfast ($11.99).  There are a choice of fruit toppings in addition to plain French Toast (menu at bottom of this post).  The over easy eggs were, as always, perfectly made.  The bacon is crisp and the toast is crisp on the exterior and fluffy on the interior; perfect. These were the condiments brought out: warm syrup and lemons and tartar sauce. You might wonder why.
 Well, it's because fish and eggs ($13.25) are on the breakfast menu. This meal, with a choice of potatoes (home fries for me, of course) as well as toast or muffin (banana nut was a choice this day), perfect over easy eggs (the grill is utilized perfectly in this diner) and pan fried, lightly floured fish is always satisfying.  I fondly remember my catfish breakfast at Smokey's back in 2010.  The Mister chose the Italian Sausage Frittata ($12.99) one day. The mild sausage was plentiful, with scrambled eggs, mixed cheeses and tomato baked in a pan and lightly firm.  The sides were a pumpkin muffin and home fries.  As always, we choose items we don't want to prepare at home.
From the "Mexican Breakfast" side of the menu, I decided to try the Huevos Revueltos con Nopales ($11.50).  Scrambled eggs with cactus, onion, mild chiles and tomato.  This was wonderful, filling and something I will order again.  The meal included refried beans with cheese and warmed tortillas as well as a vey nice salsa.  The cactus is soft and not salty; has a distinct yet subtle flavor.The chicken fried steak ($10.75- a white board special at the front door on this weekday) had a crisp, yet light coating and the chopped steak was quite nice, as was the country style gravy and the perfect eggs.  The hash browns were nicely crisped and the biscuit, well, it wasn't quite right at this meal; it was dense instead of fluffy, but the top 'crust' was good with butter. (The dogs got a treat).  
 I had to get the fish and eggs again. (still $13.25) and this time the fish pieces were quite thick and still lightly floured with a crisp pan fry.  Poached eggs and a blueberry muffin this time along with the crispy home fries.  Always satisfying. 

Hope you are having a nice, cool, Autumn weekend!

Perry's Cafe 475 North Magnolia El Cajon, CA (619) 440-5724 open daily 6 a.m.-2 p.m.