mmm-yoso!!!

Clearing Out the Memory Card - Revisits to Bistro Na's (Temple City), Tribute Pizza, and is La Catrina Closed for Good?

Wow, several of my favorite food groups in one post....after all the really wordy posts recently, I thought I'd give you all a break.

Bistro Na's (Temple City):

Yes, again....the Missus was wondering how getting a Michelin Star would affect Bistro Na's. Well, as far as our lunch was concerned; the crowds are larger now, but the service was still top notch.

And our favorites are still our favorites.

I enjoyed the Zui Ji (Drunken Chicken), which was on the mild side in terms of flavor but super tender and moist.

The Missus enjoyed the stir fried cauliflower.

But we'll pass on the Chili Beef with Tofu in the future.

Decent numbingness, but not much else; strangely not spicy and rather plain and bland in spite of looks.

As you can tell that we've done multiple visits over the last couple of months, this place is a favorite of the Missus.

Bistro Na's
9055 Las Tunas Drive
Temple City, CA 91780

Tribute Pizza:

It's been a while since we last visited and our planned dinner destination was closed (see below). So we walked over. It was still Happy Hour so we got two pizzas.....seven bucks each during HH!

This was more food than we needed and had leftovers. The pizzas were better than we remembered; simple but perfectly prepared. The Missus also enjoyed a sangria..... We gotta drop by more often.

Tribute Pizza
3077 N Park Way
San Diego, CA 92104
Happy Hour:
Tues - Fri 4pm - 6pm

Is La Catrina Closed?:

The reason we went to Tribute was because our intended destination; La Catrina was closed; with this sign posted on the door.

Strange, because we'd just gone the previous week and everything was just fine. And the Missus loved the Tacos De Flor De Jamaica; jicama, mushroom, and eggplant tacos.

The Carnitas and Octopus Cazuela was a good as always.

I did express concern about this place in my previous post and it doesn't look good.

I hope I'm wrong.....

La Catrina Tapas & Cantina
3139 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92104

Pacific Pizza (Poway)

mmm-yoso!!!, a blog about food.  Cathy is writing today, Kirk's exciting Labor Day weekend has been extended a bit.

The Mister and I shop about once a month at the Atlas World Fresh Market in the Poway shopping center located in the triangle shaped mall surrounded by Pomerado Road, Twin Peaks Road and Ted Williams Parkway in Poway.  Atlas has a small 'Food Hall' area with Persian, Korean, Indian and a few other choices, which we are slowly trying out, depending on what is open when we shop.  Sometimes we don't want to eat there.

We noticed this signage for Pacific Pizza about seven weeks ago and finally dropped in.   Locally owned, family run, this small shop has four picnic tables for indoor seating as well as a couple of small tables out front. 
The menu is simple, with pizzas, slices, salads, pastas, sandwiches, wings and a few other things, including Calzone and Stromboli.  You may recall my Stromboli-Calzone comparison post from ten years ago..or not. 
A small Greek salad (technically sized for one person, but the bowl is deep, toppings are plenty and we share) ($5).  Fresh ingredients and a good balsamic dressing. 
We ordered a calzone ($12.99, includes two toppings-we chose mushrooms and sausage)(additional toppings are $1.25 each and I don't think are necessary, since the cheesy mozzarella, parmesan and ricotta alone is great and would get 'diluted' with too many additions). 
 Two sides of fresh made marina also came with the calzone.  That white stuff is a piece of garlic, which, along with the chunky tomato pieces is a pleasure to eat alone or with the calzone.  You can see the thin delicate crust, which was brushed with garlic butter and herbs.  This calzone was quite wonderful.  

People were ordering slices, some lunch specials, sandwiches, salads and pizzas while we were in here. One large delivery was being taken out when we walked in.

I hope Pacific Pizza does well; they are serving quality food and everyone working is patient, polite and friendly.

Pacific Pizza 14897 Pomerado Road Poway 92064 (858) 842-6000 Open Mon-Sat 10-9, Sun 12-8 website

Fresh Brothers (Carmel Valley)

mmm-yoso!!! is a food-centric blog.  Today's short post is written by Cathy.

There was a need to stop at Trader Joe's and The Mister and I knew about this location for several reasons, having seen the signage on the corner multiple times over the years.  We had to get to the parking lot and saw a few other interesting businesses, including Fresh Brothers, so we stopped for a quick lunch. 

 This small chain, with 20 stores in Southern California (this is the only one in San Diego) started in 2008 (San Diego store opened in October 2016). Modern design with indoor and outdoor seating.  A fairly basic menu- pizzas, salad, wings, knots and sliders.  Bread in different forms. 
We ordered 'basics' for this first time meal.  The antipasto salad ($11) sounded good.  This is very large.  The bowl is deep, the toppings are layered within.  Critterio brand salami, smoked ham, mozzarella bits, green and black olives, grape tomatoes, pepperoni, red onion, Romaine lettuce.  The fresh made House Italian dressing was a great surprise- it was not too vinegary and was really fresh tasting.  
An order of three knots ($4) seemed like it would be complimentary to the salad.  Oh my, they were.  A handmade dough twisted into knot shapes, fresh baked and tossed with butter, Parmesan and chunks of garlic.  The dough was crisp on the exterior with softly layered interior.  Slightly sweet, these are addictive. The side of pizza sauce wasn't needed, but tasting it after eating half of a knot was a pleasant change.  Fresh tomatoes with a light addition of herbs (oregano was predominant; not really garlic at all). 
We decided to share a personal size cheese pizza ($7).  This was just right, sauce and cheese to the edge, a light, crispy but not too thin crust and a lot of melted, gooey mozzarella.

A nice little lunch.  Now that we've studied the menu, we will return.  (You can get any salad with a one topping personal pizza for $12.  That and some baked wings sounds like a nice meal.) Faye has been here. 

Fresh Brothers 5950 Village Way Ste 103 San Diego, CA 92130   website

Little Italy Bar & Grill (Scripps Ranch)

Here you are, reading mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk had been on vacation for two weeks, got home, posted a few things and the time zone change hit.  Cathy is writing today's post. 

The Mister and I were driving around, aimlessly, looking for someplace 'new' to us, as we tend to do.  This storefront, in a strip mall next to the Vons in Scripps Ranch, had been a French Restaurant, open only in evenings.  In 2016, it became an Italian Restaurant- open for breakfast on weekends as well as lunch and dinner daily. We decided to stop.    We were asked if we wanted the Breakfast or the Lunch menu- and took one of each.  (Thumbnails at bottom of the post).  
 There are various tables and seating areas, including an outdoor patio.
 The signage out front indicated "All Starters 1/2 off Sat-Sun open-5".  The Burrata starter (regular $15.95, so $7.97) was ordered.  Wow.  What a quality cheese, creamy and so very fresh.  Topped with some crushed black pepper, it was served on top of sliced Roma tomato, a good slice of prosciutto de parma and large pieces of basil.  Olive oil and balsamic decorated the side of the plate.  If I were alone, I'd order this (and at 1/2 price, two) as my meal.  
We decided to share one entree and had a choice of soup or salad.  The soup of the day wasn't one we liked, so we asked for the side salad (dressing already mixed in; house Italian was what we chose), a refreshing choice.
 Chicken Parmesan ($14.95) was ordered (lunch menu) and, as with proper Italian entrees, the plate came with sides of steamed vegetables and pasta topped with the house made marinara.  Fresh, flavorful sides.  The chicken, pounded thin, breaded and (properly) fried was moist and juicy, crispy and light, parmesan flavors and topped with more fresh marinara and Mozzarella.  Great.
 At the top of the Lunch menu is a "Bambino" (10 inch) pizza with one item ($10.95).  We thought we should try it, choosing artichoke.    Not too thin of a crust, wood fired and lightly charred.  A light amount of marinara, plenty of cheese as well as artichoke.  We took home leftovers and had a light dinner.

Another quality neighborhood restaurant.  A great find.  

Little Italy Bar & Grill 10006 Scripps Ranch Blvd (between Red Rock Drive and Aviary Drive) San Diego 92131 (858) 368-4688 Open Mon-Wed 11-9, Th-Fri-11-10, Sat 9-10. Sun 9-9 Website

Clearing Out the Memory Card - Revisits to Tribute Pizza and Aqui es Texcoco

Just clearing out the memory card of places I've posted on numerous times.

Tribute Pizza:

It had been over six months since we'd been to Tribute and the Missus had burnt out on pizza (if you notice that visit to Tribute was "pizza-less"). But finally She was ready to have some pizza again recently and requested a visit to Tribute.

We did the usual....the Sea Salt Foccacia with 'Nduja

The Meat, Cheese, and Veg Board....with all the veggies. Loved the venison salumi and Drunken Goat ("Queso de Murcia") is another cheese we enjoy.

I'd forgotten that the board came with focaccia as well.

Since it was Happy Hour; we also ordered the Biancoverde; which turned out to be just too much food.

But the Missus enjoys cold pizza...… And we enjoyed our visit.

Tribute Pizza
3077 N Park Way
San Diego, CA 92104

Aqui es Texcoco:

Another place I hadn't been to in ages....like almost a year! Since the Missus's work schedule changed, we didn't have time for breakfasts on weekends anymore or were just too tired when Saturday came around.

I finally got back right after Christmas. And it was as good as ever.

Which was relief since it seems that many of our "regular" spots have been starting to disappoint us recently.

Aqui Es Texcoco
1043 Broadway
Chula Vista, CA 91911

Hope you're keeping warm and having a great weekend!

Pesto Craft Kitchen (SDSU area)

mmm-yoso!!! welcomes you back to reading about food in San Diego. Kirk has been working a lot of (weekend) overtime and Cathy is writing a few posts., like this one.

Customized, wood fired oven pizzas have been a restaurant phenomenon since about 2014. I've written two posts about Pieology and one post about Blaze.  Pesto Craft Kitchen took over what originally was the location of Social Life Neapolitan Pizza in 2016. Pesto offers more than customizable pizza and salads.
The menu is visible when you walk in (this is an old photo with old prices because I apparently could not take a clear picture of it in the last year). (Use THIS link to see current prices on the website)
You walk along the ordering line.
A decadent snack served here are these delightful 'garlic knots', you can purchase 4 or 8 as an appetizer.   
You can sort of see the fire in the oven through the protective glass.
There is an extensive selection of wines and beers.
 We started with the calamari fries ($9.95) These are served with a roasted garlic spicy tomato sauce. Meaty strips of squid, breaded with a herb-y coating.  A large portion, apparently meant to be shared or this could be a low-carb meal.
  When we do enjoy a pasta dish, baked is preferred.In this case, four cheese ravioli ($13.95) which had craft pesto and was topped with marinara and mozzarella. The pasta, cheese fillings, pesto, marinara and even the side of toasted garlic bread were each distinctive in fresh flavors.  This was a filling meal...yet we wanted more.  
I went back in line and ordered a smoked ham calzone ($9.95)
 Mozzarella and ricotta are the cheeses, the wood fired crust had the char that gave the crust flavor and crunch.  The cheeses, the bit of marinara sauce...this was wonderful.  We had a bite in the restaurant and took the rest home for dinner.  A great day of meals. 

Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen  6011 El Cajon Blvd, Suite A San Diego, CA 92115 (619)265-2700 Website Open Sun-Thurs 10:30-9:30, closes at 10:00 Fri-Sat

Nordstrom-Lunch in the Department Store (again)

Thank you for reading mmm-yoso!!!, this food blog with almost daily postings.  Kirk is a bit busy with work this week and Cathy finally has some free time, so she will be posting.

Eating at restaurants located within other businesses has been a longtime way to keep people from leaving a store and possibly not returning to complete a shopping trip.  I've written only two other posts about Nordstrom, but have frequented it many times. I do love their coffee and sometimes stop in just to be able to sit down and enjoy a cup. 

 You can walk up and grab a menu to decide what you'd like to order and your first stop will be some friendly servers who can take your order, or maybe just hand  you a cup or bowl of fresh soup. Trays are next to this station. You can walk to the register and pay...perusing other offerings along the way...perhaps your order will change, or have additions. 
As in one of the previous posts, the chicken, apple and Goat Cheese salad ($14.25) is a regular choice. Tender, white meat chicken is mixed with baby greens, fresh Granny Smith apple slices, dried apple chips, spiced candied almond slices and onion, all topped with a champagne vinaigrette. This is a satisfying meal.   
Next to a display of the soups available was a display plate of this rustic Cheddar chive biscuit ($2.25).  I thought this would go with the salad.  I was correct. Light, flaky/crumbly (like a savory scone) this biscuit has wonderful, fresh flavors. 
 A pepperoni and mushroom pizza($13.25) was also an order, since there were three of us this day. 
The very thin, fresh crust was still chewy as well as crispy (but not cracker crisp).  The fresh, juicy shiitake mushroom slices and thin pepperoni, as well as basil and oregano toppings on the Mozzarella and aged Provolone cheese was so perfect- each item had a unique flavor, even the slightly sweet tomato sauce.  This was a great pizza.
Of course a 'meal' of pizza and salad was just so perfect; balanced and with such a variety of complimentary flavors.  
You seat yourself here, but have your receipt and there is a waiter who will assist you with beverages as well as other needs (water, silverware, boxing up leftovers).  We had ordered the Creme Brûlée dessert ($6.50) and our waiter said he would bring it out, freshly Brûléed, when it was time.  
Wow.  The fresh vanilla custard (heavy cream, egg yolks, vanilla bean; you can see 'specks' of vanilla throughout) topped with a thin layer of fine sugar crystals which are either heated with a torch, or melted in an oven until a thin, delicate crisp top forms was just so simply delightful.  Always a special treat here at the Cafe. 

Nordstrom Cafe Website There are different restaurant levels at the various Nordstrom store locations.  This one was in Fashion Valley

 
Even though you have already paid, the traditional chocolate mint stick is given. A wonderful ending to an always great meal.

Clearing Out the Memory Card - Happy Hour at Et Voila! and Tribute Pizza

Just a quick post with mostly photos of two of our favorite Happy Hour places.

Et Voila!:

You could say Et Voila is the Missus's favorite little restaurant. We've gotten into the habit of having happy hour here just about every other week.

First off; the Huckleberry Bourbon is half price ($7) during HH.

And we've found our "happy rotation" of three dishes. They fry things really well here and that Pork Terrine reminds us of France.

Which makes for a nice light dinner for us.

We've tried a bunch of other items on the Happy Hour; but we've settled on those three.

Et Voilà!
3015 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116
Happy Hour:
Sun - Fri 430pm - 7pm
Saturday 430pm - 6pm

Tribute Pizza:

Another favorite of the Missus. The drill here is to get the Biancoverde with Pepperoni during HH; it's under ten bucks.

And heck; the Meat, Cheese, and Veg board, always with the three veggies, and usually two cheese, unless there's something we like with regards to charcuterie.

It's served with the Foccacia of the day....some of which are really great.

So, even though I want that Sea Salt Focaccia with 'Nduja, there's just no way I can put that away.

Tribute Pizza
3077 N Park Way
San Diego, CA 92104
Happy Hour:
Tues - Fri 4pm - 6pm

Blaze Pizza (Fast Fire'd, customizable)

mmm-yoso!!! is the food blog you are reading on this not too humid day.  Kirk is busy (with work), Ed(from Yuma) is also busy (even though he is retired) and Cathy (who appears to Have time)  is writing this post.  

Driving around while getting hungry, The Mister and I were near Native Foods and noticed yet another customizable pizza location (sad that my favorite had closed).  We decided to try Blaze. 

 Ignoring the fact that "fire'd" is not a word, the idea of being able to watch your pizza being constructed, see it being placed in the fiery oven and having it ready by the time you find a place to sit is fascinating; fast food that isn't all fried or particularly heavy.

 Even better, the selections here are a bit different.   For one, there are four types of pre-made salads to choose from (although you can make a personalized/'Build Your Own' salad from all of the pizza toppings).

  There are a variety of sauces and cheeses to use as a base and the amount of ingredients available is excellent; even if you 'Build your own' pizza, using a lot of toppings, the cost is $8.25 (there is only an extra charge if you want a thicker crust or a gluten free crust).
 The system here is a bit more organized; when you order, your name and a number that is embossed on a metal tent-shaped piece are coordinated, so that the pizza in the oven doesn't get lost/given to someone else.  {Let's just say I have received free pie coupons more than once because another customizable pizza place has given my order to an unsuspecting pick up.  It is so easily preventable.}

   As I was staring at the menu, "Salad Pizza" ($8.25) had me curious.  It's a baked (fast fire'd) pizza dough, topped with pesto sauce and the cooked bread is topped with  your choice of any of the four salads available that day. In this case, I chose the tomato and mozzarella salad.  Gosh, this was perfect- salad, bread with the garlic-y pesto...a meal.  Since it was our first time here, a "Simple Pie" ($5.75) was ordered.  Mild tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese-simple. This was pretty much perfect; it reminded my of pizza we got in Naples, Italy, decades ago.      On a return visit, the Salad pizza topped with an arugula salad that had fresh blackberries was available.  Again, a great meal.     There is a "2 Top"  pizza available ($7.50) and since I did want to try the sausage here, a sausage and mushroom pie was ordered.  This was, also, perfect.  So pleasant and cheesy, plus those fresh mushrooms- wow.    Being a creature of habit- another tomato mozzarella salad topped pie was ordered. This time I did remember to take a photo of the thin crust with just the basil topping showing.   Most recently, a "Build Your Own" salad, using the base of the Caesar salad and adding bacon, chicken and a selection of vegetables ($8.25) proved to be so large that it wasn't finished in one sitting.  A good and healthy choice.  

Everything is fresh and good here. 

Blaze Pizza, multiple locations across the USA, Website

Clearing Out the Memory Card - Toronado, Hess Brewing, And Tribute Pizza

The Missus's hairdresser now works in North Park. During the last two months, the Missus has asked me to drop Her off....lucky me! There's no shortage of places where I can, ahem, "pass the time" while waiting for the Missus. Like......

Toronado:

It's been a while.

Had a nice New Belgium Le Terrior. Perfect temperature.....

Toronado
4026 30th St
San Diego, CA 92104

The most recent time, it was.....

Hess Brewing:

It had been a couple of years since I'd been here as well.

A nice 8 West on a rather warm day.

Hess Brewing Company North Park
3812 Grim Ave
San Diego, CA 92104

And in case the Missus is hungry after getting Her hair done. Well there are a lot of options here as well. Like a recent favorite of Hers....

Tribute Pizza:

On this day, the pizzas were much better than on previous visits......

Tribute Pizza
3077 N Park Way
San Diego, CA 92104

I think I'm going to make sure the Missus goes in for a trim on a regular basis!