mmm-yoso!!!

Champagne French Bakery Cafe

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Cathy is writing while Kirk is traveling.

 We started driving, took an exit, kept driving, saw cars in a parking lot and stopped.  This is how The Mister and I find restaurants in unfamiliar areas in the early morning.  I remembered seeing a Champagne Bakery in Del Mar when working for the Registrar of Voters, years ago, but never went there.  That location has closed.  
 Walking inside, there are three cases of freshly baked goods, with a kitchen menu along the back wall. 
 When I saw a Jesuite in the display case, I knew I had to order it.  I did not notice the giant poster on the wall until downloading this photo.  
 A Jesuite ($5.29) is a triangular, flaky pastry filled with frangipane (a soft, spreadable custard cream) and topped with sliced almonds and powdered sugar.  The pastry originated in France and the name refers to the triangular shape of a Jesuit's hat.  I knew of it but had never seen this particular pastry in San Diego.
 The pieces of flaky/crisp crust and creamy filling are delicious.  The coffee is Lavazza ($2.69).

But, we were here for breakfast.
 The Mister chose the Breakfast Crépe plate with bacon and potatoes ($11.29).  Two fresh made, thin crépes filled with soft scrambled eggs and Swiss cheese.  The herbed, crisp roasted potatoes and smoky, quality bacon rounded out this meal. 
 I decided on the Le Metro Sandwich ($7.75).  Wow.  A folded omelet, tomato, avocado and herbed cream cheese served on a fresh baked, toasted whole wheat, seeded ciabatta.  Flavors, textures, quality.

I hope we find ourselves back in the area so we can try more of the menu.  

Champagne French Bakery Cafe website 

Two locations: 162 S. Santa Fe Road, Encinitas (760) 944-9446 Open daily 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

11925 Carmel Mountain Road Suite 801 San Diego 92128 (858) 613-7767 Open daily 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

Natural Style Chicken (Point Loma)

Here you are, looking at mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk and His Missus are really enjoying themselves on their well deserved vacation (I have photographic proof).  Cathy is writing this post. 

I posted about Natural Style Chicken in 2007.  Kirk posted about it in 2014.  It's been more than seven years, the restaurant has survived through Covid and it's time for a revisit post. At the far (Northeast) end of the mall on the Northwest corner of West Point Loma Boulevard at Sports Arena Boulevard, a few doors down from the original location of Gaglione Bros, is the longstanding (more than 40 years) location of Natural Style Chicken.
 The menu is pretty simple, primarily consisting of rotisserie cooked chicken  which you can see spinning in the oven at the front window if you arrive early in the morning.
 A chicken teriyaki plate ($11.99) weighs close to (if not more than) one pound.  Rice, an iceberg salad and chicken- a LOT of boneless, skinless, tender, juicy rotisserie chicken.  Served with a warm, house-made teriyaki sauce that isn't too sweet and not salty; just right.  An easily shared meal.
 But, the owner is Korean and there are both kalbi and bulgogi plates offered.  The bulgogi ($14.99) plate is wonderful, with thin sliced, marinated beef, griddled on a stovetop with cabbage, carrot and onion slices.  So tender and so much flavor!  This day we opted for the vegetable/fried rice (+$2) which was made to order with carrot, onion and egg.  Very good (again, the plate was heavy and shared). 
 There are a few side dishes on the menu.  The onion rings ($4.99) are an excellent choice.  Hand battered, expertly fried, light, crunchy, not greasy.
 Chicken Kyoza (Korean gyoza/mandu)(five for 5.99, ten for $8.99) are also perfectly fried dumplings , filled with chicken and cabbage and served with a tart, vinegar-based sauce.  

You can't go wrong here.  Nice people.  Fresh, tasty, good food.  

Natural Style Chicken 3944 West Point Loma Blvd San Diego 92110 (619) 223-9887 Open daily 11-9

Tom's Famous Family Restaurant #23 (Escondido) (revisit)

Today, mmm-yoso!!! has another post about food for you to read.  It's written by Cathy, since Kirk is still on vacation. 

I wrote about Tom's #23 last November and some things here are pretty much the same, but some changes have occurred. Walk up, order, pay...and you are asked where you will be sitting- the table numbers are tall and visible from the cash register; you aren't handed one to put on your table.  Why? Because your food will be delivered to your table by Tomcat!

   The Mister ordered a chicken fried steak breakfast ($10.99), with home fries and over easy eggs.  Beautiful, orange-yolked eggs.  Perfectly crispy fried steak, wonderful sausage gravy, crispy. skin-on potato chunks. Instead of toasted bread, He chose French toast ($1.99) Eggy, crisp with a fluffy interior.  Really nice. 

 I decided on a breakfast sandwich with ham on rye toast ($5.49).  I nice, thick slice of ham with lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise along with the folded egg omelet.

Good food and a fun time. 

Tom's Famous Family Restaurant #23, 505 West 5th Avenue (at Centre City Parkway) Escondido 92025 Open daily 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Breakfast served all day

 Tomcat talks to you, politely (even says "goodbye") and knows when all of your order has been removed from the shelves.
 

Lido's Italian Food (Lemon Grove)

Well, here you are, looking at mmm-yoso!!! again.  Today, Cathy is posting about a restaurant which has been in Lemon Grove since 1955, for good reasons.  Kirk and His Missus are still enjoying themselves in another part of the world.

You may have passed without noticing.  Lido's has been there all along. The architecture on the exterior has remained the same.  As has the interior.

  Notice there are Monday-Friday Lunch Specials.

Specials have a choice of soup or salad.  Of course, only minestrone soup is offered, because it is perfect and there is no need to make any other soup; just like at home.  The salad dressing (again, only one type) is a unique version of Italian.  It is available for purchase.  Lunch also arrives with toasted garlic parmesan bread. Of course, you can order a slice of cheese bread ($2.95) (or a half loaf for $6.95 or a full loaf for $9.95).  A very nice, cheesy 'appetizer'.

 This is a 'full' order of jumbo cheese ravioli ($10.45).  A delightful, fluffy ricotta-herb filling sandwiched between thin pasta and covered in the house marinara.  It's a great meal to share (and have some leftovers).
  The eggplant parmesan lunch ($9.25) here is excellent, though it isn't photogenic.  Thin sliced (but not mushy) eggplant slices, plenty of cheese, and, because it is baked, the marinara has a more concentrated flavor.
  One of our favorite meals when dating was to share an antipasto salad (for two, $10.35) ($8.35 for one).  The triangle slices of mortadella and cotto salami sandwiching mozzarella are found around the bottom of the plate.  Pickled carrot, celery, red pepper and cauliflower complete the lettuce/tomato/olive/pepperocini covered plate. A large sausage and mushroom pizza ($19.25)would pretty much always be our order back then and still is today.  Thin sliced fresh mushrooms, a light dollop of the tomato based sauce, plenty of mozzarella and sausage (!)- mild Italian with the flavors of garlic and fennel seeds.
 The large pizza is thin.  The small is a bit thicker.  For the extra $2, there are more toppings and flavor.  We reheat the leftovers in a fry pan.  

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Ok, so it's an older Italian restaurant.  What makes Lido's unique?

This.  With every eat-in pizza (or for $4.95) you get this.  "Hors d' ouevres"
 The plate arrives looking mildly unusual with hidden joy underneath all of those Cheez-Its: thin slices of American cheese and cotto salami.   It's what makes Lido's, Lido's.

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Local, long time, friendly, fresh, consistent.

Lido's Italian Foods 7252 Broadway Lemon Grove CA 91945  (619) 469-9901 Open seven days 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Website


 The hors d' oeuvres plate also reminds us of this surprising dish, which I posted about in November of 2006.

 

Anthony's Fish Grotto (La Mesa Lunch)(again)

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!! while Kirk is on vacation.  Cathy is writing today.

Barely six months ago, I wrote about a few meals at Anthonys, a San Diego mainstay since 1946.  The Mister and I stopped for a celebratory lunch a few weeks ago.  We decided to eat indoors instead of enjoying the outdoor seating.

 Here is the current Lunch Menu. When you are seated, warm ciabatta rolls are served with a whipped tomato butter.  A wonderful treat.
 We decided to share the appetizer calamari plate ($15.95).  Lightly breaded with a herbed 'Italian style' mix, lightly fried to a delicate crisp and topped with Parmesan, the soft-as-butter squid (served with tartar sauce and warm marinara) could be a meal.  But, we shared. 
 The Mister had a craving for fried items and ordered the Quick Catch Fish & Shrimp plate ($15.50).  The five plump, classic-batter fried shrimp along with the piece of classic-battered cod along with the Krab 'n Mac salad was a plentiful meal and flavor-filled in every bite.
 I really wanted the classic New England clam chowder that is made here, but not the bread bowl it is usually served in, so I ordered the 'Salad with Chowder Combo' ($14.75), requesting no bread bowl and chose the wedge salad (could have had a House Salad or Caesar salad...and also could have chosen the Red Fisherman Chowder).  As always, the fresh, cream based soup, highlighted with clam pieces, diced potato and celery was the star of my plate.  Next time, I might ask for the Wedge with the house-made Louie dressing..I'm wild and crazy sometimes.

Another Covid-19 survivor and favorite special meal spot.

Anthony's Fish Grotto 9530 Murray Drive La Mesa, CA 91942 (619)463-0368 Website Mon-Thurs 11:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Sunday (brunch!) 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

Pho and Grill International (Spring Valley)

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, tries to write about interesting meals.  Kirk and His Missus are researching some very interesting 'worldwide' foods while Cathy is writing about another local place.

The Mister and I were in Spring Valley on a bread-buying/bakery errand (future post) and passed by this new location (about 1/2 mile East of the old location) of Pho and Grill International.  The original location opened in 2015.  This mall also houses Grecian Cafe, where we also stop when in the area.

 The people who work here are very friendly and treat everyone like family.  There is almost always a US Postal Service truck parked in front (because they are having lunch here; always the sign of a good place to stop-read Trent's comment on this post- stopping where local delivery people eat has been how we find great hidden gems).  
 The menu is fairly extensive. 
 59, the Special Combo ($14.95), includes two grilled shrimp (plump, juicy, great grilled flavor), a grilled pork chop (excellent) and a grilled pork patty (very good version) along with the rice and salad.  The menu also listed 'shrimp paste on tofu', which wasn't on the plate (but a fried egg was included and not on the menu).
 The owner came out to check on us and we explained that we thought tau hu ky would be part of the plate.  He apologized and brought out this shrimpy delight, which was very tasty (but not tau hu ky). 
 It was a warm day and I wanted Bun...cold noodles on top of lettuce.  I chose 37- char broiled pork and egg roll (bun thit nuong cha gio)($11.95) (primarily because I wanted a bite of crispy egg rolls without having a full order).  It arrived in this wide, low bowl- deceptively large.
 The lettuce was hidden but definitely there once you mixed things up.  The char grilled pork was wonderful and the crispy, fresh tasting, quite filled cha gio will be a separate order next time; really good.

Another Covid-19 survivor.  Good people work here, everyone seems to know everyone.

Pho and Grill International 9676 Campo Road Spring Valley, CA 91977 (619) 825-8585 Open seven days 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

Ramona Cafe (Breakfast)

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Today's post (again, written by Cathy) takes you a bit inland of this 4200 square mile County.

The Mister and I found ourselves in Ramona one morning, saw cars parked on Main Street and knew that we should stop.    (FYI, there is parking and an entrance from the alley)
 The breakfast menu is on one page; lunch on the flip side.  Our friendly waitresses were familiar with just about every patron on this weekday.  (I did not notice the top left corner; next time).
 The Mister ordered the Farmer's Omelet ($12.50) with home fries- and was asked if he wanted onions with the home fries(!).  Hash browns were not an option (which is nice; limited menu) and the fresh, cubed potatoes were crisped and nicely browned.
 The three egg omelet was filled with cheddar cheese and ground breakfast sausage, topped with sausage gravy and more cheese.  A large amount of mild breakfast sausage which went well with the eggs and (mild) gravy.  We ended up adding pepper to the sausage halfway through. 
 Of course, the only 'bread' that The Mister could consider ordering with this particular omelet was a fresh baked biscuit.  (There is also a choice of toast or English muffin).
 The tall, fluffy-interiored, crisp crusted biscuit was quite large and arrived with its own container of honey.  A different type of hand made biscuit, which we shared.
 I decided to order the California Eggs Benedict ($13.50) (a traditional Eggs Benedict with tomato and avocado for an additional $1).
 Nice amount of thicker cut smoked ham on top of a toasted English muffin topped with the avocado and tomato, a light-medium poached egg and house made hollandaise (not very lemon-y but a perfect consistency).  

Another Covid-19 survivor.  We will be back.

Ramona Cafe  628 Main Street Ramona, CA 92065  (760) 789-8656 Website Open daily 6 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Tahini (Kearny Mesa)

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Cathy is writing today; Kirk and His Missus are on vacation.

Since October 2017, Tahini has been thriving in the small strip mall on Clairmont Mesa just East of the County Assessors Office.  The 'original' location is being reconstructed to open as Finjån (a Turkish/hot sand coffee shop) just next door to the newer, larger corner storefront.  Same owners. There is plenty of parking in front as well as behind the building. You step inside, walk up and order (there is also a Self-Service ordering kiosk in that far corner next to the cash register).  

The menu is simple. 
 Three types of 'main' dishes that you can personalize with three types of proteins and toppings.  There are also six 'appetizers'-which could be a primary meal, seven 'sides' and one dessert.  Everything is made to order; fresh pita is constantly cooling on racks near the entrance, fresh from the oven.
 'Halloumi Cheese Stix' appetizer ($9).  Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese with a high melting point, so it can be fried.  It is a goat and sheep's milk cheese, kind of tangy.     It's served on top of a wheat pita along with a fig jam and a cucumber-yogurt sauce.  Every element of this appetizer is fresh and flavorful. This is a half order of Tahini Fries ($5).  Crisp potato fries topped with tomato, red onion, red bell pepper, pepperoni, kalamata olives, feta cheese, garlic sauce and tahini sauce.  (The large size ($7) is more than enough for sharing).
 This is a side order of Cumato Salad ($3).  Cucumbers and tomatoes, diced and mixed with an olive oil based dressing, topped with feta.  Refreshing.  (The Cumato Salad appetizer is $6). 

The "Build Your Own" menu consists of three choices: Pita Sandwich, Salad or Rice Bowl.  There are three choices of protein: falafel (made when you order), chicken shawarma or steak shawarma.  The chicken is marinated with 10+ ingredients and the beef is certified Angus, also marinated with 10+ ingredients. 
 This is the chicken shawarma salad ($12.50-salad, $9.50, add chicken $3), customized with add ons and topped with garlic sauce and tahini sauce.  

Choices of add ons: lettuce, tomato, pickles, pickled turnips, cheese, parsley mix, bell pepper, kalamata olives, pepperocini.  (Feta cheese is 50¢ as are toasted almonds). 

Housemade sauces: tahini, garlic, BBQ tahini, Sriracha tahini, cilantro tahini, cucumber yogurt.  

Plenty of moist, marinated, roasted chicken; plenty of all the other ingredients.  Fresh, flavorful, wonderful. 
 The steak salad ($12.50) had a generous portion of the marinated steak as well as all the other ingredients.
 This time, asking for the sauce on the side was a way to try the BBQ tahini (it was subtle; you could still make out the sesame base) as well as our 'must have', the whipped garlic sauce.  Again, a wonderful, filling, tasty salad.  
A falafel sandwich ($9- pita sandwich is $8, falafel is $1) comes with five fresh made falafel, your choice of add ons and sauce.  These are fava bean based falafel, mixed with fresh herbs and subtle spices and perfectly fried so the exterior 'crust' is a light crisp and the interior is fluffy.

Owned by American and Arab friends with immigrants, refugees, butchers and bakers as employees, made it through Covid-19.  A great place to enjoy Middle Eastern Street Food. 

Soo and Maggie have been here.

Tahini 9119 Clairmont Mesa Blvd, Suite H San Diego 92123 Open Mon-Sat 11-8, Sun 11-7 Website

 Trays of fresh pita cooling.

La Casa Blanca (La Mesa) (revisit)

Today, mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy. Kirk and His Missus are busy researching future posts, elsewhere.

My most recent Casa Blanca post was written in 2017.  It's time for an update.  This family owned, longtime (since 2007) restaurant has withstood the test of time and of Covid-19.  
 Warm chips and fresh made salsa are brought out while you are perusing the menu.
 The Mister (once again) ordered the Mexican Scampi ($15.95).  Butterflied shrimp sautéed in butter, wine, chili powder and garlic served with Mexican (veggie) rice.  Plump shrimp, flavorful sauce and rice.  Always satisfying. 
 As with my post in 2014  (and 2017)., a cup of the Rancho Pinto Bean Soup was ordered ($4.95; a bowl is $8.95).
 This meat filled (bacon, sausage chorizo) bean soup really is a craving for me and always is satisfying.
 A Coctele Del Mar ($13.95) with shrimp (no octopus was available this day, or I would have ordered the combination of seafoods) was a bright, fresh and flavorful, satisfying meal.  The plump, large shrimp are served in a lime juice based sauce filled with fresh chopped cucumbers, onion, tomato and cilantro which is topped with avocado.   

This local Mexican restaurant serves a very nice brunch and has a Monday-Friday lunch menu. 

La Casa Blanca 9570 Murray Drive La Mesa, CA 91942 (619) 466-2912 Website Open Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Panda Machi (Alpine)

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy (again).  Kirk and His Missus have barely begun to enjoy their vacation. 

In the first months of each year, when I am driving around the County for my job, I make notes about places I see and would like The Mister and I to return to check out once things slow down.
 There in the left corner-walking distance from an Ayres Hotel, Chase Bank and a Carl's Jr., I had seen Panda Machi.   The Mister and I returned one weekday.  This Chinese-Japanese restaurant (Panda, for its Chinese roots and Machi (means 'town' in Japanese)) is a tribute to the roots of this family owned and run (since 2020) restaurant. 



The front of the extensive four page menu lists the less expensive lunch specials and appetizers.
 
The sushi chef was busy around noon the day we were here.
 The Almond Chicken (lunch, $8.95) with fried (instead of white) rice was what we decided to order.  The large plate of stir fried chicken with celery, peas and carrots included a cream cheese wonton, pork potsticker,  
 salad with ginger dressing and an excellent egg drop soup.  The freshness of all the ingredients was notable and of great quality. 
 The Mister and I ordered the Assorted Egg Fu Young ($13.95), as we do on first visits to Chinese restaurants. Chicken, beef and shrimp along with fresh mushrooms, sprouts, water chestnuts, peas and carrots in a lovely gravy covered the unique omelette.
 The version made here is baked in the pan (rather than fried like an omelette, with thin edges)- the top, bottom and edges were uniform and a consistent bake.  The eggs were blended with lightly mashed cauliflower and broccoli.  It is so interesting to see the various versions of this dish, which is basically a way to use up leftovers.    

We will be returning to try out the Japanese side of the menu.  So happy we stopped here.

Panda Machi 1730 Alpine Blvd, Suite 101 Alpine, CA 91901 (619) 445-6224 Open seven days 11-9 website