mmm-yoso!!!

Fruity Loco (Spring Valley)

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of this food blog. Kirk has been writing posts most of the year, while Cathy has been busy with work and occasionally a meal.  Here's a short post about a new place she  found.

While driving to meet a client in Spring Valley on a late Friday afternoon, I noticed this signage, across from the Starbucks, about a block away from Butler's Coffee House. Since I had about an hour to kill, I decided to give it a try. 

 Neat and clean with about seven tables, the menu is on the wall and grab and go products are easily seen. The menu is pretty standard, with fruit salads, vegetable salads, tortas and sandwiches, smoothies, juices, raspados, ice creams and a few other items.  When I first walked in only one other person was there, but by the time I left, it was very busy. I noticed most people ordering smoothies and beverages...but I hadn't had lunch yet...
Since it was a Friday (when I don't eat meat), I thought a Panela cheese torta ($5.99)would be good...the man behind the counter suggested a Queso Fresco torta instead.  I do like various Mexican cheeses and Fresco is lighter/airier and more like a Farmers Cheese (which I use to make Mom's cheesecake), so I said I'd try it.  Same price.

Served on a fresh, very good quality toasted bollillo, with lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber and a thousand island style dressing, the sandwich was simply perfect.  It also was quite large and I ended up taking half home for a late night meal.   
Since I was hungry when first ordering, I also asked for a small pico de gallo ($4.99).  Fresh coconut, mango, pineapple, watermelon, jicama and cucumber topped with lime juice, chamoy and chili powder.

The savory sauce and spicy chili perfectly rounded out the sweet fruit flavors.  

All in all,  hearty, tasty and plenty for two meals for less than $12.  I'll be back.

Fruity Loco 9766 Campo Road Spring Valley CA 91977 (619)825-7800 open daily 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

Tortas Y Jugos Goyo and the Panaderia next door (Escondido)

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!! while Kirk is (still) on vacation and Ed (from Yuma) is researching places to eat (in Yuma).  Cathy is writing today. 

The Mister and I were in Escondido again and next to the Toyota dealership on Lincoln Avenue, there's a small strip mall.  There were five small places to eat as well as a Laundromat.  Based on prior experience at strip malls anchored by Laundromats, we decided to stop.  At the inner corner,

 these two looked good- Tortas y Jugos and the Panaderia right next to it.There are menus outside and also at the ordering area.  Pay, have a seat and your order will be brought to your table. Neat and clean inside, it looks new.  Checking out Y***, the oldest review is from March, 2013; Tortas Y Jugos has been here a while. Even though there are photos showing fries on the plate with the tortas, we were surprised the $5.99 price was inclusive.  

I ordered a *Cubana* torta, which is NOT the same as a *Cubano* Sandwich. In Mexican eateries, a *Cubana* torta is as varied as the taqueria/taco shop/stand where you are eating.  Basically it is a 'kitchen sink' of leftovers; a fresh baked, toasted torta/telera roll filled with a collection meats, lettuce, tomato, avocado and cheese as well as a thin layer of refried beans.  The version here at the Goyo Family place had ham, salchica (a sliced hot dog), chorizo, bacon and a thin, crispy piece of Milanesa (breaded, fried beef or pork; it was too thin to really tell, but the crispiness was what the sandwich needed). If you are like me, who orders an 'everything' bagel, or a coffee-tea-milk at boba places, then a Cubana is a good choice; always a surprise, unique and with multiple fresh flavors.    The fruit salad (large, $6.29) which had a bit of every fruit in season as well as cottage cheese, granola, raisins, coconut flakes and honey.  A Vampiro (orange, beet, celery and carrot juices) ($3.99) rounded out this meal we shared.  So very fresh.  I really enjoy fruiterias.

When we were finished, walking next door, to the unnamed Panaderia, we were greeted with the smells of fresh baked goods.  There was also an area for cinnamon tea, cinnamon coffee and hot water.This was our purchase, less than $2.  Very fresh and good.

Happy to have found this hidden gem. 

Tortas Y Jugos Goyo 655 East Lincoln Escondido, CA 92026 (760) 871-6000 

Here is an interesting blog post describing Cubanas.

Mucha Fruta -Neveria/Fruiteria/Cocteleria (City Heights)

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!! on this warm summer day.  Kirk is (again) busy with work, errands and stuff while Ed(from Yuma) is (still) busy being retired and exploring Yuma and other places while enjoying life.  Cathy is (once more) writing a post.

One day not long ago, The Mister and I were driving down University Avenue and noticed this signage, located in between Tu Thanh which Kirk has posted about twice now.The business on the other side used to be (another) Ali Baba, but now is City Heights Cafe.The menu is pretty much standard.  There is a sign in the window for churros with cajeta (caramel made with goat milk) for $1.25 as well as large plantains for $1.50 with but those are fried and aren't being made in the these days of heat.  The glass case you see in the above photo shows some of the Thrifty brand ice cream flavors available.The wall opposite has photos of some of the menu items.The glassed in refrigerator displays most of the fresh fruit available that day.One day I was craving a coctele and ordered the shrimp version ($7.75).  Only one size and this was plenty.  The large shrimp are cooked in the lime/tomato juice to which is added cucumber, onion, cilantro and slices of avocado. There were at least 12 (and I think 15) large shrimp in this cocktail, which was more than enough.Another version of chamango (small, $4) was tried here.  Since mangos are in season and available fresh (instead of being frozen), the drink wasn't as cold or icy, it was merely tasty and wonderful.One other visit had me craving the shrimp again, so I ordered a tosti-ceviche ($4.50).  It was a great ceviche (again with large shrimp) on top of spicy lime Tostitos (which are only sold in Mexico).  It is $2 more than a plain tostada and the melding of flavors is good/unique, but I can now go on with my life and order a regular ceviche tostada next time.Pretty much any visit to a Fruiteria includes a fruit salad (small, $4.25) and our visits here are no exception.  Papaya, banana, mango, cantaloupe, watermelon, strawberries and apples along with cottage cheese, granola and honey made this hearty meal a good (and refreshing) choice.The tortas here are wonderful.  The fresh bread and plenty of quality ingredients have simple sandwiches being a fancy meal for us to share.  Above, a Lomo torta($5.25).  Plenty of beef tenderloin, a thin layer of good beans and cheese, Romaine and avocado on the fresh, toasted torta bread.  It's great.Then there's the ice creams.  Usually we share a two scoop cup ($1.25) but one day, The Mister thought we should share a banana split ($3.95).  Who am I to argue.  Best part, you choose the ice cream flavors and don't need any sauce to disturb those flavors.  Our usual ice cream choices: pistachio, butter pecan and cherry. A perfect snack on these hot days.

I hope your week is going well!

Mucha Fruta 4804 University Avenue (Between Estrella and 48th) San Diego 92105 (619) 282-0282 open 8-8 Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat and 8-7 on Wednesday, 9-7 on Sunday  

 
Go ahead, click on it; the photo will go upright.  I still don't know what I've done to make my camera phone go goofy. 

Vanessa's Deli (Chula Vista)

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!! Kirk is still on vacation, as is Ed (from Yuma). Cathy is busy with people who want to be on vacation while writing a post a day...about another few meals enjoyed.

I really try to cover different foods and parts of the County each day when I keep the blog going while Kirk is on vacation and realize I skipped the South County area entirely this time. Bad me. 

Here's a post showing a few visits to one of our favorite places in Chula Vista.Look to the far left..the blue and red signage on the building frontage pushed back a bit.  "Manna Restaurant" Pancake House-Chinese Fast Food.  THAT's why we pulled into this parking lot.  

Manna was very crowded that first time with people waiting to get in the door. Vanessa's Deli and Water Store had two empty tables. That's how it started.  We now come to this parking lot and pick either Manna or Vanessa's for a meal.  Here is a link to a recent post about Manna from fellow blogger, cc. (My post about Manna is forthcoming.)Asking if we had to order and pay first, we found out there is table service (and a quite large menu with  many photos; more items than shown in the menu in above photo).After our orders were taken, I noticed both an ice cream area and a small freezer filled with ice cream Novelties in front of it (to the left in the above photo) and (straight ahead in the photo) at the wall was the Water Store area.Soon, two salsas and a small Vampiro ($4.49) were brought out.  Beet, carrot, celery, apple, orange and lime, freshly juiced, filtered and poured into the cup: no ice.  That's how it's done right.The #3 Combo ($10.99). This three item plate included a chile relleño, lomo enchilada and chicken sope  along with rice, beans and tortillas.  This was all very good.  The sauces, salsa and guacamole stood out with their brisk fresh flavors.  The lomo torta ($5.25) was served on a very freshly toasted, large torta roll, with a layer of beans, beef tenderloin  (very flavorful);  fresh avocado, along with lettuce and tomato made this a wonderful sandwich.  

Vanessa's serves breakfast all day and we've taken advantage of that.Huevos Enmola ($6.99) (eggs in mole sauce).  So wonderful and a different breakfast.  Two over easy eggs on top of two corn tortillas, covered in a (slightly sweet) fresh and smooth mole, accompanied by beans and potatoes.Vanes Pan France (French toast topped with strawberries and cream)($6.75) Of course, strawberries and cream are a standard item in any fruiteria...but topping French toast- so special!

Oh, that's not burned toast; squaw bread is used here (another idea I can't believe I hadn't thought of). It's heartier and still, there is a good crust formed on the edges and the inside is still light and fluffy.  Healthy decadence!Being a fruiteria, you know at least one order here has had to be a small pico de gallo ($6.25). Mango, orange, cucumber, jicama, watermelon, papaya, pineapple, topped with squeezed lime, chili powder and salt (homemade Tajin) brings all the flavors together.

Fresh, quality, satisfying. So glad we accidentally found it.  Hope your weekend will be good!

Vanessa's Deli and Water Store 600 F Street (at Broadway), Suites E and F Chula Vista 91910 (619) 585-8102 Mon-Sat 7:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sun 7:30-7:30

 

Lupita Mexican Food and Fruiteria (El Cajon)

Here you are, at mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk is extremely busy with necessary errands.  Ed (from Yuma) is busy making plans.  Cathy is blogging today, because she is, comparatively, not busy.

Election Day in November had me assigned by the Registrar of Voters to El Cajon, where I drove in circles, putting out fires and waiting for phone calls telling me of impending fires all day.  Some of the areas I passed had interesting places to eat.  Lupita Mexican Food and Fruiteria caught my eye.  It shares the parking lot (around the corner) with the generically named 'Tortilla Salsa Market'.  There are quite a few other businesses here also. (The signage you see from the street is 3rd photo from the end).The rather extensive menu offers the usual items.  The quality is notable.  The shrimp tostada ($4.19) was made with large shrimp, in a fresh salsa and served with a side of avocado. This was excellent.The al pastor burrito ($4.50) was freshly made, pretty average, quite large. I'd order it again; it's more interesting than a carne aside burrito.Ordering to eat in, a basket of thin corn chips is served, along with the house made salsas in squeeze bottles. 

Above, a freshly squeezed "Popeye", medium size ($4.50) juice.  Made with spinach, carrot, celery, cucumber and apple, it was just right. I like that it is just juice, no ice.

Carne asada tostada ($3.99) was quite large and very good.  Tamarind raspado ($3.25)(16 oz) is nicely made here, from the whirring of the shaved ice machine in the back to the tamping of fresh tamarind pieces, each item I've ordered here has been carefully hand made and served with care.  The ladies working here are very nice.Almost every visit, I've ordered a small fruit salad ($6.65) with everything (cottage cheese, raisins, granola, coconut and honey)...and have needed to take hime leftovers.Tortas here are made with a great bread which is brought up from Mexico.  Above, the Lomo ($6.50) is my usual choice.  Lettuce, tomato, onions, cheese avocado and a thin layer of beans surround the beef (and sometimes, pork) tenderloin, which is cured then chopped and heated for this sandwich.This is the signage you'll see from the street.  Notice the bottom two lines: 'Sideways Bar'.  Now, you may have noticed I've been doing quite a few posts under the "Pubs and Pub Grub" section of the blog.  It seems that Sideways doesn't serve food, but the bar patrons walk to Lupita, order and pay.  Then, one the order is ready, one of the ladies walks to deliver the food to the bar.  

Consistently, one item seems to always be ordered.  The double cheeseburger. So, you know, I had to...Behold, the double cheeseburger ($4.50).  As you can see, two large patties, lettuce tomato and two different cheeses on a toasted bun.  This was filling and quite good. I understand why it's an order for the bar patrons.  

Another fruiteria which is locally owned and serves quality food.

Lupita Mexican Food and Fruiteria 1088 Estes (at Chase, one block East of Emerald) El Cajon 92021 (619)593-9500

El Mango Manila (National City)

Thanks for stopping to look at mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, today.  Cathy is writing again because the guys (Kirk and Ed(from Yuma)) are not having anything to do with blogging at this point in time.  

A few months ago, The Mister and I were in National City and did another random stop when we saw a very bright,  interesting bit of signage. According to the owners (all family), El Mango Manila has been open here since 2011. The menu is fairly extensive. Breakfasts here include molletes (my favorite) and there are tortas, sandwiches, green and fruit salads, juices, smoothies, licuados (milk based) and raspados (ices) and a variety of 'Crazy' menu items ('crazy' means cups of fresh corn topped with cheese, tostilocos, churrolocos, Takilocos and fruitilocos as well as a few other items).Recall that I said we were here a few months ago... Our order consisted of a medium Vampire juice (beets, carrots, celery and apple), small fruit salad of what was in season (strawberries, bananas, watermelon, green apple) topped with cottage cheese and granola with a side of honey and a mixed meat torta.  The total bill was $12.

The torta was served on very fresh toasted bread, spread with a spicy lime mayonnaise and had ham and turkey and a melted Mexican cheese as well as lettuce, tomato, pickles and avocado.  

This was a very tasty and fresh  meal for us.

I do enjoy finding new places as well as stopping at fruiterias.  Hope you are having a good weekend. 

El Mango Manila 2303 Highland Avenue National City, CA 91950 (619)336-0507

 

Fruitmania - A Fruiteria and more(Lemon Grove)

You have navigated your way to mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk is taking a break from posting, Ed(from Yuma) is taking a break from retirement and Cathy is posting and not quite retired.

Broadway in Lemon Grove. A street filled with small storefronts and feeder road parking. Looks like small town America. Every fifth store with a similar footprint.  Large side display windows leading into the main area.The inventory is behind the counter, not on display as at some other  Fruiterias where The Mister and I enjoy various snacks and meals throughout the year.   Fruitmania has been here almost ten years. Family run.  Not air conditioned.  Friendly people.  Great food. We are so lucky to live here.The signage is self explanatory.  Eight tables and a couple of couches with clean, comfy seating.Choices are almost overwhelming. 

Raspado Tamarindo ($3)- shaved ice filled with fresh made tamarind 'tea', (including the pods) and a more authentic flavor than most syrups.  Refreshing and a new favorite during this hot summer. 

A small pico de gallo ($5.50). Watermelon, cucumber, jicama and mango, topped with fresh squeezed lime and Tajin make this an automatic order whenever I stop in.   You may have noticed one of the front window signs mentioned 'monster sandwich'.  They all are - enough to share.  Above is a Cuban Torta ($7-worth it). A toasted torta roll, sliced pork, sliced ham, pickles, cilantro, cheese and Dijon mustard. It's served with the extra large pickled jalapenos and the slices of Tajin topped orange..truly a perfect meal.One recent humid day, The Mister and I decided we wanted a dessert...and not one made of fresh fruit nor a beverage.  A scoop of ice cream here is $2- and it is a quality ice cream: the vanilla has specks of vanilla in it, the strawberry has real strawberries in the ice cream and the chocolate is very rich and not too sweet.  However, a banana split is $6.  So we did.  It was good.  

I hope everyone is staying cool!!!

Fruitmania 7941 Broadway Lemon Grove CA 91945 (619)463-0241 Open M-F 9-6:30, Sat/Sun 10-7

Señor Mango-fruiteria (University Heights)

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of this food-centric blog.  Today, Kirk is relaxing and looking for sunshine, Ed(from Yuma) is indoors, seeking air conditioned comfort and Cathy is trying to find a way to achieve satisfaction from the current San Diego heat wave.

It's been beautiful outdoors the past week, slowly inching to the edge of being a bit too warm. The Mister and I found ourselves on 30th near Adams Avenue the other day, and decided to stop for a quick lunch. Señor Mango's has been in this small non-air conditioned shop, in the middle of a block of homes and small businesses, for more than ten years. When you walk in, to your right is a glass case displaying most of the fresh fruits available today.

To your left is a wall painted with the menu.  Prices and menus are in clear plastic pocket folders at the cash register (straight ahead) where you order, pay and wait for your number to be called.  There are five tables inside and five tables out in front. Many people call in orders to pick up and many others order their items "To Go".  We like to eat "here", so while one of us is ordering, the other is seeking a table. Beverages available here are Smoothies (fruit plus ice plus sugar and OJ, blended), Licuados (fruit plus low fat milk plus sugar plus ice cream, blended), Aguas frescas (fruit plus water, sugar and ice, blended) or Juices. Above, a small Vampire juice ($3.75); squeezed and/or pressed to order, served at room temperature; not watered down. It's made with beets, carrots, celery and orange. Always good; you can taste each item.Above photograph- half a Lomo (grilled pork tenderloin seasoned with guajilla peppers) Torta ($5.50) (The Mister had grabbed his half before I could take a photo of the whole thing). Fresh, toasted bolillo roll, topped with lettuce, tomato, cheese, onion, avocado, some mayonnaise and plenty of still warm lomo.  A perfect sandwich and enough to share.Above, a small "Fruity Mix"($5.50) bowl-seasonal fruits topped with cottage cheese (or you could choose yogurt), raisins, granola, shreds of coconut and honey.  Seasonal fruits in the bowl this day were banana, apple, orange, cantaloupe, strawberries, honeydew, papaya, mango and pineapple. 

Always fresh and delicious, I enjoy the availability of so many Fruiterias in our great County.  Hope you're staying cool!

Señor Mango's 4607 30th (between Adams and Madison) San Diego 92116 (619) 584-0041 Open Mon-Sat 8-8, Sun 9-7   link to website, which is horribly out of date (Escondido location is closed, hours are different and menu is "404 not found"

Tropifruit (Fruiteria and sandwiches) (El Cajon)

mmm-yoso!!! is the food blog, with writings about random foods consumed at random places sometimes surrounding random events.  No such events to speak of in this post, though, sorry.  (Cathy is writing.)

Well here we are.  A new year.  Some of you may have made resolutions to 'eat healthier' or maybe to 'try new things'.  Those aren't resolutions to me, since I try to do those already (I also don't use drive thrus, try to only purchase organic milk, make an effort to clean for 15 minutes straight once a day, spend 15 minutes a week rearranging one drawer or shelf...different, attainable goals).  So to maybe give you an idea of 'healthy' and 'new', perhaps this post will be an impetus. 

Just on the other (West) side of Johnson Avenue from Parkway Plaza Mall is a small strip mall with a tire store, bank and Burger King. There's a Taco shop, a Thai Restaurant some other businesses and Tropifruit.

It's a fruiteria, one of  many in San Diego, has been in this East County location for years and was recently re-decorated.  We are so lucky to live here, with fresh fruits and vegetables available all year and I really try to buy local and enjoy what we have. (Here are two posts I've written about other currently open fruiterias. This is a link to one that is closed, but just to give you an idea.)

The menu has stayed the same since the remodel; breakfasts, sandwiches, smoothies, juices, waters, ices (raspados), fruits and salads.  All fresh and in season, all made to order. 

Here is a meal The Mister and I shared.  (The photo shows an odd perspective, but that torta roll/bolillo really is HUGE.)

This is a small pico de gallo($5.50)- bite size cut up fruits and vegetables, topped with a squeeze of lime and spicy salt. The fruits included grapes, mango, watermelon and papaya; vegetables were jicama and cucumber.  Spicy salt is Tajin (or a similar item), just chiles, lime and salt. This is always refreshing.This was the "Special Torta" ($6.50) which included both pork loin (lomo) and ham as well as lettuce, tomatoes, avocadoes and jalapeño strips on a freshly toasted bolillo roll. 

A recent breakfast we enjoyed included mollettes ($5.99), a toasted wheat bolillo roll topped with refried beans and melted cows milk cheese (I think this was Monterey Jack or white cheddar; it was very creamy).  This is very much a 'comfort food'  item for me...creamy, warm, toasty crunch. The accompanying (quite large) side of fresh chopped tomatoes, onions and jalapeño goes just perfectly.

We also shared a small fruit salad ($5.75) Apples, bananas, grapes, strawberries, pineapple topped with cottage cheese (or plain yogurt), sunflower seeds, raisins and granola accompanied with a side of honey is a good, sweet treat any time of day.

Tropifruit 100% Natural Juice Bar 762 N. Johnson Avenue Suite 103 El Cajon 92020 (619)588-0303 M-F 7 am-8pm; Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 10am-6pm

Tropical Fruit Paradise- a fruiteria on Friars Road

Hi.  You've found mmm-yoso!!! the blog about food.  Kirk and ed(from Yuma) are doing chores and other things and Cathy is blogging today.

Well, it's time for a new calendar and maybe some new habits, or at least a resolve to develop new habits.  I feel so fortunate we live in Southern California and have access to fresh produce daily, and that so many fruiterias are in our large County.  Many are in East County and I suppose are pretty ubiquitous, since I've posted only of one other fruiteria, merely dropping in to grab a beverage,  salad or sandwich when I'm on the run; Fruiterias do not only sell fruit salads and smoothie drinks, but regular salads, sandwiches and sometimes mariscos.  A fruiteria location opened last year on East Friars Road, where it crosses Mission Gorge Road-across from the Black Angus.  I had been meaning to stop here, but was always in the wrong lane and on my way home to Santee.  The other day, I made Tropical Fruit Paradise a destination.

If you miss the driveway from Friars, you can turn at the signal light (Riverdale) and drive up behind the building then into the parking lot in front of the strip mall.  

The bright and clean interior has menu suggestions everywhere when you walk in. I suppose some people only buy a packaged beverage and/or piece of fresh fruit...

The beverage selection include shakes (licuados) made with milk, juice blends (jugos), freezes/smoothies and you can make your own with up to three choices for either $3.50 (small) or $4.00 (large), with an add protein shot for 99¢. fresh fruit and vegetables are good to have at any time of the year, not just as a 'resolution'. 

Sandwiches on torta, salads and wraps are also part of the menu.  While we were eating, several people came in to pick up some large phoned in orders.

The Mister ordered a "Cubana" sandwich($6.99), which ended up larger than the photograph on the wall. 

Not at all a Cuban Sandwich, a Cubana includes (perfectly lightly breaded) milaneza, grilled chicken, grilled ham, grilled chorizo, a freshly cooked egg, American and Jack cheeses on the toasted torta bread, topped with mayonnaise, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, onion and jalapeño made this sandwich well worth the price (and I am glad we decided to share; this was huge and a super good sandwich).   

I wanted to try a pico de gallo salad (small, $4.99) and I must say this was absolutely the tastiest, freshest, nicest pico I have ever had.  The jicama, cucumbers, oranges and watermelon were covered in fresh lime juice and the chili seasoning was really the perfect amount and really complimented every item in the container.  Let's just say I have a new food obsession for January and possibly the New Year. I wish everyone resolve a positive and fun change for 2012.  

Tropical Fruit Paradise 10387 Friars Road San Diego 92120 (619) 584-4786