mmm-yoso!!!

Sunday Sandwiches - The A la Mexicana From Barrio Donas

I had a bunch of errands to run before our current trip. It was fairly early and I was a bit hungry, so I decided to stop in at Barrio Donas and grab a breakfast torta on the way home. I had actually been waiting for the location in Old Town to open, but it seems to have been delayed, I guess it's the new normal. I understand the National City location hasn't opened yet either. I drove into the lot and noticed it wasn't busy at all; my lucky day.

I waltzed in, placed my order for the A la Mexicana, which is now $8.50, it was $7.50 on my last visit in 2021

The woman working was a hoot and my order was ready in minutes.

The torta did well on the 15 minute drive home.

 I noted in my previous post that there's quite a bit more filling these days and on this visit they went a bit overboard on the chipotle. This was much spicier than I recall, though perhaps my tolerance has waned over the last couple of years? I also noted that they have changed the bread in my last post as well; it's quite yeasty and much lighter than what I used to enjoy. Regardless, the combination of eggs, beans, cheese, salsa performed adequately as my late breakfast on this day. Though perhaps I would have appreciated a bit more beans.

And it did the job. I'm still wondering how things will work out when Barrio Donas opens their other locations.....will the prices change, will the menu remain? We'll see.

Barrio Donas
4714 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92117

Sunday Sandwiches - A Revisit to Sandwich Emporium

After a recent roadtrip, I dropped my car off for a wash. I was a bit hungry, so I decided to drop by Sandwich Emporium and grab a bite while I waited for my vehicle. It had been a while since I last visited. The place is so close to home, I really should be dropping by more often. Especially since it was one of the places I first posted on way back in May of 2005 (it was post #3)! Having known the "twins" since then, I had even visited all their other now defunct locations as well.

Things have changed a bit since my last visit. There's now outdoor seating which I liked. This meant I could order my sandwich and have it outside on this nice, sunny day.

The interior looks much the same. The twins weren't present on this morning. I decided to go with one of my "usuals" here; the Spicy Julio ($10.79) It was ready in a jiffy. I took one of the tables outside and opened things up.

   

This was a bit messier than what I usually get and the bread a lot crustier. You can use this as a reference. As usual, I enjoyed the zip from the jalapenos and the interplay between the meaty roast beef (which I think they still make inhouse) and the creamy avocado. The bread actually did an admirable job holding up with all that sauce.

Because of the amount of spicy mayo on this, the tomatoes played an important role in keeping the richness at bay. The Pepper Jack cheese was fine, but I couldn't help but wonder, since this had more than enough spice, perhaps something milky, like Havarti might do well in this sandwich. Of course, it's typical to have thoughts like then when you've had a sandwich as many times as I've had this! 

I did enjoy sitting outside in the sunlight, soaking up that vitamin D and the sandwich was fine, though I think I'll order it "easy on the mayo" next time. And of course, with my history with Sandwich Emporium they'll be a next time. Hopefully more sooner than later.

Sandwich Emporium
3054 1/2 Clairemont Drive
San Diego, CA

Sunday Sandwiches - The Tri-Tiperia (Sweet and Savory Gourmet) Revisited

I usually drive on Mount Acadia Boulevard maybe 5 times a week. It's the easiest way to get to Genesee and Balboa for me. Recently, there's been some major construction going on along the 3500 block of Mount Acadia. 

More than two-thirds of the parking lot is being taken up by the construction. It looks like a Senior Living Facility called the Pavilion is being constructed here. It's going to be interesting since Mount Acadia is only a two lane side street. Anyway, I was wondering if the Tri-Tiperia was doing ok; or even if it was still in business since you can't even see it from the road anymore. It had been a while since I last visited so I thought I'd check them out. Which proved to be much harder than I thought. First off, the shop is now only open from Monday to Friday. The hours seem much more limited the sign says open from 1130 to 230pm and dropped by at around 130 on a weekday and the place was closed.

I tried to return at noon a couple of days later and they were open....but weren't making any sandwiches because they hadn't gotten their bread delivery. Well, at least they were still open, right? I waited a couple of weeks and returned at noon and the third time was a charm.

They're doing soft serve nowadays as well as the heat and eat meal kits, salads, and tri-tip sandwiches. The guy was busy working on a couple of items so I didn't have a chance to ask how business was doing, but it looked pretty good on this day.

As with my previous visits, I went with the "O.G.", which is now $10.25, it was $9 in May of 2021, and $8 "BC" (Before Covid). As usual, it came with a cookie which this time was almost the width of the sandwich!

The sandwich had more meat than I recalled.

 The tri-tip was pretty tender, though mild in terms of smokiness. It's nicely seasoned with a good amount of black pepper, though I'm going to ask them to go easy on the lemon-garlic mayo. Which, while it adds rich-creaminess and a mild acidity, was too much of a good thing this time around. I really like the use of Gouda on this sandwich, you can actually taste it.

And while the ciabatta isn't heavily toasted, it holds up well.

Not the biggest sandwich mind you, but enough for me.

And I'm glad they are still making a go of it, in spite of the pandemic, location, and construction.

The Tri Tiperia (Sweet and Savory Gourmet)
3574 Mount Acadia Blvd
San Diego, CA 92111

Monday Meanderings - LouZiana Food and SuperNatural Sandwiches Closes, Ramen Hanyuzur Coming to UTC, But it Appears JJ Chicken is Not

So, I go on vacation and all hell breaks loose....sheesh.... So, this past weekend, I decided to take a short drive to see what happened while I was away.

LouiZiana Food Closes:

Soo mentioned this in his post just before we left on our trip.

  They closed on August 21st and the signage is already down.

Really nice folks. I'm sorry to see them go.

7128 Miramar Rd.
San Diego, CA 92121

Strange thing is, I actually visited during the end of June and all seemed well.

SuperNatural Sandwiches Closes:

So, this past Monday, I woke to a text message from Cathy, mentioning that SuperNatural Sandwiches had closed. I then checked my email to find 7  emails messages mentioning the same thing. All of them linked to SuperNaturals Instagram. I gotta say; I've been a pretty regular customer thru Covid and they've always seemed busy, so this was indeed a shock.

    And I've got quite a history with them; from the days at the San Diego Public Market,to when they opened their first brick and mortar location in the same mall, to the current location.

I wish them well and perhaps one day the Siren will rise again!

7094 Miramar Rd.
San Diego, CA 92121

It Now Seems that JJ Chicken is NOT Coming to UTC:

I need to thank "Patty" for the heads-up on this one. She mentioned that there's no indication at JJ Chicken is opening in the comments section of my post from last year. Turnover in Renaissance Towne Center seems pretty high. I drove on into the parking lot and yes, looks like the sign for JJ's is goners.....

I did a quick search online and found nada......bummer. So, if anyone has any info....

Thanks for the heads-up Patty!

8895 Towne Centre Dr.
San Diego, CA 92122

But Perhaps Ramen Hanyuzur is Coming to UTC?:

I noticed this on the other side of the mall while checking things out.

  It's the unit between Star Anise and Cote D'Azur. I believe this used to be an Italian restaurant?

Of course, after what happened with JJ's perhaps I shouldn't be counting my Ajitsuke Tamago before they're ready?

8935 Towne Centre Drive #113
San Diego, CA 92122

Solomon Bagel Company (North Park)

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog.  Today, Cathy is writing.

The Mister and I had an appointment near the airport the other morning and decided to take the side streets instead of the freeway to get home.  We got to 30th street and found a parking spot.   It turns out that online, this relatively new (it opened in April 2020) shop is called Solomon Bagels and Donuts.  However on this day, there were no donuts (I overheard that something wasn't working that morning).  We weren't looking for donuts anyway.
  The menu includes beverages, hot/cold/vegan sandwiches, a variety of toppings as well as donuts and donut holes on most days.
 We were here around 10:30 in the morning and a lot was already sold out.  Good for this local business!

 I chose to try the Ukrainian Everything bagel with cream cheese.  A pumpernickel base with typical 'everything' seeds on both sides of the bagel, this was wonderful!  A good, chewy, New York style bagel (smaller than you find at the larger chain bagel stores).  I enjoy the rye flour base of pumpernickel. 
 We also tried the countertop special of a Pastrami (on toasted rye, of course) ($8.99) with sauerkraut.  Lettuce, tomato and onion are also standard add ons for sandwiches.  The pastrami was of good quality; no pepper crust (which neither of us like).  Quite a large sandwich and another excellent, seeded rye, chewy bagel.

It must be crowded in the mornings, when there is a 15% discount before 8 a.m. - Lucky nearby neighbors.  We will return if there is available parking.  Soo was here in 2020.

Solomon Bagel Company 4152 30th Street San Diego 92104 (619)326-8248 Open daily 6 a.m.-3 p.m. website

Crossroads Deli (UTC)

Thanks for stopping to read this food blog, mmm-yoso!!!  Cathy is writing this post while Kirk (and His Missus) are doing some research for future posts.

So.  It has come to pass that in addition to The Mister needing to go to Scripps Torrey Pines for medical appointments, I, too, have a physician in the same building.  We have been coordinating our appointments so that we can drive together, saving some fuel costs.  This means that we get to stop somewhere 'on the way home' when we are finished.  Kirk wrote about Crossroads in 2014 and again in 2018, so I had an idea of where we could stop.

Crossroads Deli is located on the first floor of a group of three apartment complexes.    Each of the buildings has an underground "Guest parking" area before their respective security gates.  Step inside, there's a menu on the wall before you have to walk up to the register.  Many people seem to pre-order and just walk in to pick up.  The coffee is an exclusive blend made by local roastery, Cafe Moto.  It is excellent.

 There is usually a soup of the day, always Mom's Chicken Soup and always Mom's Beef & Bean Chili.  Here's the chili ($5.75).  An excellent, from scratch chili -not too spicy and very flavorful- the coarse ground beef and fresh cooked kidney beans make the texture of the chili very pleasant. 
Here is the Rachel Specialty Sandwich ($10.75).  Similar to a Reuben, made with heated Boar's Head pastrami (smoked corned beef), Swiss, mayonnaise and Mom's Cole slaw (excellent flavor), on toasted rye.  The breads here are all from local companies; I do like seeded rye.  An excellent, filling sandwich.  At the bottom corner of the menu board are Monday-Friday daily specials.  

 We were here on  Falafel Friday.  ($10.75).  The family recipe- vegan falafels (look at how green and delicately fluffy) wrapped in a large, warm pita with hummus, tahini sauce, lettuce, tomato and chopped pickle.  This is my favorite falafel in San Diego.
 We also were here on Meatball Monday ($10.75) Mom's from scratch meatballs (five) covered in a from scratch marinara, melted Provolone and served on a toasted French roll.  Excellent.  The large meatballs were light, meaty and flavorful with basil, garlic and parsley.  

Crossroads has been in this location since 2012; it is run by Al and Nelly and their son, Rob.  For 30 years before that, it was Park Boulevard Foods in University Heights, one of San Diego's original Mom and Pop Sandwich Shops.  All of Mom's recipes are tried and true.  Everything here, from the food to the people is simply wonderful.

Crossroads Deli 9085 Judicial Drive Suite 100 San Diego 92122 Open Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Sunday (858) 458-0921 website

Paragon Deli Cafe (Point Loma)

mmm-yoso!!! will be written by Cathy over this Independence Day weekend; Kirk is doing things with His Missus.

It was three years ago when Kirk first posted about Paragon Deli Cafe.   I had commented about something on the menu.
Recently, I had a craving for tomato stuffed with tuna salad, an old fashioned menu item rarely seen (and very missed), I checked out the menu at Paragon.   First, it was great to see they were still in business.  Second- the tuna stuffed tomato ($10.95) was still on the menu! A wonderful, refreshing, flavor filled version of this simple diner classic.  Served on top of a bed of lettuce with a house made dressing, this is a great lunch.
There is a chalkboard next to the cash register. A bowl ($5.75) of the Soup du Jour (from scratch mushroom)
 as well as a cup ($5) (vegetarian pea) were enjoyed on visits.  The 'everyday' soups (tomato basil and chicken noodle) are priced $4 and $5.25.
 Of course, we wanted to try the Portuguese Francesinha ($15.95), which Kirk had written about in his post.  Wow! Linguica, ham, roast beef, cheese, topped with a runny fried egg and sauce covering it all-including the fries.  The sauce-you can taste the beer as well as the whiskey.  Magical and it makes me understand why Kirk craved (then raved) about this wonderful sandwich.

You will notice on the menu the namesake Pacific Paragon Sandwich ($12.95), which originated at Marston's Tea Room.  Marston's was a downtown San Diego Department Store before being sold to The Broadway in 1961.  This sandwich won a 1960 American Restaurant Magazine award for "Best Sandwich".

 Fresh roast turkey (as in roasted here, today), crispy thick quality bacon, shredded lettuce, house made Blue cheese dressing (excellent) served open faced on rye.  This- THIS sandwich is fancy as well as wonderful.  A similar item (in that there are crossover ingredients) is the California Cobb Salad ($12.95).  Freshly roasted turkey (remarkably good), bacon, crumbled blue cheese, avocado, tomato and pickled egg.
 There is quite an interest in eggs here; deviled egg dishes are used in the refrigerator and there is a collection on the wall above the kitchen.  

Speaking of eggs, Paragon opens at 7 a.m., so there is breakfast.
 The Croque Madame ($13.95) is made with French ham, gruyere and a house made béchamel.  Very tasty and filling.  

 The Eggs Benedict ($12.95) served on an English muffin with ham and a very proper (unbroken) Hollandaise along with fruit and a hash brown patty is also filling and flavorful. 

Paragon Deli Cafe serves quality food and has the friendliest people working here; most are family. 

Paragon Deli Cafe 2724 Shelter Island Drive San Diego 92106 (619) 888-4997 Website Open Mon-Sat 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Sunday

Speaking of Department store restaurants, you might remember this post  or this post or this one, this one or even this different type of Department store with a restaurant inside.

Sunday Sandwiches, the Online Ordering Edition - Tadian Cafe, Gourmet Artisan, and SuperNatural Sandwiches

I'm not sure if you've been doing this; but over the last couple of months I've been thinking about how Covid has changed our lives and habits over the last couple of years....you know, masks, outdoor dining, checking for crowds, and so forth..... And one of the things that has really taken hold is online ordering. Now, I'm not a fan of those third party companies that upcharge you like crazy for using online ordering...in fact, I was going to order online from EE Nami, when I noticed that there's a $3 upcharge for ordering online! Add that to how prices have increased and gas and sheesh....in that case, I'll just call instead! But, as a whole I like the option of online ordering. It especially comes in handy for lunch.

So, I thought I'd do a bunch of revisits to places I've posted on before.....and order online. I did this over the last two weeks, always ordering between 1030-1115, early in the week; usually on a Monday or Tuesday.

So here goes.

Tadian Cafe:

One of those places that I didn't visit until we were in the middle of the pandemic. I've always ordered online from Tadian, so this was an easy drill. Plus they open at 9am from Monday to Friday. Sadly, they no longer have what had been my favorite sandwich there; the Chinese Sausage Sandwich.

Since I wasn't a big fan of what I'd had on my last takeout order; I went with the Thai Roast Beef on a toasted French Roll, add jalapenos. As has always been the case, my sandwich is ready right at the designated time.

   The toasted roll makes all the difference since Tadian can sometimes over sauce/dress their sandwiches. Even though they say that "Thai peanut sauce" is on this sandwich; I tend to think of this as a pseudo Banh Mi because of the pickled carrots, cucumbers, and cilantro. The jalapenos are a must because the amount of bread can really tone down the flavors. Still, it's a pretty good sandwich.

The young lady who works at Tadian is also very nice.....and my package is usually waiting on the counter or just being placed on the counter when I arrive.

Tadian Cafe
5955 Mira Mesa Blvd. 
San Diego, CA 92121

Gourmet Artisan:

Been going here since I noticed the place in the same stripmall as SuperNatural. Things have been a bit inconsistent over my visits, especially with the "parmesan garlic and truffle fries"....which at times did not have any of the above on it or have been really limp even when picking up on time. And these days there's a $3 upcharge if you want the fries. It used to be included.

At first, I thought I'd order a burger, which I thought wasn't too bad on my last visit, but decided on the Prosciutto Sandwich instead....since this was going to be a "sandwiches" post. GA sends you texts in addition to a confirmation email. Though I'm not sold on getting a text telling me my sandwich is ready as I'm already walking to the shop at the designated time. Though everything was ready to go when I walked in. The guy working here is also quite friendly.

 The fries were nicely friend and still crisp when I got back to the office. And there's garlic and parmesan....with a light drizzle of truffle oil on them. I do prefer the toasted French roll AG used to use before to the ciabatta, which doesn't seem to hold up quite as well. Granted, this isn't a super-stuffed sandwich, but I prefer proportion, and other than having too much mayo, this was fine. Though this was my least favorite sandwich....I guess I come here for the fries?

Gourmet Artisan
7094 Miramar Rd. 
San Diego, CA 92121

SuperNatural Sandwiches: 

Well, SuperNatural and me go way back to 2013 and the days in the now defunct San Diego Public Market. So, I was quite happy when they opened their first brick and mortar shop on Miramar, fairly close to my office.

Some interesting things about ordering online form SS......first, when placing your order, there's an automatic 40 minute wait; at least that's always what I've encountered. The thing being.....you'll then get get notified that your order is ready, usually in 15 minutes....so there's the fire drill of rushing to your car and heading to pick up your order. Not cool if you've got a call or planning to use that 40 minute window. And then, your order is behind the counter, so you have to wait in line...on this visit there were only two people ahead of me, but it adds to your time. Really, for me, it's not a big deal if I'm ordering a salad or some other sandwich than my favorite, the Siren.

All that sauce will make the bread get kinda soggy.

Add to that some fries, which I really like when hot, but not so much when it gets cold....

   Well, you get the point, right? So maybe I just gotta order in person when getting the Siren and/or fries? You know, its been my experience with SuperNatural over the years, that they're usually ahead of the curve. So maybe they'll figure out some great process for their online ordering?

SuperNatural Sandwiches
7094 Miramar Rd
San Diego, CA 92121

So, now it's your turn.

Have you made online ordering a permanent process? And what are some of your favorites....just asking "for a friend" of course!

Sangucheria Peruvian Street Food

Back in mid-March, I went on one of my "drives with no purpose"......I guess basically doing the Flâneur, except very SoCal.....I'm not sure what the French would call it? Perhaps "pas d'entraînement objectif"?

Anyway, I was wondering if anything had taken residence in the previous location of a favorite "local grindz" place of mine. So, I drove on over to Tierrasanta and into the strip mall at 5950 Santo Road. I was a bit surprised to see that the market in the mall seems to have closed; but was even more surprised to see the sign for "Sangucheria Peruvian Street Food"! My goodness! 

Folks who've read this blog for a while know that my first documented international trip was to Peru in 2007...man, almost 15 years ago! It was the first time that a cuisine had inspired me to travel somewhere. Something that has since been a common theme for us. So Peruvian cuisine holds a special place in my heart and I was fascinated to see a Sanguche place here.

It was Sunday, so the place was closed, but I made sure to check them out that very week!

 The shop is even more spartan than when it was ISC, with a couple of tables and a takeout counter. The menu is brief, with 5 Sanguches (sandwiches) and several drinks and two types of fries.

Of course, I had to order the Sanguche de Chicharron (Pan con Chicharron). After all, I needed to see how it compared to what I had at Dona Paulina in Lima, right?

I ordered the Sanguche de Chicharron and an order of Sweet Potato Fries.

In Peru, they serve this sandwich in what they call "pan Frances"; basically French Bread. Though it is much lighter than what we would call a French Roll here in the states. This version was served on what I'd consider a Telera roll; that you'd get from your neighborhood Mercado. It is light , yeasty, and held up well.

The pork was a bit on the chewy side; which is pretty much in line with what we had in Peru; though I wish it was a bit more "swiney", but "the other white meat" is a US thing. I would have preferred a good Salza Criolla, which would have some heat, cilantro, and lime, then the typical pickeld onions provided. Also would have liked a bit more camote (sweet potato) as it was really lost in the sandwich.

Overall, a decent Sanguche. When I'm missing Peru, I'll have it again.

The Sweet Potato Fries where seasoned perfectly and had that wonderful mildly sweet flavor and nice starchiness.

The fries however, did not travel well and while the flavor was good, it was quite soggy by the time I got back to the office......about 15 minutes road time.

As week later, I decided to return and order something else.....I choose the Asado (beef) Sandwich.

Which came with two "aji"....a nice Aji Verde, a spicy-creamy green sauce and a sorta-kinda Aji Amarillo kind of thing which seemed more like a spicy salad dressing???

The sandwich was served in a Ciabatta Roll, which is typical for Sanguche Asado.

I recall a conversation with Benjamin, who was our driver for our flight over the Nazca Lines regarding Sanguches....yes, you know me......He is the one that recommended Dona Paulina over La Lucha in Lima...it's where he takes his family. He told me that often times folks make Sanguche de Asado with leftover beef, so it can be tough and dry. Which is kind of what the beef in this sandwich was.

It could have used more of the nice, pungent-sweet carmelized onions....though I'm glad I had the Aji Verde. Still, I'll pass on this one in the future.

The folks working at Sangucheria Peruvian Street Food are amazingly warm, friendly, and gracious. And that point alone means I'll return again soon....when I'm thinking and dreaming about wonderful Peru.

Food has that wonderful affect; it will sometimes take me back to people, places, and various moments......and that is priceless.

Sangucheria Peruvian Street Food
5950 Santo Rd.
San Diego, CA 92124
Current Hours:
Mon - Thurs 11am - 4pm
Fri - Sat 11am - 6pm
Closed Sundays

Saturday Stuffs: Lucy Ethiopian Replacing FireBirds Chicken, the Sign for Kumo is up, and Taking a Drive in Serra Mesa

Just a couple of things for a damp and chilly Saturday.

Lucy Ethiopian Replacing FireBirds Chicken:

I had been wondering when I'd see signs (no pun intended) that the Hot Chicken fad was hitting saturation point. Well, on a recent visit  to City Heights I drove past what is now the former location of FireBirds Chicken. It looks like it'll be replaced by "Lucy Ethiopian Restaurant".

So, like Poke Bowls, Ramen, Korean Style Hot Dogs.........

4155 University Ave.
San Diego, CA 92105

The Sign for Kumo Is Up: 

Back in June of last year, I read that a Japanese Sando shop was opening in the Plaza Sorrento Food Court. According to what I read, both in the Eater post and on what I'm assuming is the businesses website, it was going to open during the summer of 2021.

During my visits to Nanay's and Sue's Korean Kitchen I took a look around and did see empty businesses but no definite sign of the place.

Fast forward to my last last visit to Sue's....well, there it was.

The shop is actually suite 108, right next to Sue's.

I'm guessing all this Covid-ness and such has caused a delay in the opening.

6755 Mira Mesa Blvd.
Suite 108
San Diego, CA 92121

Taking a Drive in Serra Mesa: 

I'm finally starting to get out a bit more; though I'm still a bit cautious and "gun shy". 

Recently, after doing some shopping at Nijiya; I decided to take "the long way home", via Aero Drive. For a few years our office was located near Montgomery Field. But I really never visited the area much once we moved our offices. And since Covid, other than a single takeout visit from Kokoro; I can't say I've been in the area at all.

So, I decided to just take a quick drive to see how things are.

Just along Aero Drive; well, there are noticeable changes. The long time Argentinian restaurant Pampas Grill closed in 2019 and the spot is still empty.

Though Pear's Thai, which was previously Ka Ti Thai is still there.

Down on Murphy Canyon Road; well, there's a lot more changes.

Pho SaiGon Bliss is now Luxe Boba & Tea.

3755 Murphy Canyon Rd
San Diego, CA 92123

And the mall seems to have a lot of vacancies.

And the Sizzler closed down in 2020, around the time the chain filed Chapter 11. This space is also still empty.

I believe there's one location left in San Diego....not that I'm going to plan on eating there anytime soon. Though Sizzler was a regular stop after working the evening shift back home in Honolulu, though that location closed down years ago as well.

It does seem things are a lot more stable around the strip mall off Sandrock and Greyling.

I'm sure "Mr Z" will be happy to note that Thai Pepper Cuisine is still open! Hope all is well Mr Z!

3361 Sandrock Road
San Diego, CA 92123

And both Kokoro and Maggie's Cafe are still open.

3232 Greyling Dr
San Diego, CA 92123

And heck, I passed this business with the Grand Opening sign......but no other signage....I'll check them out; along with Soup Du Jour (formerly Carve Modern Deli) hopefully soon.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!