mmm-yoso!!!

Chirashi-zushi To Go From Kokoro

A few weeks back I was thinking how hard the pandemic has been on those mom-and-pop places that I'd visit on occasion. You know, places not in the standard rotation, but one's I enjoy for a nice lunch or dinner and Kokoro came to mind. Akio-san and his wife are getting on in years, which had me wondering how things were going for them. I went ahead and checked their website and along with outdoor lunches and dinners, they were doing takeout. It had been a while since my last visit and I'm sure that the late Ed from Yuma, who loved Kokoro would be wanting me to check in and see how things were going. Kokoro is quite "old school" and though they have their lunch and dinner takeout menus on the website; you'll still have to call in your order. Also, please note that even if you call in your order at 1030, the place doesn't really open up until 1130.

Of all the lunch items I'd had at Kokoro, I had enjoyed the Chirashi the most; so I decided to go with that.

I arrived at around 1135 tp pick up my lunch. The place had blacked out the doors and windows and for all the world looked closed. Looking closer, I noticed the door was ajar, so I walked on in.

And wouldn't you know it; my lunch was ready and waiting for me....such efficiency.

Once back at the office, I unpacked my lunch eagerly.....I really wanted to see how different this was from the very good chirashi I'd had for lunch before. Especially since the lack of business can mean supply chain issues and limits flexibility with stock, as in you'll probably only get the "usual suspects"....especially in the case of fresh seafood for sushi restaurants.

The one thing that I enjoyed right off hand was the miso soup. It wasn't watered down and was full of flavor.

The selection of fish was decent; though the shiromi (whitefish) that I'd had before in the chirashi was not present this time around. The anago was quite good, light, mildly sweet, I wish there was more of it. The maguro was of good quality, no "sugi" (connective tissue), moist and tender. The tako tender as well....the saba did well with bites of ginger before and after to help prep, then cleanse the palate of the richness. The hamachi was decently fatty.

 The salmon was fine, the shrimp and kanpachi were my least favorite items both were tough and the kanpachi had a bit more fishiness to it then I enjoy.

The rice was moist and fluffy. And as expected based on previous visits, the sushi meshi here is quite bracing at times; they do like their vinegar.

I like the tamago as it was light and not too sweet; a perfect way for me to end my meal.

It was good to know that Kokoro is still in business and I did enjoy my lunch; I'll definitely be back once we're in a better position in terms of dining in. I'm sure Ed from Yuma would be happy to know that Kokoro is still in business.

Kokoro Restaurant
3298 Greyling Dr
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-4113

An Update on Sam and Sushi Yaro.......and I Dine In For the First Time in Nearly 400 Days

If you follow our little blog; you'll know that back in January, Sam, owner and Itamae of Sushi Yaro suffered a stroke. Of course my good friends kept me appraised of how Sam was doing, when he was discharged, when the restaurant was reopening, and such. I tried not to bother Sam much since he obviously had a lot going on....though the Medical Professional in the family always had a battery of questions for Sam. Once Sushi Yaro was reopened, I still waited......mainly because I wasn't ready to dine outdoors yet.....though finally, two months after I'd received my second shot, I decided I needed to see how Sam was doing and show some support. The Missus was working a night shift, so I decided to head on over to Engineer Road, and dine al fresco at the outdoor dining area I'd seen set-up in the parking lot. Except when I arrived, shortly before opening time......I really didn't want to be around too many people, this is what I saw.

The outdoor dining area for Sushi Yaro was gone! And the reason for that soon became clear. So, now there was a decision to make....yes, we're in the "Red Tier" which means indoor dining can operate at 25% capacity, yes I've had both vaccines, yes the restaurant was just opening so there were no other customers in the place, and yes, Sam called out my name when he saw me and waved me over to the sushi bar. And so it came to pass, 380 days since I last dined indoors I decided to have dinner at Sushi Yaro. After all, I really wanted to support Sam and see how he was doing.

The reason that the outdoor area is gone, besides San Diego being in the Red Tier is that Sam is running a one man show. And with all residual effects of the stroke, well, he just isn't able to handle too many customers. In fact, he told me about 8 people max.

As for what I ordered....well, Sam knows me, and after a short wait....he's moving pretty well considering, but there's obviously some motor deficits and such.....he had my dinner for me.

I'm not really going to go into the food this time around, I'll do that in a future post....except to say, it did hit the spot. Especially the sashimi which was perfect on a day when temps were hitting the low 80's....so much for spring, eh?

We spent most of the time talking about how things are going for Sam...residual effects and accommodations he's had to make after the stroke, his family and such. After all, I've known Sam for 20 years.

Soon enough, a couple of other couples arrived, when Sam hits his max, he'll ask folks if they want to do takeout and return a bit later. It's probably a good idea to make reservations if you plan on arriving after 530. There are also times when Sam's therapy and such runs late, or if he's really tired that he'll close early, so definitely, call.

Honestly, it was kind of tough seeing Sam run back and forth to the kitchen......to deep fry rolls for folks, to get ingredients, to get customers their drinks (I decided to forgo my usual Sapporo on this visit). But Sam seems to be handling it fairly well....he's a bit slower than before, but seems to be making progress, and I'm happy for that.

Soon enough there were eight folks in the restaurant; it was making me a bit uncomfortable....oh my how Covid has changed us. It was time for me to leave. I was glad to see Sam and said I'll be back soon.

As I left I told him, "take care of yourself; I'll like to be seeing you still in good health 20 years from now."

Sushi Yaro
7905 Engineer Road
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 560-1782

Our Pandemic Takeout Rotation

I was recently pondering what our Pandemic Takeout Rotation is....that is, the places we've done a bunch of takeout from over the last year......I'm guessing that this post is somewhat timely since (not a great thing) the WHO declared Covid-19 to be a pandemic on this day a year ago.

What I did notice is that things like weather, work, cravings, or indecision kind of drove the decision process. So I've categorized places by that process

So here goes.....

For cold weather - Menya Ultra and Woomiok:

Like I mentioned before, I'm not if it's because we're spending more time at home; but this fall and winter seems to be much colder then I recall.

So, of course Menya Ultra's Stay at Home Kit...….so well and thoughtfully put together; love the fresh noodles (i.e. fresh made and uncooked) is our rotation.

It's basically at least two meals......there often is too much noodle; so I'll often use it for another dish.

Menya Ultra Ramen
8199 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92111
858-571-2010

When the Missus or I feel somewhat tired......we enjoy the Emporer's Soup along with an extra side of bone broth from Woomiok.

We enjoy the restorative effects of the bone broth....even if it might be "all in our heads".

This was especially nice after the Missus or I felt some of the side effects from our vaccines.

Woomiok
3860 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 737-4599

And then when we're experiences unseasonal warm weather - it's the Market at HFS:

That's an easy one, right? It's also a handy fix when I'm missing "home".

Of course, you know the Missus right? Eating poke just ain't the straightforward for Her......there's a bit of prep involved. Can you imagine when I actually deliver this for Her lunch at work?

And I blew this one because one thing was missing....shiso leaves...sigh....

Hawaiian Fresh Seafood Fish Market
6491 Weathers Place
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 282-0591

For that "special" takeout dinner - it's Tadokoro:

I guess this one should be pretty obvious based on some of my previous posts.

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

And when we can't make our mind up? Well, it's probably Noble Chef or Sizzling Pot King:

For those times when we don't really know what to get.

The Noble Chef
6159 Balboa Avenue
San Diego, CA 92111

Though I think we've been getting Sizzling Pot King weekly now.

It's usually two meals for us.....and heck, if you're wondering what I do with those leftover noodles form Menya Ultra.....

 I save all the drippings from the dry pot and use it as a sauce for the noodles....I know, kinda weird, but I like this strange version of Liang Mian…..

Sizzling Pot King
8058 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 279-0088

The Missus's weekend coffee fix from Birdrock:

I'll usually drop off pour over from Birdrock on Morena.

She loves the fruity acidity of African beans and of course when there's Geisha (caution - over $12 a cup for pour over)…..

The folks there already know me by name and make an awesome pour over......even though their spelling can be a bit iffy......

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters
1270 Morena Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110

And then, there's my weekly reward for working from home - Zgara Greek Grill:

Another pretty obvious pick. I'm not the biggest fan of all this WFH stuff; but Frankie needs and deserves the attention and care. So, once a week I'll reward myself.

Zgara Greek Grill
1229 Morena Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110

You know looking at this list makes me wonder why other places from my usual rotation like Mien Trung aren't here.....there are some obvious reasons for others; like Yakitori, Yakiniku, Korean BBQ, and some of my regular Japanese restaurants....well, I just think takeout wouldn't do justice to the food.....though maybe EE Nami might make this list soon.

Anyway; here's looking to brighter days....I'm hoping the light at the end of the tunnel is coming into view.

And of course, I want to know, what has your takeout rotation been?

You don't mind if I indulge myself tonight, do you?

Just a quick post....man, so far it's been a pretty intense 2021 and both the Missus; who has been putting in 6 day weeks and I wanted to indulge ourselves. I hope you don't mind. You know where this is from, right?

Man, this was the best takeout we've had during the pandemic......well, perhaps it was just what we wanted?

What's your favorite takeout place?

Hope you're staying safe and having the best week possible!

Take care!

News About Sam and Sushi Yaro

Well, as if things couldn't get bad enough. On Tuesday my good friends sent me a bunch of text messages telling me that Sam, owner of Sushi Yaro had a stroke. Which was really hard to believe since he's fairly young. I don't do Facebook, so I quickly went to the Sushi Yaro's Facebook and found that it was true.

Good lord, 2021 isn't turning out to be so great so far.....

I've known Sam for almost 20 years now, from his time working at Katzra, to when he opened Sammy Sushi, to Sushi Yaro. While not fancy......it's always been what I've envisioned as the neighborhood sushi bar, unpretentious, all are welcome, and regardless if you wanted rolls or sashimi, there was something for you.

I've always harped on the importance of the relationship between the Itamae and the customer and no where else was it so true then at Sushi Yaro. I could always waltz in and just order "some sashimi" and get a nice plate of well cut, fresh fish.....the best that was available. And, I've actually met some "FOYs" at Yaro!

I usually don't do this, but times are different right now. I have been alerted to a GoFundMe to help Sam. Especially with rent to keep him afloat. So, if you've been to Sushi Yaro and enjoyed yourself...….well......

Here's hoping Sam recovers....though having a stroke can't be great for the motor skill you need making sushi....but I'm hoping for the best.

Get well Sam!

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