mmm-yoso!!!

Our Last Meal of 2020 - Sushi Tadokoro

It's an understatement to say that 2020 has been a difficult year; a year like none I've experienced in my lifetime and hope no one ever has to experience again. And yes, this year has been different; though I always try to be optimistic as we turn the page on each year....this one though, I can't wait to flip over.

Still, even though things are different, the Missus and I decided that we needed to at least celebrate the fact that we made it through.....so far...there's still a couple of hours left.

And so, we ordered our NYE takeout from Tadokoro a few days ahead, which turned out to be a good move since when I arrived to pick our food up; folks ordering takeout were out of luck.

Things were buzzing; but there were no shortcuts to be found on what we had for dinner.

It was a delicious meal, one which I hope is repeated many times in the future. Heck....maybe even next week? After all, we need to start 2021 on the right foot, correct?

Sushi Tadokoro
2244 San Diego Ave
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 297-0298

Anyway, thank you all so much for taking time out to read our humble little blog during these tough times. We wish everyone a safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year.

Take Care!

 

Mikami- revolving sushi (no conveyor to revolve (covid-19))

mmm-yoso!!! is usually written by Kirk and sometimes Cathy helps.  Todays post is from Cathy, because Kirk is busy with work.  

Long story short, it is 2020 and there are many reasons I haven't posted about meals since mid-February.  Now that the world, as well as eating out, has changed, here is an update from my January 2020 post about Mikami, a revolving sushi bar.  The Mister and I had been here twice more, but everything was about the same as that first post.  Now, with Covid-19, there is no revolving sushi or indoor bar area. The "Dine In" signage is leftover from when there was a six week or so variation in Covid-19 'rules'; why take it down when things could change tomorrow?.  As of now, all California restaurant dining is "to go" or outdoor tables.  I understand not wanting to expose yourself to possible Covid-19 and The Mister and I will eat outside at the opening time of restaurants- assuming the unused tables were just brought out and are freshly cleaned. 
 On this day, only three tables were set up when we got to Mikami.  One was for handicapped. We were given paper menus and a pencil.  Most of one menu was rolls and typical two piece sushi and sashimi selections.  Hot green tea ($2.85) came in a paper cup, water in a plastic cup (with a straw!) and condiments in disposable containers. 
We decided to order the chicken karaage appetizer($6).  This seemed to be a larger portion than we had here previously.  Hot, fresh, tender, juicy, crispy/properly fried.  It came with a mayonnaise and spicy (not Sriracha, which is sweet and not sambal, which has garlic) sauce for dipping.  Delightful.
 We chose two hand rolls: soy paper yellowtail and the spider roll ($3.75 each). The yellowtail was not the spicy version and had great flavors of fish, cucumber and a better (sushi) rice.  The soy paper is embedded with sesame seeds, which adds a toasted sesame flavor and crunch. The 'spider' is a half of a soft shell clam along with crab, avocado and cucumber wrapped in seaweed. These were larger than we remember and were made to order. 
 We decided to order a "Mikami Seafood Bucket Shrimp" (one pound, $15, add $2 for headless).  The Cajun style buckets have been available only in the bar area and we have been curious.  

A variety of flavors as well as (cajun spice) heat levels are available and we were simple and ordered garlic butter, which lined the heavy plastic bag filled with hot, freshly steamed shrimp.  The photo of the plate is about half of the bag and the 'dip' is the sauce poured out into an emptied ginger condiment cup.  You can see there was some spice used in the cooking process and it was just the right amount.   

Trying to patronize locally owned places, the food is good here. 

Mikami Revolving Sushi and Bar 7319 Clairmont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego 91911 Open Tues-Sun 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Closed Monday {Covid hours; check website -things might change Website 

 The parking lot is empty if you get there at opening.

Our Pandemic Rotation - Et Voila, the Original Sab E Lee, and Sushi Tadokoro

You know things are pretty bad with this pandemic when I can actually do a "rotation" post......and since it's now March 160th.....well, that is long enough to have one I guess, sigh.....

Anyway, here goes:

Et Voila!:

Though I think the Missus is kinda burning out on the takeout Cocktails from Et Voila; I think the main reason might be the menu. It was already kinda slim pickins' to begin with and once this was no longer available....

We tried the Ravioli Aux Champingnons, Tarte Aux Champignons, the Coq au Vin, which I didn't care for....

Until we just kinda finally settled on the Charcuterie and Baguette.

We are sorely tempted to just order some baguette.....but that might be pushing our luck a bit, don't you think?

Et Voilà!
3015 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116

The Original Sab E Lee:

The Missus is really missing Her fix from Thai Papaya which is still closed. So, we've been making due with TOSEL; which of course doesn't have several of Her favorites (Som Tom Khai Kem/Spicy Thousand Year Old Eggs). Still, for some strange reason She was craving Pad Thai....which doesn't happen every often.....must be the Pandemic.

Anyway, I got Her Pad Thai, Duck Larb, and Issan Sausage.

So, I got the Duck Larb at heat level three.....check out all those chilies....a level three....

Still, the Missus got Her "fix".

And the young lady working is one of the folks from Thai Papaya.....it was nice seeing her. I asked about when they'd be reopening and was told that she hadn't heard anything about that. Bummer....

The Original Sab E Lee
6925 Linda Vista Road
San Diego, CA 92111

Sushi Tadokoro:

After doing takeout from Tadokoro on almost a weekly basis, we've been trying to show some restraint.....it's now every other week.

And while Tadokoro now has outdoor seating on the patio.....

We're not quite ready to take that step yet.

So we'll just keeping on doing the takeout thing.

It's getting to the point that some of folks are starting to recognize my voice on the phone.

This is a nice treat for the Missus and I. And with the way things are going, we do need to have those moments.

Sushi Tadokoro
2244 San Diego Ave
San Diego, CA 92110

Take care!

Clearing Out the Memory Card - More Takeout from Sushi Tadokoro

Here's a bunch more takeout photos from Sushi Tadokoro.

While it is probably in the "first world problem" category, the Missus and I have been missing our nights out and even more, we celebrated the Missus Birthday at home in nearly a decade. I'd made a promise a decade ago that we'd always celebrate Her birthday, even though it might be a few days after, in a different locale, and whether it was in Madrid, the Czech Republic, Lisbon, Budapest, or even Alaska, we were able to do that......but this is 2020 and things are different.....much more different.

And, while there are limits in place....some of which we've determined work for us...being able to get takeout from Tadokoro has surely enabled us to have a nice dinner at home.....

So here's a collection of photos form the last couple of weeks.....which usually starts with a nicely wrapped package like this.

And yields some pretty delici-yoso stuffs......

Which have led to some pretty nice meals......

And while many places have opened back up for dining in; Tadokoro included, Take-san made sure to show me the plexiglass dividers, UV and air purification devices in place....we're not quite ready to take that step yet.

So, we're just happy to be able to get stuff like this......

To have in the perceived comfort of home....until we're ready to once again sit in front of Take-san and say "please, make us what you think we'll like...…"

We're just happy Tadokoro is still accommodating us.

Sushi Tadokoro
2244 San Diego Ave
San Diego, CA 92110

Covid-19 Takeout - Sushi Tadokoro

I know we're all making sacrifices during this time. And I know it can get to you. We all need to find that little pocket of comfort that can add some normalcy to our day. Work has been grinding the Missus down, the long hours, and when you do get a day off, well, you need to stay at home...so perhaps it's just better to keep working. So, it was quite a happy moment when FOYs "Yummy Yummy" and "Yummy Kiwi" (I know...what's up with the name....well, they are sisters.....I guess I'll call them the "Yummy Sisters"?) told me that Sushi Tadokoro was opening for take-out starting on May first. So, on Friday, the first, I called in an order for Saturday. The post I saw said they had lunch hours, but the young lady told me they were currently only doing dinner, Thursday to Monday 4pm - 830pm.

I placed my order for a 430pm pick-up.

There's a makeshift pick-up area set-up and I walked on over said hello, paid, and got my order to go.

I got the Omakase Set and the Omakase Sashimi...it ain't cheap, but this Tadokoro.....and as a whole, I don't go for cheap sushi/sashimi. And boy, this was a lot of food......which looked almost too good to eat....

We busted out the tokkuri we had in the cabinet and our chilled bottle of Yaegaki Mu and had ourselves an awesome dinner. It was quite a bit of food.

The Missus and I smiled, enjoying our meal....while the Missus does enjoy my cooking, well, this gave us both a nice break, a bit of an escape.

Man, that buttery toro sashimi...…..the scallops......that little mini ikura-Hokkaido uni gohan…….whoa......real wasabi

As we finished dinner; the Missus told me, "we need to do this again".

I replied, "sure, anytime".

She said "like tomorrow....."

And soon I was on the phone ordering tonight's dinner. The young lady laughed when I gave my name and number; "did you finish dinner already?"

Which found me returning this late afternoon at 430 again.

This time we ordered a more manageable amount of food.

The Chirashi Box and the Nigiri Plate....and two pieces of Toro...….oh man.....

Two wonderful and special meals, over two nights, made our weekend where the Missus got called in twice; once at 330 in the morning. It gave us a nice moment of shared enjoyment as we're not able to go out. While it's not quite the sushi bar experience....half the fun is going to a place where the Itamae knows and interacts with you....where, because he understands your tastes and preferences, designs a meal that fits your taste. Still, this is as close as we can get right now and we'll gladly take it.

As I grabbed my to go package and said my thanks to Take-san, the nice young lady bowed slightly and said; "we'll see you tomorrow!"

And if you know the Missus....well, anything is possible!

Sushi Tadokoro
2244 San Diego Ave
San Diego, CA 92110

Circling Back to Sushi Tadokoro

On a recent weekend, while grabbing an Americano, I heard someone call out my name, "Kirk-san, Kirk-san, how are you?" My goodness, it was Take-san from Sushi Tadokoro! We stopped and chatted...and I realized, it had been a while since we'd visited. Like over four years! Oh my.....how time flies and all that. I needed to correct that situation ASAP. So we headed back down to Tadokoro.

Sitting in front of Take-san was a treat. It was the usual for us; make sure the Missus gets Her Ankimo, and nigiri (and sake) until we say "no mas".

Things started out with three wonderful dishes.

From right to left; a perfectly fried, meaty Shishamo (smelt) wrapped in shiso which added that nice herbaceous almost mint life flavor, the crisp tempura batter adding texture, the wonderful reduction contributing a nice acidity and a mild spice to really balance things out. In the middle was what I thought perhaps might be goma tofu; but I was told it was "Yuba".....it was so smooth and creamy, amazingly beany.

And of course, the Missus's favorite, the savory-oceany Ankimo, still as good as ever.

Take-san served us items with his tare or seasoned in a way that we didn't need that bottle of soy or wasabi.

A good example was the amazingly tender Hirame (halibut), treated with a nice balanced tare.

Really enhancing the mild sweetness of the shiromi (whitefish).

The Aji (Spanish Mackerel) was amazing in texture, tender and meaty, unlike the usual chewy Aji.

This was prepped perfectly, the mild savory tones enhanced by a touch of ginger and scallion. Still, that texture was quite surprising. Take-san told me this Aji was line caught "Ougon Aji", which makes a lot of difference.

The tare really brought out the richness of the Iwashi (sardine) and the acidity really balanced out the oily-richness of the fish.

So meaty and savory.....

The Missus is not a fan of Saba....but in this case, Take-san told me he doesn't over-cure his Mackerel and there seems to be a nice balance achieved.

Meaty-moist, slightly rich, not overly salty, not overly fishy-oily. That thin slice of seaweed really did wonders for flavor....Take-san told me that there are only two women he knows of that still make this.

The Maguro-zuke is a standard for us here. Though this time he added yuzi kosho, for a nice, mild, spicy-citrus hit.

Next up was a surprise.

At first glance, I didn't know what it was. Take-san told me he had a surplus of Kinmedai (Golden Eye Snapper), so he simmered it with bones and all in a typical soy based sauce until the fat-bone-connective tissue gave off all the flavor and gelatin. This was so savory....it had the Missus wishing for rice!

We love Hokkaido Uni, to us, even though it's smaller, the uni in Hokkaido is sweeter and wonderfully briny.

This was no exception.

By this time, the Missus and I had thrown in the towel....we were perfectly satisfied. But Take-san asked if he could make one more item for us. He brought out a package of nori and made us an Ikura Hand Roll......the amazing thing about this wasn't the ikura, nor the perfectly seasoned rice, but the nori. It was crisp, like it had been toasted, there was a smokiness to it.

During his last trip back to Japan, he decided to taste as many different nori from the Sea of Ariake, an area known for having the best seaweed in Japan. This is the one he brought back with him. It was a wonderful end to a fabulous meal.

It had me wondering...since it had been several years since we last visited. While Tadokoro still deals with tons of sushi rolls and such; it seems that Take-san has stepped up his game. Or is it just me?

As we walked out of Tadokoro the Missus told me; "this has me really missing Japan." I guess I know where we're going later on this year!

Sushi Tadokoro
2244 San Diego Ave
San Diego, CA 92110

Like I said before:

Go early for best selection and a more relaxed pace and atmosphere. Even better, make reservations and go early.

Mikami Revolving Sushi and Bar-a first look (Clairmont Mesa)

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Cathy is writing today while Kirk stays busy at work.

Another revolving sushi bar has opened in San Diego. Located at the South West corner of Clairmont Mesa at Ruffner, in the same mall as PT Eatery, Katsu Cafe, one of the original Lolita locations, the Tea Station location  I write about.  The corner across Ruffner Street has the Original Tommy's.  The other corner, across Clairmont Mesa Boulevard, has Ajisen Ramen.  The parking area is plentiful and free (compared to the parking area by the other San Diego revolving sushi restaurant, Kura).

 The Mister and I were here on a weekday (and Mikami is still in the 'Soft Opening' stage) and only one Conveyor was open.  The second photo is looking into the Bar area, which has no conveyors, but where appetizers, entrees and 'buckets' can be ordered.
The rolling conveyor (kaiten) had a good variety of choices, although a good 1/3 were salmon based (The Mister doesn't really like salmon), each group of plates proceeded by a plate with a description on one side and number on the other.  All conveyor plates are $2.80.  Beverages are $2.85 (and the hot tea is really good).
As always, we like to try the salad offerings. This was plentiful and filling.  Fresh vegetables as well as good quality krab along with avocado. 
 We got all wild and crazy and chose a 'Las Vegas Roll' from the rolling belt.  The breaded fried roll had a filling including real crab and cream cheese.  It was fresh and tasty. We also shared this half and half (tuna and salmon with cucumber filling) roll, which was also fresh and well made.

 Then we set our eyes on the touch pad ordering system. Pretty simple to navigate; we did order one item at a time.  First we decided to try the fried calamari rings ($7). 

 The smooth running wood railed trolly delivery system was pretty much silent.  Once you take your order off the rocket ship, you can send it back by pushing the button on the table or it will eventually automatically go back to the kitchen.
The sea salt topped (where else does salt come from?) fried calamari rings were quite nice, well fried, not greasy, and served with a slightly spicy dipping sauce.
 We also ordered a Blue Crab hand roll ($2.80) which was quite large and fresh made (the rice was still warm). Really nice quality.
The soy wrapped spicy scallop hand roll (also $2.80) was  wonderful and also much larger than expected.  I would much rather have this than three smaller spicy scallop rolls from the conveyor for the same price.
We didn't see any soft shell crab on the conveyor nor on the menu, however when we asked, found out it's the 'Spider Roll' (again, $2.80) and wow, we will order two of these next time!  Perfectly fried half of a soft shell crab.

A nice alternative in a good location.

 
Mikami Revolving Sushi and Bar 7319 Clairmont Mesa Boulevard San Diego 92111 Sun-Thurs 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Kotobuki - It's "R&R" Week

I'm sure you're asking what the heck "R&R Week" is......and no; it's not "Rest and Relaxation", though I wish it was. This week; other than travel type posts, I'll (finally) get around to posting some of the "Recommendations and Requests" that I've gotten. I've often said; this blog would not exist without the wonderful comments, question, recommendations, and requests I get. Right off, I'll say that my definition of "R&R" might be rather broad; it could be just a quick email, comment, you know "have you tried????" kind of thing. But, I hope you enjoy these posts......

Several months back "Julie" mentioned Kotobuki in the comments of my most recent Kokoro post; saying "fish quality is fantastic". So, over the last couple of months I made a couple of visits to this rather low-keyed location (I believe it used to be Wa Sushi), in the corner of the strip mall that houses Khan's Cave, Boll Weevil, and La Miche.

In between meetings I headed over to Kotobuki right after opening for lunch.

The place is rather spartan; on both my lunch visits, a charming little girl was coloring and doing other things at one table. The Itaemae is an older gentlemen.

The sushi bar is "walled off"; so you really can't ogle the fish, nor watch the Itamae in action.

The lunch menu had several items priced rather reasonably; so I ordered the Chirashi Lunch ($14.99).

I wasn't a big fan of the watered down miso soup. The sushi meshi had a nice balance that I enjoyed; not too over-powering sour tones; but was quite pleasant and the rice was prepped nicely.

Of the fish; the salmon was nicely fatty and tender; the maguro quite decent, meaty with no off flavors, and the Hamachi was tender, almost buttery. The tamago had a nice eggy-sweetness and was fairly supple. The shiromi; the whitefish was dry and the shrimp mushy.

With some tea; this made for a decent meal.

A few weeks later; I decided to drop by for lunch again and got the Sashimi Lunch Combo ($15.99).

The miso soup was the same as was the Hamachi, very nice texture.

The maguro wasn't the best cut this time around; on the tough side and dry. The Tai was pretty good, slight chew, mild sweetness. The salmon was fine, though not as good as on my previous visit.

The rice was fluffy and moist.

This was fine; though I had enjoyed the chirashi a bit more.

After my two lunches; I decided to drop by for dinner and was seated at the bar. That wood paneling really separates you from watching the Itamae and he seemed to not want to converse with his customers. In fact, you order by menu from the Server and have no interaction with the Itamae. This kind of takes away form the experience in my mind. I've always thought that eating at the sushi bar was a very personal, somewhat intimate experience......

I did ask the very efficient young lady what was good today and was told, "it's on the menu...…." Ok......

I placed my order and was served all my nigiri at once.

The nigiri are on the smaller size; even smaller than the Edomae stylings of Tadokoro; though it makes for a decent small bite.

The Kanpachi was a lot whiter than what I've seen in the past. It also seemed a bit fattier, with a mild sweetness.

I'm fairly certain it wasn't escolar and was told in no uncertain terms it was Kanpachi; which to me is Greater Amberjack. Whatever; this , in terms of texture was quite good.

The Hotate, scallop was sliced a bit too thinly for my taste and wasn't very sweet.

The Maguro had that "tinny" flavor that I don't care for, though in terms of fat and texture, it was the best of the three portions I'd had so far.

And it had that "center cut" to ensure it could be folded over the rice.

The Toro was very good; nice texture, meaty, buttery, no off flavors.

It was a pleasure to eat.

I had requested my Tamago to be served last, which they did.

It was a nice piece of tamago; just as good as what I'd had in the Chirashi and with a mild sweetness and the light handed touches to the shari; this was a nice "dessert" of sorts.

As you can see; I'm not a real big eater and this enough for me. Kotobuki seems like a decent neighborhood sushi bar; though the service seemed all business. Or perhaps it was just that "wall" in front of the sushi bar and the Itamae not engaging customers. The prices are good, the quality decent. Perhaps I'll drop by in the future again.

Kotobuki
9340 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92123
Hours:
Mon - Fri 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm
Saturday  5pm - 9pm

Thanks for the recommendation Julie!

Revisits - HiroNori Craft Ramen and Sushi Yaro

A couple of revisits for a busy Monday

HiroNori Craft Ramen:

I had meetings in the Hillcrest area; which conveniently finished at 1130. Sometimes things just work our right. I had wanted to revisit HiroNori since my first couple of visits in March. I was seated at the counter by one of the cheerful staff and of course I ordered the Shoyu Ramen, which I really enjoyed during a previous visit. I guess I really liked the flavor of barrel aged shoyu used for the tare.

So, how would it fare four months later?

The noodles were every bit as good a on my previous visits, with a meaty chew, the chashu tender and "porky", the ajitama was warm and seasoned well. The menma; bamboo shoots were too cold though. The broth was interesting; still good, the tongue feel was excellent for shoyu ramen; still it didn't have that level of complexity; the lightly sweet-umami I enjoyed previously. It was also a bit too salty this time around.

Don't get me wrong; this is still my second favorite ramen in San Diego. But, having had this before, I expect some consistency and this wasn't quite as good as what I'd had previously.

HiroNori Craft Ramen
3803 5th Ave
San Diego, CA 92103 
Open Daily 1130am - 9pm

Sushi Yaro:

Well, I hadn't been to Sushi Yaro since our office moved to the UTC area. First off, Sammy stopped doing lunch service, second, well life had just been too busy.

So, a few weeks back, wondering how the place was doing, I decided to head on over.

And ordered my typical sashimi; which delivered. I especially loved the engawa.

I know, you go into Yaro and see all the really "interesting" rolls.....which is not my thing. But they always have some good fish on hand for old fogies like me.

This hit the spot!

And, as a super bonus, my good friends Candice and Quanito dropped by for some beer as well! Just like old times. I've missed you my friends!

Sushi Yaro
7905 Engineer Road
San Diego, CA 92111

Lunches at Kokoro

Recently, the Missus and I have been talking about Japan quite a lot. We're obviously missing Japan; but with how far ahead we plan our trips; it's been hard trying to fit another visit with our timelines.

Recently, after a rather long morning, I just wanted a nice peaceful lunch and maybe something that'd would remind me of Japan. It had been ages since I'd had lunch at Kokoro; a place that was a favorite of the late Ed from Yuma, it seems that he'd eat there at least once on his visits. Having a meeting close by gave me the perfect opportunity to drop in for lunch.

There was only one other table occupied when I arrived. It was three generations of Japanese women having lunch.

This was exactly the kind of atmosphere I wanted. It was easy to find what I wanted for lunch on the menu. It was right on the first page.

You have your choice of Miso Soup or Udon...I've always enjoyed the miso soup here; but decided to try the udon.

Loved the texture of the noodles; which were nice and firm. The broth was really salty. The crisp and fresh greens were dressed with a typical Asian vinaigrette; I loved the tomato which had a good deal of acidity. But enough about that.....

On to the main course; the Chirashi ($20).

I'd recently had a poke bowl in San Diego that nearly cost me this much and was terrible. So, when looking at things that way..... Anyway, the sushi meshi, while perhaps a bit heavy on the vinegar did a nice job, along with the ginger of cleansing; then prepping my palate for each slice of fish. The tako was nicely tender; the maguro standard issue; the Hamachi nice and buttery....but it the shiromi (the whitefish) that made this particularly good....and those nicely prepared slices of saba and kampachi. The piece of hirame hiding in the back had a nice mild sweetness to it.

This was a really nice lunch.

So; I decided to return a week or so later.

And while I was sorely tempted to have the chirashi again, I turned over the menu and ordered something from the other side of it.

This time I started with the miso soup; which was as good as ever; nice miso flavor, with a bit of thickness to it.

I ordered the sashimi and chicken karaage combo ($14.95).

The karaage was straightforward chicken thighs, skin on, seasoned with salt and black pepper, and lightly dusted. It was quite plain and without crisp or crunch, nor with any complex umami flavors.

The sashimi was basic; the Hamachi being the best of the bunch; the tako was again very tender, but did not have the light briney flavor of the previous meal. The maguro was fine; no off flavors.

It wasn't bad by any means; but I'm going to stick with the Chriashi. The older woman who works here is so very gracious and when things are slow I really enjoy the vibe of the place. I've got to have lunch here more often.

Kokoro Restaurant
3298 Greyling Dr
San Diego, CA 92123
Hours
Mon - Tues  1130am - 2pm, 530pm - 10pm
Wed         530pm - 10pm
Thurs - Sat 1130am - 2pm, 530pm - 10pm