mmm-yoso!!!

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!

Takeout Revisits - Rubicon Deli (UTC) and SuperNatural Sandwiches

Man, it's been a pretty hot couple of days! In fact, I read that we're having record heat here in San Diego....like 25 degrees above normal!

Anyway, I couldn't bear to do a post on the place I was thinking of....instead, let's do what I had for lunch the last two days at work....sandwiches......so here goes.

Rubicon Deli:

Well, it's been a while since I've done a post on Rubicon. I placed my order online and like always, it was ready when I arrived.

Being the boring soul that I am, I got my usual, the "Super Mario" with Crispy Onions. Deciding to change things up the slightest bit; I got the sandwich on Blue Cheese Bread instead of my usual Garlic Cheese Bread. Since it had been almost a year since I last visited....like almost every place else; I believe the prices would have been increased; but it was still the same - half sandwich for $9.79, Crispy Onions for 75 cents more.

The sandwich did look a bit odd when I opened it up......I believe that this was made with the end piece of the loaf.

Still, this was still quite good; though the "crispy onions" weren't as crispy as usual...even with the ten minute (or less) drive back to the office. The nice mild sweetness and sour tones of the Balsamic Glaze; the sweet red pepper tapenade, crisp - peppery arugula, the Asiago......this did me just right for lunch.

I'll definitely be back again during warm weather.....

Rubicon Deli (UTC Location)
4130 La Jolla Village Drive - Suite 104
San Diego, CA 92037

SuperNatural Sandwiches:

SuperNatural has been a regular stop for me during these times, though not always for sandwiches. This time though; I went with the Kirin ($12.25) and Garlic Fries ($4.50). As always, I was able to order online before opening time and my order was ready for pick-up at 1110 when I arrived.

As always, the bread was still crisp-crackly when I got back to the office, the shrimp perhaps a bit tougher than usual, but passable....for some reason, I enjoy the lup cheong in this sandwich.

The fries were more crisp than usual; which I enjoyed.

This was an enjoyable and quite filling lunch.

I was sad to hear that the Little Italy location has closed and SuperNatural is back to a single location. 

SuperNatural Sandwiches
7094 Miramar Rd.
San Diego, CA 92121

So there you go; my lunches for the past two days.....if this heat wave keeps up; I'll be hitting up some other warm weather favorites soon as well.

What have you been eating during this unseasonal heat wave?

Blossom de Cafe (Poway)

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, is being written by Cathy today.  Kirk is busy.

The Mister and I were driving on Poway Road, looking for a breakfast spot.  Across the street from the North Park Produce location, we saw this signage and stopped.  Formerly a Bank, the large interior with what looks like former offices with doors and windows removed has open rooms and areas which could be set up for a small, private party as well as a playroom for children.  The interior space is efficiently used and (since the building had been a bank) there is a drive through window. 

After we were home, I did some research.  Blossom de Cafe is locally owned, family run and opened in February 2020.  This is another survivor of Covid.

 There are menus outside, inside and behind the counter.  We were here at breakfast time.  The mention of "Croffle" had us curious.  We ordered two.
 An almond croffle ($5.80) A croissant toasted in a waffle maker topped with sliced almonds!  Why hadn't I thought of this?!! Simple, delightful and a refreshing change.  The maple croffle ($4.80).  Simply toasted with maple syrup.  A great breakfast idea. 
 We also ordered a bacon omelet sandwich (8.99).  A better quality, thick white bread filled with a cheesy omelet/scramble and plenty of bacon made this an easily shareable sandwich.
 There are coffees, teas, boba drinks, lattes, a great selection of beverages along with (Bingsu) desserts. Bowls and other lunch choices are also available-we will be trying out more of the menu.  Soon. 

Blossom de Cafe 12305 Poway Road Poway, CA 92064 (858) 842-2211 Open  M,W,Th 7 a.m.-6 p.m.  Fri and Sat 7-7  Tuesday 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Website  

2022 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade floats and a few meals

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy today.  She's the one who does these Rose Parade posts. Kirk is taking a break.

So, it's 2022!  Happy New Year.  A time to start anew, change habits.  For starters, most of the photos in this post were taken on December 31, unlike when The Mister and I attended the Showcase of Floats-following the Rose Parade in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019  and 2020.  

With Covid-19, not many people were volunteering to decorate the floats and we had been receiving daily emails and noticing all of the float builders asking for volunteers.  We had helped decorate floats in early December, and were wide awake around 1 a.m. on December 31, saw a live video of the float barn and how much help was needed, especially since final judging is around 10 a.m. on the 31st.  We got in the car and drove to Irwindale.  

Here are some photos of floats and details at the Phoenix Decorating Company barn.  

 Trader Joe's, "You're Invited"
 Kiwanis International, "Dream To Achieve"Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day, "Seeding Tomorrow"

Lutheran Hour Ministries, "Jesus Teaches"
 Oddfellows and Rebekahs, "Arctic Adventure"
 The Century anniversary of Shriners Hospitals for Children, "Celebrating 100 Years of Believing in Dreams". This float depicts a young girl with scars from Spina Bifida repair, spinning in a looking glass, dreaming of being the spinning ballerina in a jewelry box.  There were three color florographs on this float, celebrating the providing of care to children with complex medical conditions regardless of their ability to pay.

 "Wild Kingdom" by RFD-TV and Mutual of Omaha. 
The Closing float, reminding people of the Rose Bowl Game.
Rotary International, "Changing Lives Through Education"

Lions Clubs International, "Quest For Kindness"


Best wishes to you and yours. Dream, Believe, Achieve.

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It was after 11 a.m. and The Mister and I still had not had breakfast so we left and began driving to a favorite stop, The Peppertree Cafe. Another Covid-19 survivor.

 Since it was a Friday, the regular menu (and specials) were available.  We were so tired and overwhelmed.  The Soup, Salad Half Sandwich ($9) was great- clam chowder, ranch dressing, turkey sandwich. There was a half order hot beef sandwich available ($9) so I tried it.  Just enough food.  A very long day. Peppertree Cafe website

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In November, we finally made it back to Porto's, where we had not been since October, 2019. So happy it survived Covid.

 The menu (bakery and meals) is limited,  dine in capacity is at 50% (tables removed), most cold beverages are bottled but the food items are consistent.
 Torrejas (Cuban French toast) was just perfect-crisp exterior, fluffy interior. 
 Pan con Lechon- slow roasted pork with pickled onion and a green garlic mojo sauce on the fresh Cuban bread was a nice, salty contrast for breakfast. Portos Bakery Website

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Also in November, The Mister was craving a good pastrami sandwich, so we drove up the 15 to The Hat, which also survived Covid-19. 

  Things are about the same, other than you have to ask for condiments.

 The sides are still enough to share-a large serving.  The pastrami is still kind of perfect. The Hat website
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Sunday Sandwiches - Uptown Delight Deli

Here's another one of those mom-and-pop business park sandwich shops that I found by accident. I was between meetings and decided to head off to the Market at HFS for some poke. So, I got on the 805 North and took the Mira Mesa offramp.....only to suddenly realize it was only 930.....yikes....brain fart.....

So, in need of a "plan B" I took a right on Scranton Road and headed to Nancy Ridge Road the back way; fully intent on hitting up Creative Deli when I passed a "Deli" sign along the road. Another business park deli? How many of them are there around here? Of course I stopped to check it out.

This shop occupies the sliver of a space at the end of a building.

There's one, older Asian Woman working here who does everything....and she seems to know her customers, at least the one's I've seen on my visits.

The menu is full on "Boar's Head", though they seem to be out of a couple of items...probably Covid supply chain issues. The prices seem a tad higher than Sunrise/Creative/Kim's etc.....

I decided on trying the Pub Style Roast Beef ($9.25).

They include a Andes thin mint with every sandwich, a nice touch, along with a pickle wedge.

I enjoyed the fact that horseradish was used; it gave the sandwich some nice "oomph". The white cheddar was nicely melted, I saw the woman place the roast beef and cheese on the flat top for a minute to heat things thru, a nice touch. I just wish the bread was toasted as the sandwich had a lot of carbs going on.... just too much bread and some textural contrast would have been welcome. 

Of course now that I had been here; I needed to do a couple more visits; so I returned the very next day. I decided not to go with a "sandwich" and decided on the BLT Supreme Wrap ($8.75).

I chose the Sun Dried Tomato wrap which worked out well. This was nicely heated on the flat top along with the slices of bacon. While a bit on the flimsy side; this was the best of the three items I had at Uptown. The creamy and ripe avocado and the fact the bacon was crisp made this a decent lunch.

Not the biggest fan of American Cheese in this; but it worked out fine.

And so, with temperatures rising this past week; I headed back to Uptown Deli and quickly ordered the "Italian Supreme" ($8.75), without realizing it came on that jumbo French roll....

   A bit too much bread and they used the juice from the Peperoncini along with a really sour dressing....they said Balsamic; but since when is Balsamic yellow? There was so much of it that it did the "shart thing" when I bit into it.

Still, no complaints with regards to the price and portion.

Like I've said many times before......places like this keep the masses fed. And as we return to our offices post Covid; I'm thinking they will play a key part in our return.

Uptown Delight Deli
6310 Nancy Ridge Dr.
San Diego, CA 92121
Hours:
Mon - Fri 7am - 3pm
Closed Sat - Sun

And I keep wondering; how many of these places are out there?

Sunday Sandwiches - Sandwich Island

Sometimes little "happy accidents" occur. For instance, I had some meetings over the normal lunch time and decided to head to Creative Deli. Thinking about all my meetings I kind of spaced out and before I knew it, I had passed Carroll Road. Sheesh..... I decided to turn around on Trade Street. I took a right turn and headed down Trade Street for a bit. For some reason, I decide to turn around in a parking lot where I saw this signage.

Sandwich Island? Sandwich Island! Wow....well this hit home....I'm from the Sandwich Islands. So, of course I had to stop here since the open sign was lit.

The shop is quite a bit larger than it appears from the outside. A dining area, then a rather long counter area with some additional seating.

The menu was pretty darn large, with everything from Reubens to Club Sandwiches, to Quesadillas and Wraps, to Breakfast options.

Looking at the names of various items on the menu cracked me up....anyone for a "Humuhumunukunukuapua'a" (breaded fish sandwich)......can you even say it? That's always been fun way to test if you're really "local" back home....along with "Kalanianaʻole" and if you can correctly pronounce "Likelike".

Anyway, as I placed my order, I asked the woman if they were from Hawaii and was told that the former owner was; bummas.....

I ordered the Island Club ($8.95) and it felt quite hefty....and when I opened it up.....

 Holy smokes....look at all that white bread. This was fine; wish the bread was toasted, but perhaps that was asking for a bit much. Also, wish it had more bacon, but again how could I complain since this was.....in these times, a good value. So, processed ham and turkey, just like "small kid" time.....when we always called this a "Clubhouse". And I couldn't finish this......and had leftovers with dinner.

During my visit, I noticed daily "specials".

Just eight bucks, so I decided to try some of these out.

First was the Haoli, which was spelled Hoali on the lunch special menu, versus Haoli on the menu....I'm assuming this means Hau'oli (happy) versus "Haole".....which means....well, you know. I got this with the Cabbage Almond Salad.

 So, the Italian Roll was actually slightly toasted and fairly crusty and even though it was a bit "too much bread" it wasn't bad. The "salad" was basic almond coleslaw, with very little "dressing on it. Basically coleslaw mix with a bit of dressing.

The sandwich had ham, cheese, and turkey, all standard issue; though the tomatoes were quite ripe and added a nice fruity-acidity to the sandwich.

A bit too much mayo for my taste, but again, you could do a lot worse for eight bucks....like perhaps some interesting "mystery meat"?

So, as things cooled off a bit, I visited on a recent Friday and decided to get the "Special A" for the day....the "Philly" Cheesesteak with fries ($8). And, in all honesty, you couldn't fault the potion size.

 These days, here in San Diego, what can you get for eight bucks? Really.... The roll was again decently toasted, the beef surprisingly tender......not enough mushrooms and peppers and the cheese used was really bland and while quite gooey didn't add anything else to the sandwich.

The generous portion of fries didn't hold up well on the 15 minute drive back to the office and was really salty....though some may like that.

 I don't want to give you the wrong impression; this is one of those places that is a good value and keeps folks fed. I will say that I prefer Sunrise Deli, Creative Deli, and Kim's Deli to Sandwich Island. Though it again is one of those Mom-and-Pop Delis that keep folks fed for a reasonable price. And I saw some rice bowls and bentos on the menu....so maybe I'll give those a try.

After all, I'm from the "Sandwich Islands".......

Sandwich Island
7350 Trade St.
San Diego, CA 92121

Sunday Sandwiches - Revisits to Tadian Cafe, Kim's Deli, and Rubicon Deli

Now that I'm mostly back in the office, I've started to make the rounds....it's been super hot lately, so sandwiches are what I've been having for lunch. Great thing about all of these places is that they open a bit earlier than the normal lunch hour. Tadian and Rubicon do online ordering and Kim's is just a phone call away. No muss.....no fuss....

Tadian Deli:

I was actually craving the Chinese Sausage Sandwich, but it's no longer on the menu, so I got the Peppered Roast Beef again. This time requesting a toasted French roll.

This was more "hefty" than what I'd had here previously....but it did well....I requested easy on the sauce, but it was still too much for me.

The avocado wasn't ripe enough and lacked flavor and perhaps a bit too much bread; but definitely better than what I had last time.

Tadian Cafe
5955 Mira Mesa Blvd. Suite K
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 453-5740
Current Hours:
Mon - Fri 9am - 3pm

Kim's Deli:

For some reason, I was craving a Teri Beef Sandwich; so I made a call to Kim's Deli and went to pick up my sandwich. It's hard to complain about a $7 sandwich.

The beef was more tender this time, but also much sweeter.

I even enjoyed the cheese in this. 

A good value in my opinion.

Kim's Deli
8515 Arjons Drive
San Diego, CA 92126
(858) 566-0370
Hours:
Mon - Fri 7am - 2pm
Closed on Saturdays and Sundays

Rubicon Deli:

Yes, I'm a pretty boring guy......once I find something I enjoy, I tend to stick with it. In this case it's the the "Super Mario" on Garlic Cheese Bread.

I enjoy the different flavors, from the cheesy-mildly garlicky bread to the slightly sweet tones of red pepper tapenade, the peppery arugula. The balsamic glaze fits right in with a balanced sour-sweet profile.

And my order has always been ready for pick-u when I arrive.

Rubicon Deli (UTC Location)
4130 La Jolla Village Drive - Suite 104
San Diego, CA 92037
(858) 877-9911
Current Hours
Open Daily - 10am - 730pm

So, I'm just wondering.....how many of you have returned to "the office"....or are you still working from home? And how are things going?

Take care and have a great week!