mmm-yoso!!!

2023 Rose Parade float road test #3, breakfast at Dollis (Covina) (and a stop at Portos)

Thank you for reading mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Today's post is written by Cathy, because she does these posts.. 

Link to 2023 Road Test #1

Link to 2023 Road Test #2

It was the last Saturday in August and The Mister and I woke at 4, left the house at 5, stopped at Cream Pan and got to the Phoenix Decorating barn in Irwindale by 7.   

  Floats were already on the road and others were preparing to leave.  Here is the City of Hope's 2023 entry, "Expanding Hope" preparing to test mechanics and maneuverability with body weight on board.
 The Rotary International 2023 entry, "Serving with Imagination and Hope" is ready for decorating following passing of this Road Test.  (Decorating begins December 3 this year; check the Phoenix Decorating site link in the first paragraph to sign up).The City of Alhambra float was tested; the riders, Driver and Spotter all  had to leave the float within 45 seconds during the Fire Drill.  Following this float back to the Phoenix Decorating barn gave me an opportunity to explain things in photos which I had mentioned in (years of) prior posts. 
 The doorway into the float decorating barn is the maximum height and width of some parts of the Rose Parade route.  Each float must be able to fit through this doorway so that it can fit along the parade route.  You can see this float needs to "collapse".

 the float does indeed collapse!
 
Lions Clubs International 2023 entry, "We Serve" is small enough to not have any mechanics (other than the engine, steering, brakes and fire prevention) involved in this float; it fits without needing to collapse. 

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Now, the food portion of the blog.  First the obligatory stop at Portos in West Covina.

A "new" item, cinnamon citrus bun ($2.29) was really good- large, fluffy layered sweet bread pastry with distinct citrus flavor which compliments the cinnamon.  A great treat.  
  A bit of shared breakfast-a Chorizo omelette ($5.95).  This was wonderful.  A great chorizo (you know I am a bit picky-see the end of this post) mixed with egg omelette and cheeses on a fresh baked Cuban roll.  
As always, a bread was purchased; this time it was walnut raisin ($4.15), which is made with rye flour and sourdough starter.  The crisp crust is just a perfect texture.
I asked The Mister to choose something from the refrigerated case and he chose a slice of  Parisian cake ($3.55).  A very moist chocolate cake with a chocolate ganache filling and topped with more wonderful chocolate frosting.  

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

So, we began looking for a breakfast someplace different.  There were various obstacles while driving (road repairs, emergency vehicles, law enforcement action-that sort of thing) and I just told The Mister to type in "breakfast" on the 'maps' icon of his phone. The directions were given to this nondescript location close by.  It had been a Sizzler restaurant. 
This doorway was indeed the entrance. 
Yep, looks like a Sizzler.  
A two sided, laminated menu had a good variety of choices.
I chose the carne asada and egg sandwich ($10.99).  This was quite large and very good.  Not a torta bread, but also not a burger bun, the toasted sandwich was filled with quality ingredients and we took home half for a small lunch.
The Mister ordered the Meat Lovers omelette ($13.99) which was filled with bacon, sausage, ham and cheddar, plenty of each and good quality.  The hash browns were standard.  The salsa was wonderful. 
His platter also came with a choice of toast or pancakes.  Very good pancakes. 

A great find in a nice neighborhood.  Glad we stopped. 

 Dollis 900 N. Citrus Covina, CA 91722  Website Open Wed-Mon 7-2 (Closed Tuesday)

2023 Rose Parade float road test #2 and a food snack adventure.

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy for a few days; Kirk and His Missus are out and about, researching for more posts for you to enjoy. 

Link to Road Test #1

At the end of July, another road test for 2023 Rose Parade floats was held.  Instead of The Mister and I driving up, friend and fellow blogger, cc  drove to our home, arriving at 5 a.m. and then she and I headed North to Irwindale.  We arrived after some floats had completed testing, but were able to still see a few interesting things. The float barn is filling up.  It looks like Phoenix Decorating will build 22 of the floats which will be in the Parade on January 2.  Decorating begins on December 3 and there is a link on that website.
 The Kiwanis International float is painted and essentially ready for decorating (this second road test had 'weight' (people) on board and the maneuverability, mechanics and fire drill all passed).  You can see the door open under the wave, for the "spotter" as well as the open door near the center, where the "driver" gets to his seat under the float.   
 Unsure which float this is, but you can see the 'spotter' in front and a bit of the 'driver' all the way to the left and back in this photo.  This float is small enough to drive the parade route without having to 'collapse' under street lights and the freeway bridge along the way. 
The float which will carry the Royal Court was being tested.  It's the same float used the previous three years and is not judged for any awards.  It is 'redecorated' each year. 
 The Petal Pushers and Lutheran Hour Ministries float, "A New Day With Jesus" was tested and passed.
Rotary International float, "Serving with Pride and Imagination", finished its testing and is also ready to be decorated.  "Hope for Peace", sponsored by the Oddfellows and Rebekahs was also tested.  I took this screenshot from the Phoenix Decorating Facebook page, which posts short videos of the floats on testing day. 

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Now, on to the food portion of this post.
 First, the obligatory stop at Portos, six miles South of the Float Barn.  A few days before, the County of Los Angeles had put another Covid ruling in place and we had to wait before entering the bakery.  We thought we wouldn't be allowed to eat inside. 


 So we waited in line and ordered, did see we could sit down for a moment and photographed some of our purchases.
 We shared this 'new' item-a chicken and rice ball; excellent!
 Then we started driving- cc always has a Plan A as well as a Plan B for our adventures.  Turning South out of Portos and driving to Amar Road was new to me!
 Yes we did!  The choices and prices and wow!  Everything was so fresh.  (These three donuts were $6.25) The Donut Hole 15300 Amar Road La Puenta 91744

 This mall, located between Amar Road and Manila Way, anchored by a Seafood City was filled with many, many Filipino businesses.  Some restaurants don't open until later in the day and we will have to return. 
 We purchased pieces of lechon (slow roasted suckling pig)-perfectly cooked with a flavorful moist meat and crackly skin.  We also purchased fried chicken skins; the chicharron were large pieces and perfectly lite and crisp.  Toto's Lechon Manok 1545 Amar Road West Covina 91792
 On the other end of this mall is a quite large building, part of a local chain, DJ Bibingkahan. 

A Turo-Turo (Point-Point) business, where you order, pay and find your own seat.
Corned beef silog and longsilog, served with hard cooked eggs and garlic rice, made a great breakfast.  The corned beef was in chunks and in a flavorful broth with tomato, onion and potatoes.  The longanisa was boiled, not pan fried, but the 'skin' still had a good 'snap' and the flavor was more sweet-I think it was made with pineapple juice. 
To the right of the steam trays is a small doorway labeled 'Bakery' and in there, we found a nice display.  

  We asked the friendly man behind the counter if he had regular bibingka (since the name of the place is Bibingkahan) and he went into the back and brought out the cutest small rice flour coconut milk cake made with a dollop of cream cheese baked in banana leaf.   We took three-only $1.50 each!  I also bought a large container of garlic peanuts ($4.95).  Perfect treats when I got home.  It is the 50th year in Glendora and also peach donut time for The Donut Man.  We stopped here, too.  

What a day of adventure and new places as well as 2023 Rose Parade floats!

The 2022 San Diego County Fair-Heroes Reunite! (part 1)

mmm-yoso!!! is primarily a food blog.  This post (written by Cathy) does have many mentions of food with photos of menus, but no criticism because nothing to be sold at the Fair has yet been tasted. 

The front gate is ready! The 2022 San Diego County Fair Officially opened yesterday.  It's been a long time since I wrote the 2019 San Diego County Fair initial post, the 'during the Fair' second post and wrap up post, because 2020 happened. The planned Theme was "Heroes Unite"; that Fair never happened. This year, the Theme is "Heroes Reunite".
 The Midway was still being set up earlier this week.  (You can see the Ferris Wheel way down there at the West end).
 There are quite a few areas around exhibits where you can take photos with Superheroes.
 Some things have changed.  At the far West end of the Vendors Halls (next to Bing Crosby Hall), the new location of the Adult as well as Youth crafting, cooking and hobby exhibits has a new name- Home Made.

The "Heart of the Fair" -reasons we have State and County Fairs- has returned!
 Of course, Preserved Foods
as well as Baked Foods
 and Decorated Foods had to be judged. 
 There are some amazing collections.
 The Quilt display is original.
There were so many needle art items entered this year- Sewing, spinning and weaving, knitting, crochet and more.  The displays are great. 

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Of course, the Food Booths have returned.  Some photos for now; menus and things to note...

An "Express Line" if you are purchasing a turkey leg only!
 The slices of 'Ten Pound Buns' are very large-the amount of avocado on that piece of toast...

Lemon mini donuts- we will definitely try those!

A 'themed' sandwich choice!

There are many other food booths and all areas have something interesting.  See you at the Fair!

 2022 San Diego County Fair 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard Del Mar.  Open Wednesday-Sunday until July 3 plus Monday July 4.  Gates open 11 a.m. daily, close at 10 p.m. Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday.  Fair entrance and parking tickets MUST be purchased online in advance.  There is free parking at Torrey Pines High School. Website

2022 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade floats and a few meals

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy today.  She's the one who does these Rose Parade posts. Kirk is taking a break.

So, it's 2022!  Happy New Year.  A time to start anew, change habits.  For starters, most of the photos in this post were taken on December 31, unlike when The Mister and I attended the Showcase of Floats-following the Rose Parade in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019  and 2020.  

With Covid-19, not many people were volunteering to decorate the floats and we had been receiving daily emails and noticing all of the float builders asking for volunteers.  We had helped decorate floats in early December, and were wide awake around 1 a.m. on December 31, saw a live video of the float barn and how much help was needed, especially since final judging is around 10 a.m. on the 31st.  We got in the car and drove to Irwindale.  

Here are some photos of floats and details at the Phoenix Decorating Company barn.  

 Trader Joe's, "You're Invited"
 Kiwanis International, "Dream To Achieve"Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day, "Seeding Tomorrow"

Lutheran Hour Ministries, "Jesus Teaches"
 Oddfellows and Rebekahs, "Arctic Adventure"
 The Century anniversary of Shriners Hospitals for Children, "Celebrating 100 Years of Believing in Dreams". This float depicts a young girl with scars from Spina Bifida repair, spinning in a looking glass, dreaming of being the spinning ballerina in a jewelry box.  There were three color florographs on this float, celebrating the providing of care to children with complex medical conditions regardless of their ability to pay.

 "Wild Kingdom" by RFD-TV and Mutual of Omaha. 
The Closing float, reminding people of the Rose Bowl Game.
Rotary International, "Changing Lives Through Education"

Lions Clubs International, "Quest For Kindness"


Best wishes to you and yours. Dream, Believe, Achieve.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

It was after 11 a.m. and The Mister and I still had not had breakfast so we left and began driving to a favorite stop, The Peppertree Cafe. Another Covid-19 survivor.

 Since it was a Friday, the regular menu (and specials) were available.  We were so tired and overwhelmed.  The Soup, Salad Half Sandwich ($9) was great- clam chowder, ranch dressing, turkey sandwich. There was a half order hot beef sandwich available ($9) so I tried it.  Just enough food.  A very long day. Peppertree Cafe website

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

In November, we finally made it back to Porto's, where we had not been since October, 2019. So happy it survived Covid.

 The menu (bakery and meals) is limited,  dine in capacity is at 50% (tables removed), most cold beverages are bottled but the food items are consistent.
 Torrejas (Cuban French toast) was just perfect-crisp exterior, fluffy interior. 
 Pan con Lechon- slow roasted pork with pickled onion and a green garlic mojo sauce on the fresh Cuban bread was a nice, salty contrast for breakfast. Portos Bakery Website

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Also in November, The Mister was craving a good pastrami sandwich, so we drove up the 15 to The Hat, which also survived Covid-19. 

  Things are about the same, other than you have to ask for condiments.

 The sides are still enough to share-a large serving.  The pastrami is still kind of perfect. The Hat website
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

2022 Rose Parade Float decorating, dinner at Costa's

 mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog with some reasons as to how the meal occurred. Cathy is posting today.

I've posted about Rose Parade float decorating for the parades of 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.  Last year, there was no parade to celebrate 2021, but things are a bit more 'normal' and this past Saturday, the first 'Dry Decorating' day happened at Phoenix Decorating Company, where The Mister and I volunteer with hundreds of others as Petal Pushers. The Kiwanis  also coordinate volunteers for decorating at Phoenix). They need volunteers, so if you aren't doing anything this Saturday or next, sign up now-it's fun and an easy way to cross something off of your 'Bucket List'.

Since you've seen some 2022 float road tests (all linked on this post), I'll try to be a little different this year with photos. Some floats are not ready to be decorated. At all.
But by the end of the day on Saturday, quite a bit was accomplished on the Rotary float.  Many materials were used for this owl! 
 Lentils had been tediously applied on this 'urn'.
 Cotton for the polar bear fur.
  The Mutual of Omaha/RFD-TV float "Wild Kingdom" had every other feature being decorated, even the Burmese python.
 Shriners had a few volunteers.  Tedious work!
 The dark purple statice petals were carefully applied.
More beans!


 The Lutheran Laymans League (and organizer of Petal Pushers volunteers) has their  71st float in the Rose Parade.  It's the only Christian themed float in the Parade, this year themed "Jesus Teaches".
 You Are Invited! by Trader Joe's has so many features to be decorated.


 So many floats, so many details, so much more work to be done! 

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

After we finished for the day, we were cold and exhausted and drove to a close, familiar place for a meal, Costa's Family Restaurant. The last time we were here was after our visit to the Showcase of Floats, following the 2020 Rose Parade, unaware of what the year had in store for us.   We were seated when the sun was still out, but it was dark when we left. 
 Starting the meals with a bowl of house made vegetable soup and beet covered salad had us reminiscing the familiarity of this home style restaurant and we are happy it has survived. 
 Just a simple side of dinner rolls with butter.

 Beef and Gravy ($12).  Served with wonderful, lumpy, mashed potatoes and the vegetable of the day.  Tender meat, thick brown gravy, comfort food. As was the Liver and Onions plate ($12).  Tender calves liver, thin, light crusted, pan fried, caramelized onions and the same mashed potato and vegetable sides. We really enjoyed this.Each meal includes dessert. I chose tapioca pudding, The Mister chose chocolate pudding.  Both were made here...and were wonderful. 

Costa's Family Restaurant 851 E. San Bernadino Road Covina, CA 91723 Open Daily 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Website

 

Costa's Family Restaurant 851 E. San Bernadino Road Covina, CA 91723 Open Daily 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Website

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. 

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

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. 

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

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.

2022 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float road test #2, Breakfast at Flo's Coffee Shop (Azusa)

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog and there are many reasons we find places to eat.  Cathy is writing today about the reason and the place.  Kirk is busy at work.

Link to 2022 Rose Parade float Road Test #1 

Link to Road Test #3

This past Saturday, The Mister and I woke around 4 a.m., let the dogs out and got ready to drive North.  We left the driveway at 5 a.m. and got on the foggy, dark, empty freeway.  There was a stop for coffee and treats in Tustin and then the sun was out and we were in Irwindale, at Phoenix Decorating Company, where we have not been since we decorated floats for the 2020 Rose Parade back in December of 2019.  Floats were already on the road, being tested for mechanics and maneuverability.

  "Arctic Dream", the 2022 entry by Oddfellows and Rebekahs, a service organization, is so cute! 
 The Lutheran Hour Ministries will have their 72nd entry in the 2022 Parade. "Jesus Teaches" goes with the Theme of the Parade, which is celebrating education. 
 The Royal Court will ride in the same float as in the past few years.  The exterior 'beaning' looks good; other details and, of course, flowers, will be added during decorating.
 The Farmers Insurance float underwent its first test.  I can see pine and palm trees-and the driver (in the center of the float).  The driver looks down and follows the 'rose colored line' along Colorado Boulevard during the parade and does not see the route; there is a 'spotter' at the front of every float.  
You can see the 'spotter' seated in the front of this rebar shell of a float undergoing its first road test.  Unsure of who the sponsor is, but suspect it might be Trader Joe's, because of the banana shape near the back.
 The 'spotter' will be out in the open-on the 'jeep'- of this float, sponsored by Mutual of Omaha.  It looks like and ode to Wild Kingdom  (a classic conservation educational television show since 1963, currently found on social media and digital channels). 
 The Kiwanis International, "Dream to Achieve" is another cute entry.  Seeing the whimsical floats rolling down Colorado Boulevard on January 1 is a great way to start the year. 
 
We were finished taking photos pretty early, since the testing started sooner than 7.  Drove North, over the 210 and headed East on Foothill Boulevard; Route 66. Look at the sign; we had to stop.
 Flo's has been in this location since 2012; it had been a Mexican restaurant for decades prior. 

 Breakfast has a good amount of choices.  Thing is, we really did not want any coffee, since we had been awake since 4 a.m., so I can't comment on the 'coffee shop' part of their name. It was pretty crowded and we sat at the counter.
 The Mister ordered the Waffle Combo ($10.45) with over easy eggs and link sausages.  The sausages were very good, eggs cooked properly and the waffle had a distinct vanilla flavor and was soft.
Not being able to decide and wanting savory, the Huevos Divorciados ($10.45) was my choice.  Two wonderful distinct salsas covering two over easy eggs along with (very good) rice and beans.  The red salsa had a distinct heat and texture: finely diced onions were still crisp (and not part of the heat factor; the chilis had a great heat) the tomatoes added sweetness and were chunky. The green salsa was great, with a garlic an citrus undertone and smooth tomatillo tang.

All in all, a great breakfast on an early Saturday. 

Flo's Coffee Shop 248 West Foothill Blvd Azusa, CA 91702  (626) 334-6600 Open Daily 6:30-2

Patrons of all occupations eat here.  The fire station is on the next block.  

 

2022 Rose Parade float Road Test (One) Breakfast at Norm's

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog.  Today, Cathy is writing the post; Kirk is having a really busy Monday at work.

Link to 2022 Rose Parade Float Road Test #2

Link to 2022 Road Test # 3

We couldn't wait any longer.  Our last road trip to Pasadena was on January 2, 2020 to see the Showcase of floats of the 2020 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade. If you are a reader of this blog, you know that The Mister and I enjoy "Start to Finish" (as well as Decorating) Rose Parade floats. Last year, the Parade was canceled, however the Theme had been chosen and it will be used for 2022.

Road tests hadn't been announced online, but we drove North on Saturday and, indeed, "our" decorating barn (Phoenix Decorating) was not open, so we drove about two miles North, 

 saw several news trucks and parked.   The Fiesta Parade Floats barn was having a road test of three of their 2021 floats.
   You can see this float, by the City of Torrance, will be adorable!  The elephant's head sways back and forth and it looks like there will be a water feature. 
 The base of the Donate Life float (facing opposite of the drawing) will have people in the small boats at the bottom.  You can see where the "spotter" is sitting in the front.  The driver is way in the back (inside the boxed in area), since all he sees and follows is the 'Rose Colored Line' along Colorado Boulevard during the parade.

  
 This one might be difficult to envision now, but you can see by its size that it will be magnificent!  The UPS Store float will have to be able to 'collapse' along the parade route, that's why all the hydraulics are there.  Again, this is the 'off camera' side view of the float-the "basket" is at the front of the float.  The smaller photo is where the rooster tail feathers will be- and I think they will be moving. 

After this wonderful semblance of 'normal', The Mister and I drove about six miles, South East. We had to stop. Norms, one of the first 24/7 Los Angeles restaurants, an icon since 1949, has a Norms Junior location in West Covina,  in a former Spires Restaurant building.  Because of new protocols, the menu is simple,

  as is the order and pay area.
 Beverages and utensils are ready at the end of the counter and you can carry those to wherever you would like to sit.  Soon the food is brought to your table.  
 The Mister chose the "Bigger Better Breakfast" ($8.99).  Wow, two pancakes, two eggs, two bacon, two sausage, a large slice of ham and hash browns.  So much flavor!  Perfectly cooked over-easy eggs, really nice pancakes.  What a great meal. 
  I chose the breakfast sandwich ($5.99).  I used to always try breakfast sandwiches following road tests for the many years and somehow got out of the habit.  I am now back in the habit.  The toasted eggy brioche bun was quite large.  There were two eggs (I asked for over medium and they were).  The cheese and sausages were just the perfect compliments; quality sausage and a better American cheese. A great meal. 

So happy we stopped here. 

Norms Junior  501 N. Azuza Avenue West Covina 91791 open daily 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Website (626) 859-2375

San Francisco - China Live Revisited and the Chinese New Year Flower Market Fair

The Missus and I decided to take a short trip during the long weekend. The Missus had really enjoyed our last trip to San Francisco; so we decided to head back for two nights.

Our flight over was quite pleasant; except for the arrogant and condescending young man who marched back and forth at the TSA security check-point telling people, "you can get it right...any idiot can do it.....it's not hard!" I understand that perhaps working for the TSA is not a pleasant job; but there's no need to be insulting....it's always the one that brings down the other ninety-nine. As my experience with the TSA has been that folks are at least somewhat professional. Or perhaps by "any idiot can do it" he meant himself? I heard the guy behind me mumble to his companion, "he's definitely a candidate for a colonoscopy without anesthesia".

We arrived fairly early; our room at the Marriott wasn't ready yet which wasn't a problem. We needed a place for a rather "early-ish" lunch....the Missus had really enjoyed the duck from China Live....yes, it was pricey, but we were on vacation, right?

Since Chinatown was basically right up the street, and China Live opens at 1030 we headed up Stockton. We quickly found that there were booths lining the usually busy sidewalks making things even more crowded with folks shopping and browsing.

We eventually got up to Broadway and China Live had just opened.

And in spite of the crowds and lines outside (the line at Good Mongkok went down and around the block!!!!), the place was empty.

We were tempted, and should have just had tea and the duck and called it a nice snack and head off....but we felt kinda guilty for just ordering the duck (albiet it being $27 - it had gone up a buck since September). We also didn't really enjoy anything else on our last visit. We just went ahead and ordered the Suckling Pig.

The Suckling Pig looked pretty nice.....

And it was decent; not the best I've had, but the meat was moist, the skin was a bit too thick and hard instead of crisp. It also lacked a good porkiness. So, not too bad, until you factor in the price....$34! That's over four bucks a wafer thin slice! I wouldn't complain if this was excellent; but it was not.

We did enjoy the duck ($27)

Which, like the last time didn't look particularly inspiring, but had a nice, thin, crisp skin....the subcutaneous fat perfectly rendered. Nice mild gaminess...moist meat. Like the last time; the "sesame buns" were dry and were just used for scallion-cucumber-hoisin sandwiches for us.

Looking at dishes on other tables....well, the rice and noodle dishes looked pretty mediocre. The total damage with tea was over seventy bucks......as we left the Missus told me, "I think we're done here...." I concurred....we'll try to find the best roast duck next time and just eat it in Portsmouth Square or something.

China Live
644 Broadway
San Francisco, CA 94133

We headed down Broadway and took a turn at Grant and oh my......the horde....the mass....the huge crowd.

But the Missus, who is usually not fond of crowds (neither am I), just smiled and headed off.

Grant was closed off....there were booths lining the street. I came to find out this was the Chinese New Year Flower Market Fair, which happens on the weekend before the Lunar New Year and everyone and their brother seemed to be checking it out.

To be perfectly honest; even I enjoyed myself.

The Missus found herself checking out many of the booths. "You know there's a problem with this, right?" She said. Not quite following Her logic I asked "Why?" She cracked up and said "No samples!"

Regardless, the Missus really had a fun time, She told me a few times, "this really reminds me of growing up in China!"

People watching was fun....checking out the folks in costume. I sent the photo to the right to my coworker "YZ" who is from Shanghai and she quickly pointed out to me that the fella' wasn't totally in character; "if he was really dedicated....he wouldn't be wearing Nike's!" You gotta love it!

Did I mention the crowds?

It was fun watching the kids having a good time with all the various characters. Call me out of touch but I wonder what the character "Fragrance" represents? And fragrance of what? Remember, this is Chinatown! The fragrance of roast duck...pork....fish, herbs, steamed buns, and other more "earthy" smells permeate the air. And that character looks like an egg?

I'd go crazy facing crowds like this everyday. But for one fine sunny morning in San Francisco, it was just perfect!

Happy Lunar New Year!