mmm-yoso!!!

Times "BC" (Before Covid) - Remember Brunches? Tribute Pizza, Nate's Garden Grill, and Dan Diegos

The Missus and I aren't real breakfast/brunch kinda folks......especially the pancake/omelette/etc...… A simple croissant will often do. I know, the "most important meal of the day" and all that stuff. Still, breakfast will often make the Missus feel tired, lazy, and sluggish....so there's not much of that going on in our household. However, when we do want to have brunch (and then probably head back home for a nap) we enjoy something that's not quite conventional as you will soon see.

At the end of 2019 and during the beginning of 2020 I was starting to work on a collection of these brunches....and then Covid-19 hit. And who knows when we'll be happily munching and brunching away next? I was just going to delete these photos.....but since these places are still open for takeout; I thought why not just go ahead and do a "COMC" (Clearing Out the Memory Card) kind of post.

So here goes:

Tribute Pizza:

A favorite of the Missus had started serving brunch and we thought we'd try it out. And we really enjoyed it....this was our favorite of the four.

The Missus loved that kale with pesto, that I started making a similar item that's a staple for the Missus's lunches. (Photo on the right)

We really enjoyed this brunch. We haven't been to Tribute since the pandemic started, but will hopefully rectify things soon.

I'm hoping when the pandemic is resolved they start up brunch again.

Tribute Pizza
3077 N Park Way
San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 450-4505
Takeout Hours:
Mon - Wed 4pm - 8pm
Thurs     4pm - 9pm
Friday    1pm - 9pm
Saturday  12pm - 9pm
Sunday    12pm - 8pm

Nate's Garden Grill:

I've enjoyed my breakfasts at Nate's.

I think I mostly enjoy the vibe and setting.....

The brunches have always been quite rustic and hearty.

And I believe they are doing brunch for takeout on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am - 3pm

Nate's Garden Grill
3120 Euclid Ave
San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 546-7700
Takeout Hours:
Wed - Fri  1130am - 8pm
Saturday   9am - 3pm, 4pm - 8pm
Sunday     9am - 3pm
Currently Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

Dan Diegos:

And here's one from my 'hood. I hadn't been in a while.

Man, this was soooo much food.....

And that huge bowl of gravy went straight to my arteries.

So, of course the fruit bowl made me feel much better......right?

Really nice folks here. More about diner/pub grub and portions....but every once in a while....

No longer serving brunch, but open for takeout.

Dan Diegos Pub
2415 Morena Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110
Current Takeout Hours:
Mon - Thurs 330pm - 930pm
Fri - Sun   1pm - 930pm

So there you go....one from the memory card. Who knows when we'll be brunching again. And even though it's never been a priority for us.....I do miss it.

 

 

Man, was it warm enough for you the last couple of days?

So, I'm kinda stewing in my juices here wondering what post I should do...….

After sitting for a while....I just decided to cut my losses and grab a pizza.

That's a pesto chicken pizza from Poseidon Project.

And have a cold one.....I had a couple of cans of Avery Brewing Ellie's Brown Ale.....I really just got it because I loved the pooch on the can.

And that's it for today.

I'm glad things will be (hopefully) cooling down the next couple of days....this dry heat and the Santa Ana's have meant some pretty dramatic bleeding from my nose the last two days.....not a great look with a mask on.

Be safe and have a great rest of the week!

 

Eating (and Drinking) in the Time of Covid-19 - Take-Out from Poseidon Project and Wa Dining Okan

A few more take-out orders....

Poseidon Project:

My favorite weekly "pau hana time" stop is now doing take-out pizza, beer, and family meals. So, how can I not support the place?

Mostly stopping to pick up a couple of beers now and then; though the Missus has really taken to the Wild Barrel Vice with Passion Cactus Dragon Fruit. I knew the Missus would enjoy this Berlinerweisse the first time I tasted it. I'm happy to get it for Her while they still have it in stock.

And once in a while; one of their pizzas will hit it out of the park.....

Poseidon Project
4126 Napier St
San Diego, CA 92110

Bentos from Wa Dining Okan:

If you're standing in line to get into Nijiya, you can't miss their signs.

I called while waiting in line at Nijiya and ordered the Karaage Bento. When I finished my shopping, I popped in.

While the karaage didn't hold up over the trip back home; I thought this was pretty good.

In fact, I kinda prefer this to my recent sit-down lunches.

And the miso soup was perhaps the best I've had from Okan.

I decided to order again on my last trip to Nijiya and this time ordered the Buta Kakuni.

And while I wish the eggs weren't cooked so much; the pork was surprisingly tender and full of flavor.

I might do this again while waiting in line at Nijiya.

And this post on Okan goes out to "FOY" (friend-of-yoso) ChrisR, who is always the first to gently remind me via email, of how wrong I am whenever I type a negative word on Okan. I hope you and yours are safe and in good health Chris!

Wa Dining Okan
3860 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111

Take care everyone!

Clearing Out the Memory Card - Revisits to Tribute Pizza and Woomiok

Here's an unlikely pairing....though both places are pretty much on our rotation. Tribute was our last meal before heading to Mexico City and Woomiok our first restaurant meal after returning. As with our COMC posts; verbiage is at a minimum.

Tribute Pizza:

Our fridge emptied before our trip; the Missus wanted to head to Tribute, which I've posted on a number of times.

And the food did hit he spot as usual.

Tribute Pizza
3077 N Park Way
San Diego, CA 92104

Woomiok:

Returning from our trip; the Missus needed something to fortifying. I suggested Woomiok, which did the trick.

Woomiok
3860 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111

I understand that perhaps you drop in to see something new; bright and shiny....but in all honesty, I don't think that's how most people eat.....someplace new everyday. And I'd like to think we're pretty much normal folk. I'll have something new soon; but for now, thank you for dropping by. And......

What have you been craving lately?

Hungry Lu's- Italian Deli & Goodies (Ocean Beach)

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy today; Kirk and His Missus are enjoying a few days off.

Hungry Lu's is located in the midst of homes and a few businesses on Voltaire Street, three blocks East of the Pacific Ocean.  The Ocean Beach community has been able to enjoy this Bakery and Deli since 1973. Walk in, order and pay.  There are some tables out front and your order is brought out to you.  
 Of course, you can just order some meats, cheeses and (wonderful fresh baked) rolls to make your own sandwiches at home.

 We were here in early January and Christmas Cookies were still being baked; a nice way to continue the holiday treats a bit longer (and to ignore a silly resolution)
 There is a menu on the front window as well as on the wall and taped to the counter inside.  It's simple and has just enough choices, especially if you are walking to or from the beach. The "personal size" pizza is quite large, cut into six slices and has a wonderful crust!  All pizzas are priced the same, $6.49.  This, the 'Meat Lovers', includes pepperoni, sausage, salami and mozzarella.  The sauce is a good tomato flavored unadorned deliciousness. 
The Baked eggplant sandwich, listed under 'Favorite Subs' ($8.99) is simple with eggplant baked in olive oil, mozzarella and the simple yet flavorful tomato marinara.  The sandwich/bread baked here is quite large and half of a sandwich (on the wonderfully tasty toasted bread) is filling. There appeared to be some ricotta on the sandwich also...which made it even better.   
 There is one item not even listed on the menu, but everyone orders it.  The cannoli shells ( a delicious fried pasty) are near where you place your order at the counter and are filled when you order. The filling is a smooth ricotta with citrus (lemon) and the ends are topped with tiny chocolate chips (optional; as if I'd say no).  The cost was around $3.  

A nice, long time, local sandwich place.

Hungry Lu's 4920 Voltaire Street, San Diego, 92016 (619)223-4722 Open Mon-Fri 10:30-4:30, Sat 10:30-5:30 Closed Sunday.

Pappalecco

Welcome back to the food blog, mmm-yoso!!! Kirk and His Missus are somewhere in Europe, dealing with some transportation issues. Cathy does eat and takes photos, so enjoy her post today. 

13 years ago, the first location of Pappalecco opened in the Little Italy area of town, eventually expanding to three other locations and then one location closed, so at present, there are three locations total.  Each of the Tuscan influenced restaurant locations offer coffees, panini, croissant, salads, pizza, baked desserts and gelato-as well as breakfast on weekends.   We were on Adams Avenue at 42nd and decided to drop into this neighborhood location.  

 Walk in, order and pay.  There is a menu above the cash register as well as some printed menus. Your food will be brought to you. There are quite a few tables and seating areas, inside and out front.  
 We decided to try a Margherita pizza ($10.75).  The wood fired oven bakes an excellent (thin!) crust with a good chew.  The (imported) San Marzano tomatoes are unadorned and have a perfect, fresh picked tomato flavor.  The Fior Di Latte Mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh basil and olive oil make all the flavors of each ingredient stand out.  Really a perfect pie. 
We added a side salad (for one) ($5.99).  Mixed perfectly, each item (mixed greens, onion and cherry tomatoes), coated lightly with a garlic-y Caesar dressing, making each bite of the (quite large/easily shared) salad uniform and not in need of any condiments. (Lime Vinaigrette and Olive Oil & Balsamic are also choices).
 When you walk in, just to the right is the gelato display.  We had  to try 'something'.  
 So, we ended up with three flavors ($5.75).  On the bottom in the center, you can slightly see the Strawberry Balsamic-such a delightful flavor blend.  The scoop on the left is a wonderful, nutty pistachio.  The serving on the right in the above photo is "Thanksgiving" and has pumpkin, ginger, cinnamon and glazed pecans...what a perfect bit of every Thanksgiving dessert available!

We will be back to try more of the menu.

Pappalecco 4202 Adams Ave. San Diego 92116 (619)255-4770 Open Mon-Thurs 7-9, Fri 7-9:30, Sat 7:30-9:30, Sun 7:30-9 Website

Sunday Stuffs - the "My 'Hood Edition: It's Chef Jun Sushi and Kappo, Breakfast at Bay Park Coffee, and Spam at Poseidon Project

So, here's a few updates and other "stuffs" in our neighborhood.

It's really Chef Jun Sushi and Kappo:

So, as "Friend of Yoso FOY" Derek, mentions in the comments of my earlier post; Chef Jun is a Sushi and supposedly "kappo", which I'm assuming really stretches the definition, style restaurant. So says the sign which I saw this past Saturday.

Okay......I'm not sure why I feel kind of disappointed......

4033 Avati Dr
San Diego, CA 92117

Breakfast at Bay Park Coffee:

So, Noel from Bay Park Coffee apparently reads this blog....and gave me a bit of grief about my post. Which I stand by. The croissant from Bread and Cie, works best when the lack of butter, salt, and sweetness is supplanted with eggs, ham, and cheese. The flakiness of said "faux croissant" works well with this.

And is a nice breakfast sandwich.

Though, like I told Noel...."I'll know when you've got some influence when I see a Spam, egg, and cheese croissant".....

Bay Park Coffee
4130 Napier St
San Diego, CA 92110

And Speaking of Spam....and Pizza - the Poseidon Project:

So, I don't really mention the Poseidon Project much. But, over the last couple of years, they've become my "pau hana time" choice.....I usually visit twice a week. About two years ago, they added a pizza oven and have been making pizzas.

While the woodfired pies there won't make me forget Tribute or even Bruno's, it's a nice neighborhood place. And then there's a pie called the "hot honey", that has a sweet and (very) mildly spicy sauce that's made with soppressata. I felt that it would really taste great with Spam®. Nate, the owner always wrinkled his nose at the thought of Spam®. But, Chris one of the pizza guys, made us a pie...…..we provided the Spam® singles......

Man, this was good.....the salty-savory, well caramelized Spam® (Chris - you are the man!), with the mildly sweet-spicy hot honey..... Even Nate, who hadn't ever had Spam® before thought it "was pretty good"....in other words....it was delici-yoso…..

And of course.....no bogus pineapple...….

Poseidon Project
4126 Napier St
San Diego, CA 92110

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