mmm-yoso!!!

Rei-men to go from Karami Ramen

Man.....this says it all for the past Sunday.

In Bay Park no less.....a 114 in El Cajon? What is going on? And with the Valley Fire raging away....all the evacuations and during the midst of a pandemic.....can we just turn the calendar over to 2021 now?

I needed to head out to Nijiya to do some grocery shopping, I decided to go ahead and continue trying take-out from all of the places in the strip mall. Next up....

Before you think I'd gone off the deep-end.....it was a 102 degrees on Convoy; Karami was doing their Reimen. Which I've had before. And though I left thinking it was quite mediocre, it seemed like a decent remedy for the heat on this day.

I placed my order, went shopping at Nijiya, and returned to find my stuff bagged and ready for pick-up.

Just for the heck of it; I ordered the karaage as well; which I though was fairly decent on a previous visit, In terms of packaging; well, the cheapo two part cardboard container had leaked so I lost some of the broth in the package.

At least things were nicely separated. First thing I did after getting the containers our of the saturated packaging was to put my thick ceramic ramen bowl in the freezer to help keep things chilled.

I had a taste of the karaage; which wasn't bad at all. I didn't expect it to be super crisp; and it wasn't. But it had a very nice savory-salty-mildly sweet flavor that I enjoyed. I really didn't need the sriracha mayo thing at all. I'm looking forward to having this again....when I'm ready to eat in.

As for the ramen...….

Not having to worry about a cold ajitama in the reimen works to Karami's benefit here. The egg was nicely marinated; if anything, the ajitama from Menya can be too salty at times. Loved the curly and nicely prepped noodles; which still had that nice chewy-crunch to it. For some reason, I really enjoy corn in my reimen (do you remember what one of the Gaijin customers at Ichiro's called it? I still have to stifle a laugh when I order this). But, much like the previous time I had this; the broth was super salty and had a weird tininess...….that; while I don't want to insult the place; tastes like mass-produced stuff. Bummer, because I'd enjoyed this much more than the last time I had it. But I just couldn't finish that broth.

Oh well.....at least I can look forward to having the karaage again when things get back to normal.

Karami Ramen
3860 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111
(858)430-6300
Current Hours:
Mon - Fri 1130am-3pm, 430pm - 9pm
Sat - Sun 1130am - 9pm

Speaking of things getting back to normal....so we now have the Valley Fire; which as of the last time I checked the news had burned over 17,000 acres and was under 5% contained. I took this photo of the sun from my driveway. Though it's not as bright red as what I took in 2007 during the Witch Fire; it still looks other-worldly.

To all our "FOYs" out there, we hope you are safe, in good health, and managed to keep cool during the record heat of this Labor Day weekend.

postscript:

With all the craziness that's going on these days; I thought I'd end with a Frankie pic. I was changing our beddings this weekend. As usual, I remove the sheets and such a pretty much leave them on the floor while I put on the new set. When I turned to grab the beddings for the washer; I noticed someone had made himself at home...…..

I don't recall F doing this before. It really cracked me up.

Have a safe and productive week!

The Menya Ultra Stay at Home Tonkotsu Ramen Kit

I'd been trying to get the Missus to try Menya Ultra since they first opened in February 2017; but there was just something that made Her refuse to go....call it "spouse syndrome"....you know the drill; I say "black", She says "white", I go "it's too hot", no She says it's "too cold"...going up? Heck no, we're going down..... And the more I tried to convince Her, the more She dug Her heels in. Until She was feeling a bit tired recently....don't worry, it wasn't Covid-19. The weather had cooled off (before our last scorcher) and I knew She could use some nice, rich, tonkotsu broth. So, I got the "Tonkotsu to go" for the Missus. And She did love that broth; though, for some reason, She didn't care for the noodles....even though I did my usual drill...I thought it was decently firm; but of course She likes Her noodles "katame" (firm). Which gave me an idea......I know that "FOY" Jason mentioned really enjoying Menya's "Stay at Home Ramen Kit". I also noted that the noodles provided are fresh, not cooked. A few days later, the Missus wanted more ramen and I went and ordered the Tonkotsu Stay at Home Kit from Menya ($38).

Like before, the drill when you pick things up at Menya was smooth as silk.

As you can see; this comes with four ajitama, chashu, green onions, and wood ear mushroom.

It also comes with four servings of fresh thin noodles.

And some instructions; which I basically ignore.

I basically use the same approach which I noted here; with a couple of differences.

The tonkotsu broth is provided cold; I measured the first time I ordered and it comes to six cups. So, I portion out three cups and slowly simmer until scalding.

The noodles are fresh; so I boil for 90 seconds, before doing a quick rinse and drain.

I still heat the bowls and then use the heated noodle water to heat the bowls even more.

I also now heat the ajitama for 20 seconds in the microwave before serving in the hot broth.

And the noodles are perfect after a minute-and-a-half.

After trying this for the first time; we noted that there was no way we could finish 2 servings of noodles and the Missus really mainly loves that broth. So, I get two-thirds of the noodles, and the Missus gets two cups of the broth.....sometimes "spouse syndrome" works to our benefit!

And what about those leftover noodles? Well, I'll make either Sichuan Liang Mian, Sesame Cold Noodles, or some other noodles dish with them.....which works just fine since these noodles are better than anything you can get at the market.

As I'm sure everyone who enjoys eating in San Diego knows; restaurants can now open at 25% capacity. On my visit to Menya this week, I noticed they were open for dining in. I was not inspired by the set-up in the least....tell me; doesn't this look like perhaps a makeshift ER or Urgent Care......or gasp; even a Covid-19 Testing Tent?

I think I'll stick to takeout for a while longer. Especially when it can be something like this. The menma in this bowl I had in the fridge and didn't come with the kit.

Menya Ultra Ramen
8199 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92111
858-571-2010
Hours:
Daily 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 8pm
From my experience they start doing takeout orders a half hour before opening

Mikami- revolving sushi (no conveyor to revolve (covid-19))

mmm-yoso!!! is usually written by Kirk and sometimes Cathy helps.  Todays post is from Cathy, because Kirk is busy with work.  

Long story short, it is 2020 and there are many reasons I haven't posted about meals since mid-February.  Now that the world, as well as eating out, has changed, here is an update from my January 2020 post about Mikami, a revolving sushi bar.  The Mister and I had been here twice more, but everything was about the same as that first post.  Now, with Covid-19, there is no revolving sushi or indoor bar area. The "Dine In" signage is leftover from when there was a six week or so variation in Covid-19 'rules'; why take it down when things could change tomorrow?.  As of now, all California restaurant dining is "to go" or outdoor tables.  I understand not wanting to expose yourself to possible Covid-19 and The Mister and I will eat outside at the opening time of restaurants- assuming the unused tables were just brought out and are freshly cleaned. 
 On this day, only three tables were set up when we got to Mikami.  One was for handicapped. We were given paper menus and a pencil.  Most of one menu was rolls and typical two piece sushi and sashimi selections.  Hot green tea ($2.85) came in a paper cup, water in a plastic cup (with a straw!) and condiments in disposable containers. 
We decided to order the chicken karaage appetizer($6).  This seemed to be a larger portion than we had here previously.  Hot, fresh, tender, juicy, crispy/properly fried.  It came with a mayonnaise and spicy (not Sriracha, which is sweet and not sambal, which has garlic) sauce for dipping.  Delightful.
 We chose two hand rolls: soy paper yellowtail and the spider roll ($3.75 each). The yellowtail was not the spicy version and had great flavors of fish, cucumber and a better (sushi) rice.  The soy paper is embedded with sesame seeds, which adds a toasted sesame flavor and crunch. The 'spider' is a half of a soft shell clam along with crab, avocado and cucumber wrapped in seaweed. These were larger than we remember and were made to order. 
 We decided to order a "Mikami Seafood Bucket Shrimp" (one pound, $15, add $2 for headless).  The Cajun style buckets have been available only in the bar area and we have been curious.  

A variety of flavors as well as (cajun spice) heat levels are available and we were simple and ordered garlic butter, which lined the heavy plastic bag filled with hot, freshly steamed shrimp.  The photo of the plate is about half of the bag and the 'dip' is the sauce poured out into an emptied ginger condiment cup.  You can see there was some spice used in the cooking process and it was just the right amount.   

Trying to patronize locally owned places, the food is good here. 

Mikami Revolving Sushi and Bar 7319 Clairmont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego 91911 Open Tues-Sun 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Closed Monday {Covid hours; check website -things might change Website 

 The parking lot is empty if you get there at opening.

Sunday Stuffs, the "Works in Progress" Edition - CoCo Ichibanya, Da Nang Corner, and Greenhaus Vegetarian Eatery, (hopefully) Coming Soon

Boy, this past week has been some kind of humid, huh? I'm just going to do a short post today of places that look like are current works in progress.

CoCo Ichibanya:

Last I heard, CoCo Ichibanya was supposed to open during this summer. Well, it's near the end of August. So, during one of my shopping trips to Nijiya, I decided to see what was going on.

Well, doesn't look like much yet. So perhaps it might not be ready for prime time this month? Or perhaps they are using my "endless March 2020" calendar...which would still make it March......176th!

I guess it's a bit too hot for curry right now anyway, right?

4428 Convoy St.
San Diego, CA 92111

Meanwhile, right next to CoCo Ichibanya was a place I hadn't noticed.

Da Nang Corner:

The restaurant's Facebook Page mentions that the restaurant is taking a bit longer than expected to build out. I'm hoping we get some good Mi Quang?

I'm kinda excited about this place.

4428 Convoy St.
San Diego, CA 92111

Greenhaus Vegetarian Eatery:

The Missus and I were taking a little drive around the 'hood, when I noticed that the long time Chinese Fast Food shop Wok in Express next to JV's and Waters was gone and is going to be......yep, a Vegetarian Shop! You gotta say.... Morena sure is changing, ain't it?

Now, if we only get a bakery selling really got croissants!

1118 Morena Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110

Hope you're keeping cool and staying safe!

Have a great week!

Our Pandemic Rotation - Et Voila, the Original Sab E Lee, and Sushi Tadokoro

You know things are pretty bad with this pandemic when I can actually do a "rotation" post......and since it's now March 160th.....well, that is long enough to have one I guess, sigh.....

Anyway, here goes:

Et Voila!:

Though I think the Missus is kinda burning out on the takeout Cocktails from Et Voila; I think the main reason might be the menu. It was already kinda slim pickins' to begin with and once this was no longer available....

We tried the Ravioli Aux Champingnons, Tarte Aux Champignons, the Coq au Vin, which I didn't care for....

Until we just kinda finally settled on the Charcuterie and Baguette.

We are sorely tempted to just order some baguette.....but that might be pushing our luck a bit, don't you think?

Et Voilà!
3015 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116

The Original Sab E Lee:

The Missus is really missing Her fix from Thai Papaya which is still closed. So, we've been making due with TOSEL; which of course doesn't have several of Her favorites (Som Tom Khai Kem/Spicy Thousand Year Old Eggs). Still, for some strange reason She was craving Pad Thai....which doesn't happen every often.....must be the Pandemic.

Anyway, I got Her Pad Thai, Duck Larb, and Issan Sausage.

So, I got the Duck Larb at heat level three.....check out all those chilies....a level three....

Still, the Missus got Her "fix".

And the young lady working is one of the folks from Thai Papaya.....it was nice seeing her. I asked about when they'd be reopening and was told that she hadn't heard anything about that. Bummer....

The Original Sab E Lee
6925 Linda Vista Road
San Diego, CA 92111

Sushi Tadokoro:

After doing takeout from Tadokoro on almost a weekly basis, we've been trying to show some restraint.....it's now every other week.

And while Tadokoro now has outdoor seating on the patio.....

We're not quite ready to take that step yet.

So we'll just keeping on doing the takeout thing.

It's getting to the point that some of folks are starting to recognize my voice on the phone.

This is a nice treat for the Missus and I. And with the way things are going, we do need to have those moments.

Sushi Tadokoro
2244 San Diego Ave
San Diego, CA 92110

Take care!

Clearing Out the Memory Card - More Takeout from Sushi Tadokoro

Here's a bunch more takeout photos from Sushi Tadokoro.

While it is probably in the "first world problem" category, the Missus and I have been missing our nights out and even more, we celebrated the Missus Birthday at home in nearly a decade. I'd made a promise a decade ago that we'd always celebrate Her birthday, even though it might be a few days after, in a different locale, and whether it was in Madrid, the Czech Republic, Lisbon, Budapest, or even Alaska, we were able to do that......but this is 2020 and things are different.....much more different.

And, while there are limits in place....some of which we've determined work for us...being able to get takeout from Tadokoro has surely enabled us to have a nice dinner at home.....

So here's a collection of photos form the last couple of weeks.....which usually starts with a nicely wrapped package like this.

And yields some pretty delici-yoso stuffs......

Which have led to some pretty nice meals......

And while many places have opened back up for dining in; Tadokoro included, Take-san made sure to show me the plexiglass dividers, UV and air purification devices in place....we're not quite ready to take that step yet.

So, we're just happy to be able to get stuff like this......

To have in the perceived comfort of home....until we're ready to once again sit in front of Take-san and say "please, make us what you think we'll like...…"

We're just happy Tadokoro is still accommodating us.

Sushi Tadokoro
2244 San Diego Ave
San Diego, CA 92110

Covid-19 Takeout - EE Nami (Revisited) and The Original Sab E Lee

EE Nami (Revisited):

Well, in my previous post on EE Nami, I did mention my desire to revisit to try out the Pork Filet Tonkatsu. And of course, I try to be a man of my word....honestly, the Pork Loin Tonkatsu was easily the best I'd had in San Diego, so I'd make up any excuse to return to try the filet version.

Which, like my previous take-out tonkatsu from EE Nami, this was still crisp when I got home to consume it.

The pork filet is a lot thicker, meatier, and tender....though I think of it as being a bit "mushy-moist" than the pork loin version, which is more toothsome and has a nice chewy "fat cap".

So, you can pick your poison based on your preferences.....both were quite good, though I prefer the pork loin.

Current, Covid-19 Takeout Hours are Tuesday - Sunday, 11am - 2pm and 5pm - 8pm.

EE Nami
4706 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92117
858-246-6903

The Original Sab E Lee:

Usually, when the weather starts warming up, the Missus starts craving take-out from Thai Papaya. Unfortunately, Thai Papaya is currently closed....with signs saying that The Original Sab E Lee is currently open seven days a week.

So, I decided to head on over to place a take-out order. Sadly, no Som Tom Khai Kem…….no salted egg at TOSEL. On the very nice side of things; the young man working often works at Thai Papaya and was so happy to see me that he made me a Thai Iced Tea without asking and I was obligated to take it. Really nice gesture.

I got the Issan Sausage, which was as expected, the duck larb was very nice once chilled, we got the regular papaya salad...heat level 5, which was spicier than we recalled.....must be getting soft in our old age. While we missed the layer of savory flavor the salted egg usually brings to the papaya salad, it was decent....not perfect, but ok.

The Missus loved the little dry shrimp in the papaya salad....and I pretty much enjoyed the cabbage and the sauce.

Nice lunch, but we can't wait until Thai Papaya opens back up.

Current Covid-19 Hours are 11am - 330pm and 5pm - 930 pm Monday to Friday and 11am - 930pm Saturday and Sunday.

The Original Sab E Lee
6925 Linda Vista Road
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 650-6868

A "BC" (Before Covid) Revisit to Yakitori Taisho

At the dinner table a few nights back the Missus and I like I think many other folks are these days, were discussing about where we'd want to have our first dinner out "AC" (After Covid)…...whenever that would be......I'm not sure how or when we'd feel comfortable enough to actually dine in; nor are we sure what changes would be in store for dining in. Yakitori Taisho was definitely on the top of that list. Granted, we haven't been back much after Taka-san left, but we were and are, craving yakitori.

By coincidence, on March 12th the Missus had plans to have dinner with Her friends so I decided to pay Taisho a visit.

It had been quite a while since I had walked thru the door at Taisho and hadn't visited since they expanded. The place now holds twice the amount of people, though it seems to have lost that cozy, intimate atmosphere.....which, in light of our current situation, may play in their favor when they do try to reopen.

I was greeted with a big smile from Kuma-san; who still remembers us from our visit to the original location of Yakyuudori in Nagoya, where he was manning the konro on that evening. He cracked us up, when he'd declare he was "better than Taka" while handing us our skewers!  He does have some major Yakitori chops.

And of course; things started with some draft Sapporo.

And I was happy that nankotsu (chicken cartlidge) was on the menu. I really enjoy the distinct, crunchy-chewy texture of nankotsu.

I thoroughly enjoyed my Yakitori. I did notice that while Taka-san often had a lighter touch in terms of tare, salt, and carmelization; Kuma is more flavor forward.....knowing the personality of both of them, it just makes sense. It's all good!

Man, I really miss our meals at Taisho, what took me so long since I'd last visited? When the Missus got home from Her dinner, we chatted about Taisho and made plans on having dinner at Taisho in the near future. Then of course, March 16th came along. So, we're hoping to be able to safely and comfortably visit Taisho when we get on the other side of this pandemic. We're hoping......

Yakitori Taisho
(Currently Temporarily Closed Due to You Know What)
5185 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92117

I'm sure many of you are thinking about places you're missing, and hoping to have meals at once restaurants open for dining in and you feel comfortable with eating in a restaurant.

Where would that be?

Covid-19 Takeout - EE Nami

Back in the beginning of April, I noticed that Ramen Yamachan (which was around for just a blink of the eye after replacing Ramen Yamadaya) was gone and replaced with something called "EE Nami", I was just driving past, so really couldn't make much else out and didn't even think the place had opened yet. In the comments of my Easter post; FOY Jason mentioned if I had tried the new Izakaya on Clairemont Mesa.....which was EE Nami. I waited for a couple of weeks before checking out their website and calling tp pick up lunch on my way home during the weekend.

The young lady on the phone was very pleasant and told me they were serving an abbreviated take-out menu. I placed my order and headed over.

So, looking at the sign....."Tonkatsu Izakaya"....nice, it's been a while since I've had decent Tonkatsu in San Diego. It's definitely a niche to fill in my opinion.

I was in and out in a matter of minutes as my food was ready when I arrived.

I ordered the Loin Katsu, which looked very good when I opened it upon arriving home.

A couple of things I noticed as I went and tasted everything. The katsu sauce here is a bit more on the sweeter side; not cloying or anything, just a bit different from the typical Japanese Tonkatsu sauce, though definitely not a ketchupy as the katsu sauce in Hawaii. It was nice and thick and quite good. The miso soup is nothing to write home about and I really didn't expect much anyway.

But of course you wanna know about the tonkatsu, right? I really enjoyed how this was breaded; the panko wasn't coming off the meat a sign of good temperature (both in prep and cooking), it was super crisp even after the 15-20 minute drive home. The pork loin had a very pleasant texture.....a slight toothsomeness and was pork was decently moist. This was the best I've had in a while.

The following weekend I ordered the Menchi Katsu, basically breaded and fried meatball.....man, when was the last time I had this?

I didn't find this to be quite as good as the tonkatsu. While again nicely breaded, I thought the ground pork was rather bland and while moist, it was a bit too mushy in texture for me. I prefer my menchi katsu to have some heft and meatiness to it. The cheese would have been a good textural contrast if the meat wasn't so mushy.

I had planned on doing another visit, but for some reason things kinda fell by the wayside. Until "Elle" asked me about EE Nami in the comments of my latest post on R&B....it was a great reminder. So between meetings I called and placed an order. The guy who answered the phone was really friendly and told me they were out of Pork Filet and the Sandos (sandwiches). I had been wanting to try the karaage before finally doing my post, so that's what I went with.

I'm thinking that word is getting out on EE Nami as there were two customers waiting outside and two inside when I arrived.

There were take-out packages lining the counter and the young man running the front was really hustling.

While doing a great job of disinfecting the counters, anywhere customers touched, and especially the handles on the doors. And he was super efficient as well. Kudos to him.

I did have short wait for my order; as the folks who were there before got their orders; two phone orders and two walk in orders were placed.

I picked up the Loin Tonkatsu for one of my coworkers (which he loved) and got my Chicken Karaage.

This style of karaage were chicken thighs (as it should be), basically half thighs, instead of cut into smaller pieces. It wasn't heavily battered and not particularly crisp....I prefer my karaage to have some crunch to them (with more potato starch and baking soda, as in what I make at home - though I have about a dozen different recipes). The chicken was very moist, but I think it was marinated too long and was on the salty side.

I definitely think the tonkatsu here is a keeper and I'll definitely return for more....maybe this week even! I got to peek at the entire menu, which looked promising and can't wait until we're past our current state of things to try some what I saw.

Really liked the folks working here as well. It seems like they're doing fairly well, I'm hoping for the best.

Current, Covid-19 Takeout Hours are Tuesday - Sunday, 11am - 2pm and 5pm - 8pm.

EE Nami
4706 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92117
858-246-6903

Covid-19 Takeout - Sushi Tadokoro

I know we're all making sacrifices during this time. And I know it can get to you. We all need to find that little pocket of comfort that can add some normalcy to our day. Work has been grinding the Missus down, the long hours, and when you do get a day off, well, you need to stay at home...so perhaps it's just better to keep working. So, it was quite a happy moment when FOYs "Yummy Yummy" and "Yummy Kiwi" (I know...what's up with the name....well, they are sisters.....I guess I'll call them the "Yummy Sisters"?) told me that Sushi Tadokoro was opening for take-out starting on May first. So, on Friday, the first, I called in an order for Saturday. The post I saw said they had lunch hours, but the young lady told me they were currently only doing dinner, Thursday to Monday 4pm - 830pm.

I placed my order for a 430pm pick-up.

There's a makeshift pick-up area set-up and I walked on over said hello, paid, and got my order to go.

I got the Omakase Set and the Omakase Sashimi...it ain't cheap, but this Tadokoro.....and as a whole, I don't go for cheap sushi/sashimi. And boy, this was a lot of food......which looked almost too good to eat....

We busted out the tokkuri we had in the cabinet and our chilled bottle of Yaegaki Mu and had ourselves an awesome dinner. It was quite a bit of food.

The Missus and I smiled, enjoying our meal....while the Missus does enjoy my cooking, well, this gave us both a nice break, a bit of an escape.

Man, that buttery toro sashimi...…..the scallops......that little mini ikura-Hokkaido uni gohan…….whoa......real wasabi

As we finished dinner; the Missus told me, "we need to do this again".

I replied, "sure, anytime".

She said "like tomorrow....."

And soon I was on the phone ordering tonight's dinner. The young lady laughed when I gave my name and number; "did you finish dinner already?"

Which found me returning this late afternoon at 430 again.

This time we ordered a more manageable amount of food.

The Chirashi Box and the Nigiri Plate....and two pieces of Toro...….oh man.....

Two wonderful and special meals, over two nights, made our weekend where the Missus got called in twice; once at 330 in the morning. It gave us a nice moment of shared enjoyment as we're not able to go out. While it's not quite the sushi bar experience....half the fun is going to a place where the Itamae knows and interacts with you....where, because he understands your tastes and preferences, designs a meal that fits your taste. Still, this is as close as we can get right now and we'll gladly take it.

As I grabbed my to go package and said my thanks to Take-san, the nice young lady bowed slightly and said; "we'll see you tomorrow!"

And if you know the Missus....well, anything is possible!

Sushi Tadokoro
2244 San Diego Ave
San Diego, CA 92110