mmm-yoso!!!

Lisa's Filipino Cuisine

One of the guys in the office was getting married and folks wanted to do a pot luck....so, I was asked if I could get some of "those chicken wings....you know THOSE chicken wings!" So, I headed down during lunch to put in an order.....I know it's kind of a haul, but I needed to get out of the office for a bit anyway.

After placing my order for pick-up; I was a bit hungry and decided to check out the turo-turo shop in the same mall; Lisa's.

Looking back at old posts; I swear that I've posted on this place before; but the only thing I could find was this "coming soon" post. I know I visited once when they had first opened; but I guess I never did return afterward.

The restaurant is split into two sections; a dining area on one side.....

Which transitions to the BBQ station, then the hot table....

The place was fairly busy as I got to the line where a little old Filipino Grandma walked up and pushed a couple people aside to get into the front.....she must have been pretty hungry! Seems like everyone knew her, so I guess that's the norm here.

The woman working was all business and very efficient. I saw a couple folks getting pretty much the same thing; so I followed their lead and got the Pork Barbecue and the Sisig.

The one thing the woman did that I really liked was she made sure that I got some sinigang. Most places don't even bother if you either aren't Filipino or don't actually ask. The soup had a good amount of the wonderful sourness going on which I appreciated. There was a nice super soft piece of pork and a surprisingly spicy chili. I though the broth was a bit greasy; but heck, for free.....

I did enjoy the barbecue pork which was toothsome, but not tough; the sauce used wasn't too sweet, nor salty, and the savory tones really made it pretty good.

The sisig was not bad either; a bit of spice, not overly waxy, could have used more sour tones, but this wasn't greasy, though I would have appreciated the lechon kawale a bit more crunchy. But, like the pork, this wasn't bad at all.

A couple of weekends later, I had to run some errands down in National City and it was fairly early at around 8 or so. I had earlier noted that Lisa's opens at 7am. I'd be up to Kearny Mesa after this stop to pick up a couple of things, so I decided to drop by and grab something to go. 

The woman working on this day was very nice. I really didn't care for the selection on this morning and just went with the Chicken Adobo and the Bistek.

Man, that bag seemed quite hefty. I knew I'd be getting to Nijiya before they opened, so I sat at a table and decided to have breakfast.

Sadly, my favorite item was the garlic rice....while it had some bitter burnt garlic in it. most of it was edible.

The chicken adobo was nice and tender; but it was also greasy and way too salty, in need of more vinegar tones. I just didn't care for the greasiness.

If anything, the bistek was even worse. I'm used to fairly chewy bistek, so that didn't bother me. It was the bloody-metallic taste and the sodium level that did. I'm used to a touch of sour-citrus in bistek, which was lacking here; or perhaps the salty-metallic flavors just cancelled it out.

As with most of these places; the portion size was generous. I'm not sure which of my visits was more indicative of Lisa's. I'll probably stick to lunch when I revisit though. After my arteries recover.

Lisa's Filipino Cuisine
1210 E Plaza Blvd.
National City, CA 91950
Hours:
Daily 7am - 8pm

In looking up the address for Lisa's; I noticed that the Otay Lakes location; which CC has posted on in the past seems to have changed name and owners.

Andell's Bakery and Kitchen (Rancho Penasquitos)-Filipino and Vietnamese (and cake)

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!! on this busy weekend before Thanksgiving.  Kirk is taking a break (with His Missus) and Cathy is writing for a few days.  

Another day of driving without a plan.  The Mister and I took the 56 to Rancho Penasquitos Boulevard and drove straight on Carmel Mountain Road to the first light and into the mall on the North.  There were few lunch choices: a coffee shop, a taco shop and this 'bakery'.  

 There were some signs in the window and a sandwich board out front.  Of course we walked in. 
 Menu boards behind the ordering area,
 also on the wall...a few tables and counter eating spaces inside.  We found a great variety of choices for lunch. 
The Daily Specials (only on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) listed Kang Kai Kole (a South Thai chicken curry) ($8.99) this day.  Southern Thai food is essentially mild and Kang Kai is a simple curry paste, made with fresh ingredients (not a packet of paste)- Here is a recipe.  This curry from Andell's was thick and very fresh tasting (there were bits of ground coriander in the curry paste along with cumin, cinnamon and turmeric along with the salty shrimp paste and a bit of tamarind and some sweet from palm sugar).  There was a whole chicken thigh, carrots, onion and potato over a nice amount of (a better quality) rice. This curry is a new favorite. 

Since it was Friday (when I don't eat meat) and also because it looked good, a Pandesal with sardines and olives ($4.50) was my order.  The bread is baked fresh here.  It was perfect, toasted and filled with the mashed mix of sardine with olives. Just large enough for a meal without leftovers. 
 There is signage everywhere for The Original Londres Sponge Cake, so I ordered a slice ($3.75).  The flavors available were durian and pandan.  We do like coconut. This sponge cake, filled with a fresh Bavarian Cream was very large (we took half home) and very flavorful, with a perfect sponge and a perfect cream.

Definitely will stop to try other flavors of Londres, along with other menu items. This family owned (and open since 2007) bakery and kitchen is a gem of a neighborhood find. 

Andell's Bakery and Kitchen 9926 Carmel Mountain Road San Diego, CA 92129 (858)538-8308 Website Open Wed-Sun 7 am-2 pm, Closed Monday and Tuesday

Revisits - Smack’N Guamanian Grill and Gaya Gaya

Some revisits to a couple of places that opened on Miramar Road this year.

Smack’N Guamanian Grill:

I was feeling a bit hungry and it had been over four months since Smack’N Guamanian Grill opened in the former location of Bann. So I decided to head on over and see how the Kelaguen was these days.

I arrived right when they opened and things weren't overly busy.

Ordering was easy. I just went with the two items I enjoyed the most over my previous visits; the Kelaguen (aka the "Fan Fav" - $10.95) and a side order of the Bunuelos Uhang, (Shrimp Patties on the menu $3).

The Finadene here is now self-serve and has a hilarious sign on it - "NOT ICE TEA". I asked the young man manning the counter and he confirmed that folks had gone there with cups, thinking it was iced tea and actually tried to drink the stuff! Hilarious!

Having packed like four containers of finedene I made my way back to the office. This kelaguen and subsequent side dishes were consistent with my previous visits, the chicken medium chopped, citrus forward, really lacking in spiciness or hints of coconut. The cabbage is basically coleslaw mix with some finedene….hardly any flavor, as I added two containers to give this at least some flavor. The rice was more chewy than on my previous visits.

What wasn't in line with what I'd had before were the Shrimp and Corn "patties".....which were actually balls and were totally incinerated.

Everything on the outside was hard and bitter, this was just totally gross. Why would anyone serve this?

For your reference from a previous visit.

It just kind of ruined my meal....just a total lack of quality control.

Smack’N Guamanian Grill
9506 Miramar Rd
San Diego, CA 92126

Gaya Gaya:

Man, Gaya Gaya has been open six months already! Soo's post reminded me that I should head back and see how things are doing.

I dropped by for lunch and the place was totally empty during my entire visit....it's a large space, which really makes things seem even more deserted.

The young lady who was my Server was such a joy...so cheerful and funny.

I was tempted to order what I enjoyed the most during my previous visits (other than perhaps the balut), the Adobo Rice Bowl, but decided to go "riceless". I was tempted by something called the "balut surprise" but I'll save that for the next time.

I started with the Pig Ear Sisig ($12.50), which was a mixed blessing.

The pig ears were nicely fried; crunchy, chewy and the sunnyside up egg, while a tad overcooked for my liking was fine. This dish really lacked the spicy, acidic-sour tones I enjoy in sisig. Pickled onions, jalapenos were used, which were ok bites, but just didn't stand up well to the porkiness of the pig ears, which didn't seem sauced......this just seemed like a hipster version of the dish for folks afraid of the strong flavors of sisig. Too bad; when I saw Pig Ear Sisig on the menu; I thought about the last time I'd had a more traditional version of the dish.

The Pinakbet ($9) on the other hand was better than what I'd previously had at Gaya Gaya.

The last time I had the pinakbet here; ampalaya (bittermelon) was MIA. This time, while a bit on the sparse side; there was enough to add a nice tannic-bitterness to the dish. Which balanced out the light sweetness of the perfectly cooked (not mushy) pumpkin. The eggplant was buttery-tender without being mushy and there was enough bagoong to give this dish a nice savory-salty "oomph". The green beans were a bit too large and a tad undercooked and tough for my taste, but that's splitting hairs. I enjoyed this dish.

Like I mentioned earlier; my Server was a joy. This wasn't a cheap meal by any means...over $20 for what is considered two apps. Is it "elevated-modern" Filipino cuisine? I'm not sure yet.

Sitting in this ghost town for lunch made me wonder how much business Gaya Gaya was doing. I'm hoping weekends, dinner, and Happy Hour is taking up the slack as the place is now closed on both Mondays and Tuesdays.

Gaya Gaya
7580 Miramar Rd
San Diego, CA 92126

Turo Turo Thursday - Revisits to Mama Cinia Rice & Noodles and R & B Filipino Cuisine

The last few weeks have ben rather hectic; so the guys at work have been kind enough to grab me something to eat when they head out. Of course, they are growing boys (though it's sadly growing horizontally rather than vertically), so they are looking for some major grinds. Thus, turo turo is always a good idea!

I have to give them specific instructions....in the manner of sisig….at least they know what that is....but then it's get "a beef stewish dish"...if I told them mechado or kaldereta, they'd be lost....and if I told them menudo; they'd be looking for soup....you know, right?

Mama Cinia Rice & Noodles:

Wow, I haven't had anything from Mama Cinia's in quite a while. I'd instructed to ask for "half rice"; which was nicely done.

The Sisig wasn't overly waxy, still had some crunchy textures, but was really low in terms of vinegar and spiciness.

The portion of menudo was huge! This wasn't overly greasy but needed a bit more acidity as the tomato tones were pretty subdued. The meat was fairly tender and beefy, but this could have used more overall flavor as it was on the bland side.

The rice was on the dry side.

Mama Cinia Rice & Noodles
9178 Mira Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92126

R & B Filipino Cuisine:

R&B is a favorite of Calvin's and I gotta say it's pretty good overall. I hadn't been back there in a while either; though Cathy visited a few months back. To quote; "we got you rice and pancit, sisig, and a I think, beef something....." It was Kaldereta.

The pancit was fine if a bit on the bland side. The rice was also decent; not too mushy nor hard. The sisig here was solid; with nice spice, sour tones, crunchy bits....though some where on the hard side.

The Kaldereta was on the greasy side as it had a ton of oil floating on the top. The meat itself was tender; though the carrots were under-cooked. It was also on the salty side and could have used more tomato, garlic and perhaps some liver spread to add more depth of flavor.

Couldn't complain about the portion size though.

R & B Filipino Cuisine
11257 Camino Ruiz
San Diego, CA 92126

Turo Turo Tuesday - Revisits Edition; Nanay's Best BBQ and Pinoy Fiesta

A couple of revisits of Turo Turo places here in San Diego.

Nanay's Best BBQ:

Stuck in meetings, folks graciously picked up some lunch for me...….

Not so good...it was from Nanay's. Now, I totally get that the guys really like huge portions.....but I think they can do better.

The Menudo was so bland; lots of meat, but there were a couple of pieces that was almost inedible connective tissue. Not enough tomato, or much any flavor as a whole.

The "Spicy Pork"; their version of sisig was the remainder of BBQ Pork in a kind of stir fry. The pork was tough; not spicy enough, lacking in sour tones.....

Nice try guys....but totally quantity over skill and quality. Lots of leftovers for others though.....

Nanay's Best BBQ
6715 Mira Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92121

Pinoy Fiesta:

I went and ordered some Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings for a potluck recently. So, being in National City, I decided to grab some lunch. Of course, Tita's is the obvious choice. But it had been a while since I'd visited Pinoy Fiesta, so I decided to see what was going on there.

The really friendly woman working had just filled the tray of Chicken BBQ, so I got that, along with (of course) some sisig.

I should just give up on the sisig here; it was cold, waxy, sour, but not spicy, and just mushy overall. Ok, it's finally sunk in.

The chicken bbq was interesting as it was very tender. Didn't care much for the sauce though as it was overly sweet and acidic. Too bad as that chicken was so soft and tender.

I did really enjoy the woman working who was so sweet and warm......though I think it'll be a while before I return.

Pinoy Fiesta
550 E 8th St
National City, CA 91950

The UPAC Neighborhood Cafe (City Heights)

mmm-yoso!!! is a blog primarily about food.  There are many ways we (all) encounter places to share a meal. Cathy is writing today, while Kirk and His Missus continue to enjoy their vacation.

As is our usual method, The Mister and I began driving with hunger but no destination in mind.  We saw this eye-catching signage "Now open at 8 a.m., Breakfast Specials".  Of course we had to stop.

I knew the location.  Kirk had written about it in 2010, then The Mister and I went to Pho Tay Do a year later. The 4600 square foot restaurant now has become a Social Enterprise Center run by the non-profit organization Union of Pan Asian Communities.

 A spacious area is now the Cafe, but that's only part of this Neighborhood Enterprise Center: Kitchen Creations, a Technology Hub, Product Design and Print Shop (hence, the signage) and The Community Gathering Place are each part of this building providing much needed resources and opportunities for both UPAC clients and the ethnically diverse residents and small business owners of City Heights. 

It was breakfast time when The Mister and I walked in and we didn't know what to expect. 

The Breakfast menu is next to the cash register. The Lunch and Global Menu as well as the Beverage menu are on the wall to the left. 

 The yogurt parfait ($2.50) was one choice.  Looks simple and basic.  Nope.  The fruit mixture (various fresh berries) is prepared in the kitchen, as are the granola toppings.  The yogurt is wonderful and thick.
 Overnight oats ($2.50) was another choice, made with oats, chia and almond milk with cinnamon, this was also served with the granola topping.  Wonderful mix of flavors and so good.   Will get again. 
 One menu item was 'Three Injera and large Tea" ($4). The Somali thin and spongy pancakes were made to order, topped with sesame oil and sugar.  We used our hands to tear and enjoy these warm and flavorful flatbreads.  

The tea choices were Chai or Somali tea (or assorted bags).  We were told that one had sugar and the other didn't.  This tea -a mix of spices- was also made with the individual ingredients here. Oh my, what a difference in being able to taste the cardamom, cinnamon, fresh ginger, cloves, black pepper!  This was a wonderful, refreshing accompaniment to our breakfast.

Of course we returned.    The turkey cranberry sandwich ($5.50) was served on a croissant (croissants and bagels are not made here) and was filled with fresh ingredients.  The house-made cranberry sauce was spread on both sides of the bread, the greens are spinach, the meat was of high quality. An excellent sandwich.  
 We also ordered a side salad ($3.50) which you can see, arrived with walnuts on top...a fancy touch.  Fresh ingredients.  Quality.  Of course the dressing is made here.
 We decided to order from the Global Menu and chose this month's Filipino offering-adobo chicken ($5.85). Wow.  An excellent version of this basic Filipino cooking and marinade method.  Vinegar, garlic, salt (or soy), black pepper and bay leaf are the flavors of adobo-prepared anything (I've had mushroom adobo and it's great). Even the rice was high quality. Let's go back to when we walked in and pay attention. All of the products sold on the shelves to the left are printed here.  The Product Design and Print Shop is equipped with all professional machinery.  The Youth who work here design and print the items (and are available to print items people order).  

Now, check out the glass case to the right of the cash register.  Fresh baked items daily.
  On top of the glass case there is a basket with bits of day old items to sample...so you'll know what to order next time. This was a berry turnover, which was still warm.  Again, the berry mixture made in house. So good.

A great addition to the neighborhood for many reasons. Wonderful food and worth the stop. 

The UPAC Neighborhood Cafe 5296 University Avenue #A  92105 619-255-7644 Mon-Fri 8-5 {Kitchen closes at 3, but sandwiches, beverages and the baked fresh daily items available from 3-5}

Union of Pan Asian Communities website

This is the current menu; the Global menu changes monthly.

R&B Filipino Cuisine (Mira Mesa)

Thank you for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!! It's a food blog.  Kirk has arrived at the first stop of a well deserved vacation (with His Missus) and all is well.  Cathy is taking over blogging duty for the next few weeks.   

I found myself at the same mini mall as T.P. Banh Bao 3, a Mediterranean grocer with an eat in food area, a Taco Shop, a pizza place and R&B Filipino Cuisine; plenty of choices for a quick meal.  I followed a tried and true method, first mentioned to me in a comment from Trent on my 15th post on this blog (Crispy Fried Chicken; it's still in business)- "just look for the parked mail trucks!" .  I walked in, saw the Mailman eating lunch and checked out the choices.  


A pretty standard "Turo-Turo"-(Point-Point-Joint) restaurant located in the middle of a nice neighborhood.  I quickly ate my lunch (without taking photos) and then went back and ordered a two item plate to take home to The Mister.
 Two item combo (pancit and lechon kawali (fried pork belly)) $8.49, custom item (soup) $1.  This was wonderful.  The pancit was filled with a variety of vegetables and rice noodles as well as some pork bits. The fried pork was plump/juicy with a great fry of the skin. The soup was Tinola- chicken based, ginger infused with some papaya and spinach added.

We returned together the other day.  

Another two item combo($8.49) (which includes rice) and this photo shows a favorite- Pinakbet (vegetables steamed in a shrimp sauce).  You can see some squash and green beans, but there was also plenty of okra in this serving.  A great version.   
The second item was a barbecued pork skewer/kebab. The sauce is a sweet, sticky, salty, garlic delight. The meat was tender and charred and the flavor combination is great.  
 We also asked for an order of lumpia (three to an order; $1.25) and enjoyed these meat filled fried 'spring rolls' wrapped in a paper thin, perfectly fried crunchy shell. A perfect snack/appetizer to a nice meal.  

There are some dessert type products from local Filipino bakeries being sold near the cash register, as well as a refrigerator of beverages to choose from.  

As always, the Mailman knows.

R&B Filipino Cuisine 11257 Camino Ruiz San Diego, CA 92126 (858)695-8455 Open Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat 8 aa.m.-6 p.m., Sun 8 a.m.-5 p.m. No website.  Cash only.

Gaya Gaya - A First Look(s)

About a week-and-a-half ago, one of the folks in the office told me that Sarap had changed owners.

A day later, I read in the Eater that DJ Tangalin had taken over the spot and renamed it Gaya Gaya.

While I thought my meals at Bivouc Ciderworks were a bit of a mixed bag, I was interested in checking the place out. As were a couple of other folks so we headed on over.

The interior looks a bit more spacious; the rather huge benches and tables had been removed and things spaced out a bit better. Other than that things looked pretty much the same. The "Sarap" signage is still up, but one look at the menu and you know it ain't the same place. The names of the dishes are familiar, but reading the descriptions, well, it was now a different world. There seemed to be fusion touches to many of the dishes.

Of course; there were those that were excepted.

It had been ages since I've had decent Balut….but man five bucks! Whatever, I decided to try it. No one else around the table wanted to join me though.

In most cases; I've had it overcooked, which really didn't help texturally. Also, the nice "fowl-ly" flavors are lost. This was nice, soft, juicy, savory, with a light mustiness. I have a couple of stories about the first couple of times I had balut back home in Hawaii; but I'll save that for another day. I really enjoyed this version as it wasn't over-cooked.

The Bicol Express ($15) here is served with mussels.

While I missed the spice (thus not really Bicolano in my mind) and the usual good dose of bagoong; the mussels were tender and those twice cooked potatoes did well in the dish. This dish seemed more Thai than Filipino to me. Still, not bad.

The Bagoong Fried Rice ($6) on the other hand was terrible.

The rice wasn't coated well; there were many clumps and some really hard pieces of rice. Not enough bagoong for our tastes. All of us had eaten the bagoong fried rice at Sarap, which was much better than this.

Calvin just had to order the "Award Winning" Tuna Poke ($13).

Maybe it's because I just got back from visiting "home"; but man, this was bland. It seemed so good while reading it through on the menu; but the fish wasn't coated well enough, not enough white shoyu. The fish itself was fine, moist, tender, but was just so bland.

Next up; the Crispy Pata ($19).

This was interesting; the pata seemed brushed with a slightly sweet glaze. It was served with a pseudo atsara which had masago in it. The soy concoction was interesting as it had a good balance of salty and sour. Sadly, the skin of the pata was really hard....not crunchy or crisp, hard. The flesh was also quite dry...not sure why the mint-dill garnish was necessary. It was disappointing.

So, a bit disappointing, but I wanted to do a revisit a few days later....sadly, I had no takers so I headed over by myself.

I decided to go with the Adobo Rice Bowl ($12). This was quite good.

The pork belly was cooked just the way I like; not falling to pieces, but super tender and moist. The sauce was a perfect balance of salty to mildly sour, with just a hint of sweet. The porkiness of the pork belly came through nicely as well. The rice was decently cooked, perhaps a bit on the dry side. The pickled cucumbers helped to cut the richness of the dish. No, it's not your typical "gut-busting" portion; but more quality than quantity.

I also decided to the order the Pinakbet ($9).

This was decent; the eggplant soft and buttery; the pumpkin was slightly firm and not mushy, with a touch of sweetness. Loved the bagoong in this....it added a wonderfully pleasing savoriness and saltiness to the dish. I did sorely miss ampalaya (bittermelon); which I think adds tannic-bitterness to pinakbet.

Overall, a decent visit. Which had me wondering; was the first visit just a fluke? So, I decided to drop by one more time. Not being particularly hungry; I just went with the Chicken Tocino Rice Bowl ($11).

Not quite sure about this....the chicken thighs didn't seem to have been marinated enough. It had a decent amount of saltiness; but really needed that fruity sweetness (usually from pineapple if I recall), and some tanginess. The color was really light and the chicken was on the dry side. The egg was overcooked for my taste; I'd have preferred easy over. The rice was moist and fragrant.

Well, not sure what to make of my visits. The Servers working, a different one on each of my visits are very friendly; but man, the space is so large, so I'm hoping they'll staff a bit better. I feel the prices would be fine for elevated Filipino food; but I'm not sure if that's what is happening here. Still, things are still on soft-opening mode. The chef was either meeting with folks or doing paperwork in the dining area on each of my visits.

I'm going to revisit in a couple of months; hopefully things will just keep on improving.

Gaya Gaya
7580 Miramar Rd
San Diego, CA 92126
Hours:
Daily 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm

 

Revisits - Chicago Fire Grill and R & B Filipino Cuisine

A couple of revisits for a quiet Tuesday

Chicago Fire Grill:

I'll often just drop by to hear what the owner has got on his mind....he's a hoot! And doesn't hold back.

And of course; for a totally decent Chicago Dog.

This place has gotten better over time. The roll, while not being the classic "S Rosen Mary Ann Poppy Seed Bun" was less crumbly and not as dry as usual. It was "dragged through the garden" in the typical Vienna Beef style; with all the typical players in place....fluorescent green relish? Check. Sport Peppers? Check. Celery Salt? A nice amount.  Tomatoes? A bit riper than usual. The typical Vienna Beef dog had a decent snap as well.

The natural fries; while not my favorite; is done in thypical Chicago style.

And for dessert; well, I get to listen to the owner......this time he was grumbling about all those online food ordering and delivery platforms: "Geez, what the hell is going on with those Uber eats and stuff? Don't people get out from behind a desk and actually go get lunch these days? That's why they are so f*&%#@g f@+. They need to get out from that desk." I quickly and gently reminded him that he isn't the skinniest guy in the world. He stared at me; squinted and said; "hey, I like you....." I told him, "yeah...for now...until I order some ketchup on my dog." He cracked up. Priceless.

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

R & B Filipino Cuisine:

Speaking of getting fat eating behind my desk......

Well, it had been awhile since I've had anything from a turo-turo place and even longer since I'd had anything from R & B. Plus; I ended up giving away half of my plate anyway.

The beef mechado was greasy; though the slices (cut too large) of beef were tender. The carrots weren't cooked, but at least the stew had a nice bit of tangy-acidity.

I got half rice - half pancit. The pancit was very mild and on the bland side; though at least it wasn't mushy and over-cooked.

Timing does matter with these type of places and we lucked out as a new tray of sisig came out of the kitchen when we were in line. Like I mentioned in my previous post; I think the sisig here has gotten better over time. It's still not top notch; but the chopped lechon kawale wasn't to waxy and had both crisp pieces and some with a nice chew. Good vinegar, pungent onions, and a decent spice. The person I gave half my plate to came by later and asked me what this was....I guess he'd never had sisig before. He loved it....I told him he "needed to get out more."

R & B Filipino Cuisine
11257 Camino Ruiz
San Diego, CA 92126

Bivouac Ciderworks

I'd been wanting to check out Bivouac Ciderworks since they opened in January of last year. The Executive Chef is DJ Tangalin; originally from the Phillipines, with a stop in Hawaii, and at JRDN, the possible influences intrigued me. Even though I'm not a cider drinker; which would be a moot point.

So, when the Missus had Her hair appointment in North Park a bit later than usual, we were able to check out Bivouac. Love the sheet stone dividers and all the rope work that decorates the place.

It was just after 4pm; so the Happy Hour menu was in effect. The regular menu isn't available until 5. The young lady who did awesome duty behind the bar and waiting tables was fantastic.

We weren't super hungry, so this was the perfect way for us to check out how the food was prepared here.

But of course.....but first a couple of cocktails.

The Missus enjoyed the Bivouac Rambler.

And I thought the Old Fashioned, while a bit on the sweet side was pretty good as well.

First up was the Tongue and Cheek Nachos.

The Missus enjoyed the thick and crunchy chips and the very refreshing avocado crema. The beefiness of the beef tongue and cheek came through quiet nicely and we both enjoyed this.

The Herbed Fries was a bit overdone and on the dry side for us.

It was salted nicely; though I'd have preferred a bit more garlic  and we both didn't care for that "ketchup".

The "Street Taco" was pork; basically carnitas, which had nice sweet and salty tones to it.

Strangely, the Missus liked the tortillas; which looked like white corn. Nice combination of textures and flavors.

We were looking at returning....and then came Super Bowl Sunday. We both thought that Bivouac wouldn't be too busy on this day.....but they were doing good business. And the 'doodles were out in force.

So, the menu was different from the normal dinner offerings. Still it had the one item I was told to try by a couple of acquaintances.

Tacos were on offer so we got one Chicharron and one Carnitas.

The Chicharron was nice and tender....think good tendon. The flavor was a tangy-sour with the crema to calm things down. Of course the Missus enjoyed the tortillas again.

The Carnitas were much too sweet for my liking.

Which just detracted from everything else. Again good contrasting textures.

And then; it was the item that several folks mentioned to me; the Adobo Fried Chicken, served with what looked like Bibingka topped with a flavored butter.

The batter and skin were on the mild side and not very crisp. And here's where it went off the rails; this was obviously reheated, and not very well as the meat wasn't even lukewarm. That breast was so dry and flavorless. The honey butter was fine though the bibingka was also cold.

We thought about mentioning this to our wonderful Server, but a couple of parties had just come in and we didn't want to create a scene. Perhaps because it was Super Bowl Sunday, the kitchen wasn't on....though I think that on a day like that, with a limited menu; you'd be on your game (no pun intended).

We decided to cut our losses and head home. Bummer, because we were really looking forward to our meal.

Now; I'd like to give this place another try, but the Missus isn't going to go for it. So, it'll probably be a while before or if I return.

Bivouac Ciderworks
3986 30th St.
San Diego, CA 92104
Hours:
Tuesday     4pm - 9pm
Wed - Thurs 4pm - 10pm
Friday      2pm - Midnight
Saturday    Noon - Midnight
Sunday      10am - 9pm
Closed on Mondays