mmm-yoso!!!

Frazier Farms (La Mesa) (Grab and Go)

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of this food blog.  Kirk is very busy with work and Cathy is writing today.

Family owned Frazier Farms Market opened in 1971 in Escondido.  It expanded and contracted over the years and now has three San Diego County locations.  In September 2020 the La Mesa location on Fletcher Parkway at Jackson (in the former Circuit City building) made its debut. The grocery aisles have a variety of natural and organic products as well as standard selections with very good prices. However, it's the 'edge' of the store where we stop for a snack before shopping. (There are a good number of picnic tables at the shaded front of the building).  Yes, there is pizza by the slice.  Two for $6 (only on Tuesdays the slices are two for $5).
  The white slice is always good. The red sauce is not spicy; a good tomato sauce. The sausage is remarkably good. Vegetables are fresh and really kind of perfect.  The crust is not thick and is good meld of crispiness with chewiness. 
 There is a sandwich area. You can pick one of the standard choices (filling out a paper listing items you might not want). The Frazier Cubano is made with smoked pulled pork, ham, Swiss, pickles and mustard and butter as well as strawberry preserves and, of course, panini style. 
 The sweet saltiness as well as crisped bread and plenty of meat filling makes this sandwich enough to share.  The same with the Ranch Chicken sandwich, made with warm chicken breast, bacon, Meunster, tomato, onion, dill, lettuce and Ranch dressing served on white (ask for the bread to be toasted). 
 Those above sandwiches are $7.99 each, you can order a half sandwich for $3.99 and you can also 'Create Your Own" for $5.99 (adding cheese is another 50¢) and my only advice would be to ask for the bread to be toasted.  The rye here is a very good quality (flavor) and I really like the pickles.
 There is an area with sushi rolls and bowls being freshly made.  During the pandemic, a variety of sides could be found, pre-packed. There are also a good variety of salads in the deli counter. There is only one potato salad made here(there seem to be way too many varieties of potato salad in other deli counters) and it is really good; eggs as well as potatoes with just enough mayonnaise based sauce.

As of last week, a by-the-pound salad bar has opened. (You wear disposable gloves to handle the utensils).  There's a juice and coffee bar, offering organic coffees and smoothies and açaí bowls. It is located near the entrance next to the bakery area and also the refrigerated bakery area.
 The Ricotta filled cannoli ($2.50) is a perfect snack to go with a cup of coffee.
  The carrot cake ($3.99/slice) is kind of perfect.  Again, enough to share.
 There is also a gelato bar area.  The flavors are a good variety and a small is, again enough to share.  
 Not photogenic, but a good combination was the banana gelato along with butter pecan; a sort of fancy banana split in each bite. 

Family owned, quality products.  A great store.

Frazier Farms. 8401 Fletcher Parkway, La Mesa, CA 91942 (619) 309-4024 Open Daily 8 am-9 pm Website

 

Midweek Meanderings - Harland Brewing Opens in Bay Park, IsaBella Changing Locations, and Sushi Hachi by Kimura Closed (Were they ever open?)

Just a quick post for a post time change Wednesday.

Harland Brewing Opens in Bay Park:

As I mentioned back at the end of November, Harland Brewing was taking the place of the short lived Benchmark Brewing on Napier off Morena. Well, I understand that as of Monday they've opened; serving food from Poseidon Project.

I gotta admit, with San Diego moving into the Red Tier as of today, the timing is pretty good.

Harland Brewing - Bay Park
4112 Napier St.
San Diego, CA 92110
Current Hours:
Mon - Wed   3pm - 9pm
Thurs - Sat 12pm - 9pm
Sunday      12pm - 7pm

Isa.Bella Changing Locations:

Closing the loop on this one was pure luck. About two weeks ago, I dropped by the strip mall off Morena, I noticed that IsaBella Pizza was gone. It had taken the place of Bollweavel back in 2014.

I really had only been back twice after doing my post back in 2014 and really wasn't too impressed.

Then last week, I happened to be in Clairemont Town Square when I noticed an ABC application on one of the doors.

And lo' and behold....it looks like IsaBella will be opening here. It kind of fits in the mold of places right outside the theatres at Clairemont Town Square.

4705 Clairemont Dr.
San Diego, CA 92117

Sushi Hachi by Kimura Closed (Were they ever open?):

I noticed this when I finally went and did takeout from the place with the most posts on our little blog.

Which was included in the same post where I mentioned Harland was opening in Bay Park.

A notice of ownership change. Perhaps they were torpedoed by Covid…...sad. 

Which led me to wonder.....did they ever open?

3904 Convoy St #117
San Diego, CA 92111

Anyway, that's it for now. Hope everyone is having a great week!

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?:

**** La Catrina has 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