mmm-yoso!!!

2025 San Diego County Fair-Summer Pet-Tacular! (part one)

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy today; Kirk is taking a break.

It's that time of year again: The San Diego County Fair opens today-Wednesday, June 11.  Here's a little 'behind the scenes' peek.

The theme, Summer Pet-Tacular , is indeed centered around pets of all types, but do not be mistaken into thinking you can actually bring your own pet to the Fairgrounds-only certified Service Animals are allowed.  There will be pet themed exhibits and the San Diego Humane Society will have some on-site adoptions.

The Fun Zone is set up with rides, as always.

The 'usual' County Fair food booths are available.

There are handouts with maps of the Fairgrounds on one side and food places on the other side at the Information Booths. I also found these large maps.

There are a few special deals if you are wanting to buy food at the Fair.  

There will also be half price (on Fridays from 11-4) of eight items (to be announced tonight) of new treats being offered this year. I'm sure there will be some notification on Fridays when you walk in.  Look for signs.

BUT...there are some new booths and/or offerings I have noticed.  A lot are not what I would consider to be "County Fair" food, but still, they are going to be here in San Diego.

 

Yes, Chicken Charlie has a new, Funnel Cakes Only booth and there it is-pickles and cream (I would think cream cheese) with bacon on top of a funnel cake (I would think plain fried dough, not sugar topped dough.  But, it sounds interesting.

Yes, some not really 'Fair' foods, yet interesting choices are available.  I will be going and have some of my personal favorites to share with you, maybe next week.  Until then, you can go and try what you enjoy.

Of course, Home and Hobby has been judged and set up.

The array of collections is vast and interesting.  People who entered took the time to explain their hobby on most of the displays.

There were fewer entries in the Preserved Foods Division and pickled onions won the Best of Show.

So many things to do and see.  The fifth largest County Fair in the USA is a tradition and inspiration for all.

San Diego County Fair website.  Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.  Opens at 11 a.m. the other days.  June 11-July 6

Rubios, Home of the Fish Taco

mmm-yoso!!! welcomes you back to another post from Cathy; Kirk and His Missus are elsewhere.

Rubios opened its first location in 1983 in the Mission Bay area of San Diego, primarily serving Baja style fish tacos.  Locations have expanded throughout California, Arizona and Nevada.  Serving sustainable seafood as well as chicken and vegetarian dishes, Rubios is a walk up, order and pay and your food is brought to your table type of restaurant.

My usual order is the two fish taco plate ($8.99), part of the "Five under $10" menu.  Beer battered wild caught Alaska pollock topped with cabbage, salsa fresca, a 'secret sauce' (it is mild and white) and served on a warm corn tortilla along with tortilla chips and "no fried" pinto beans, this is a tasty filling meal.

Similarly, the Signature Fish Burrito ($12.99) is a very filling meal.  It kind of looks small but the cross section cut shows the flour tortilla is packed full.  There are three pieces of beer battered crisp fried wild caught Alaskan pollock, guacamole, black beans, white sauce, mild salsa, cabbage, onions and cilantro.  This comes with a side of tortilla chips.  An easy way to eat and there is flavor in every bite.  I do like the black beans a bit more than the pinto beans, but both are good. 

The Mango Avocado Salad with grilled Mahi-Mahi ($15.49) was The Mister's choice this day.  Brown rice and quinoa, a mango salsa and slices of Hass avocadoes over Romaine and topped with squared tortilla chips.  The 'normal' salad dressing is a lemon agave white balsamic vinaigrette.  You can choose other proteins (langostino lobster, grilled shrimp, chicken, blackened Mahi, grilled steak, grilled salmon or blackened salmon as well as grilled veggies)(prices of proteins vary).  This salad is protein packed and tastes so good.  The variety of textures as well as the contrast of warm fresh grilled fish is unexpectedly nice. 

I must say that the grilled veggies option is exceptional; there are grilled poblanos, cauliflower, red bell pepper, marinated red onions, and roasted corn.

Always fresh and essentially a local (not nationwide anyhow) spot. Choices for everyone.

Rubios Coastal Grill Website Many locations Opens at 10:30 a.m. daily

It looks like a re-branding might occur soon.

 

Farmer Boys (Again)

Thank you for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog sometimes with details of adventure of finding the foods blogged.  This isn't one of those posts; Kirk is the one having adventures while Cathy is here, blogging in between being busy.

I wrote about Farmer Boys the first time in 2015 and mentioned another meal in 2017 and just haven't blogged about all of our many visits over the years.  This family owned franchise of almost 100 locations in California and Nevada with the motto of "Farm Food Ain't Fast Food" purchases locally grown fresh ingredients and prepares a fresh cooked, made to order meal, serving delicious flavorful food. 

There are two locations in San Diego County, both in Escondido.

The Farmers Chopped Cobb salad ($ 14.99) includes greens, grilled chicken breast, diced Hass avocado, chopped tomato, hickory smoked bacon, that tiny hard boiled egg and cheddar cheese and is served with a chili ranch dressing (but you can ask for any of the available house made dressings).  The Mister really likes Cobb salads and says the one from Farmer Boys is his favorite, often asking me to bring one home when I am in the area.

The Sourdough Chicken Avocado Sandwich ($11.99) also includes grilled chicken breast, thick slices of bacon, a smashed Hass avocado, tomato, cheese, lettuce and mayonnaise on locally baked (Galasso's) sourdough bread.  The toasting of the bread and combination of ingredients is just so satisfying.  This is a very hefty sandwich and easily shared or half can be saved for a later meal. 

Four piece Fried Zucchini sticks ($6.49) was our choice as a side. Very large pieces, hand sliced and hand battered are served with some house made Ranch dressing and perfectly fried; the zucchini is cooked through and the cornmeal based batter is light, crispy and not greasy.  

Farmer Boys serves quality food all day (you can see breakfasts in my prior posts; the menu is pretty much the same as it was nine years ago). 

Farmer Boys  Website 

-1333 East Valley Parkway Escondido 92027 Open Mon-Sat 6-midnight, Sunday 7-midnight

-925  West Mission Center Escondido 92025 Mon-Fri 0530-10, Sat 6-10, Sun 7-10

Bei Yuan Tea & Boba (Just Drink) (former Tea Station)

mmm-yoso!!! welcomes you (back) to our food blog.  Cathy has some time to write about a local spot today (she has been crazy busy) while Kirk has been unable to connect to wifi, elsewhere in the world. 

I think my most recent post on Tea Station was in 2021.

The San Diego franchised locations seem to have disappeared and 'our' location (on Clairmont Mesa Boulevard)  has been re-named Bei Yuan Tea & Boba.

There are two self-serve kiosks in this lobby area as well as the walk up cash register where you can order snacks and beverages "to go", or you can have a seat and soon you will have a person drop by to take your order. 

The menu is very similar to Tea Station.

We ordered a pot of hot original green tea ($4.95 plus $1 for the large size).  It is an excellent fresh flavored tea.

The pork dumplings with the added side dish of three sides ($18.97) make a great meal.  The dumpling skin is not too thin nor too thick and the pork filling is plentiful and very flavorful.  The sides change daily and usually one is warm with meat and two are chilled. 

We decided to try the popcorn chicken with fruits ($8.98).  It arrived with sliced (sweet) onions on top.  If you haven't paid attention, The Mister hates onions.

So, they were removed, allowing the fruit and chicken to be exposed. 
The chicken pieces were quite good; larger pieces of dark meat, lightly breaded and with a proper fry (not greasy).  This was quite enjoyable. 

Since we were here, a Shaved Ice was ordered.  Strawberry milk with mixed jelly and 50% sweet (not as much condensed milk) ($7.73). This was an excellent dessert. 

Bei Yuan Tea & Boba 7315 Clairmont Mesa Blvd San Diego 92111 (858) 268-8198 Open daily 11:30 a.m.-midnight

As we were paying, I noticed this stainless cabinet with dry tea leaves and mesh bags in the lobby area.

 

I filled a bag and have it inside the car; a nice, subtle reminder of the scent of tea.

 

Happy AYCE Hot Pot (and Dim Sum) Rosemead

mmm-yoso!!!, this food blog, welcomes you back.  Here's a little food adventure enjoyed by Cathy and Her Mister.

The Mister and I drove up to Irwindale in late June, thinking there would be the first 2025 Rose Parade float Road Test, but that wasn't happening.  Since it was early (we get there by 7:15 a.m.), we started looking for a place to get breakfast.  The Mister looked online for places open before 8, directing my driving.  Soon, we saw this.

Happy AYCE Hot Pot has an AYCE Dim Sum breakfast  from 7:30-11:30 a.m. daily.  The price is $15.95 Mon-Th and $18.95 on Fri-Sat-Sun.  Beverages are $1.50.

The chairs out front must be the waiting area for the lunch and dinner Hot Pot crowd.

Walking in, you pass some tables and can see the Hot Pot induction plates.

You then pay and are shown to a seat.  The breakfast/Dim Sum process is explained.

This is the Hot Pot menu which looks interesting.  



THIS is the view from where we were seated.  There is appropriate accompanying music (Disco).  Did I mention that our receipt was timed at 7:42 a.m.?

This "Self Service Area" to the side has beverages and so many side dishes.  Not all photographed because...people.

The condiment bar had  some wonderful choices.

Here is one of our plates of sides.

I grabbed a small bowl of jook, which had appropriately size fried dough available.  The chili crisp was very good (and necessary).

Because it was so early and not very crowded (our receipt was number 6), there was only one dim sum cart for a while.

We chose a variety.  Fresh and pretty good.  Standard and no complaints.

There was also a small area of desserts at the far end of the Self Service/condiment area.

All in all, a nice breakfast. 

Happy AYCE Hot Pot Restaurant 8772 Valley Boulevard Rosemead 91770 Open daily 7:30-11:00 breakfast  (Hot Pot until midnight)

 

 

SurfSide Fish House (Scripps Ranch)

mmm-yoso!!! welcomes you to this blog about food.  As you know, Kirk is on vacation and Cathy is a bit busy right now.  But, Cathy does eat and here's a short post. 

A few months ago, The Mister and I discovered a new to us seafood based casual restaurant a bit North of the 52 off of the 15, still within San Diego City limits.

Surfside Fish House opened in June.  

It's one of those walk up, order, pay, have a seat and your food is brought out to you places.  There is indoor, covered outdoor and bar seating.

The simple, two-sided menu has an array of choices.

The clam chowder (cup, $4.99) is a traditional recipe, fresh made and not overloaded with potato.  It didn't seem to need any added salt and just a touch of pepper was added during the second half of eating, along with some crackers.  The bowl ($7.99) is huge and a meal in itself. 

The fried calamari ($7.99) is a good size, shareable portion.  It is lightly battered with fresh herbs, fried to a light crisp.  The squid pieces are not chewy.  Could be a meal if we didn't share.  The house made tartar sauce is wonderful and the cocktail sauce has just the right amount of horseradish. 

The seafood cioppino ($18.99) was the most wonderful shared  meal we had this year (both of us have been busy and have not been out to eat much at all).  The savory tomato broth is filled with shrimp, clams, mussels, squid and scallops.  Served with rice and toasted bread, it is truly perfect.  

There is a Happy Hour menu (3-6 p.m. daily), but we haven't been wanting to brave the drive back home at that hour.

Surfside Fish House 10585 Scripps Poway Parkway, Suite D San Diego 92131 (858) 397-2020 website open M-F 11-8, Sat-Sun 12-8

2025 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float road test #1, breakfast at Portos

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog.  There are reasons to get to the restaurants.  Cathy is writing today about the journey back to Portos.

On January 1, 2024, the 2024 Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game (Go Blue!) occurred and about two weeks later, planning for the 2025 Tournament of Roses began.

 The new president, Ed Morales, was introduced and he introduced the Theme of the 2025 Tournament.  "Best Day Ever! which guides the design theme of the floats which will appear in the Parade.

Designs were submitted, approved and construction began.  On Saturday, July 13, some floats were tested for mechanics and maneuverability at Phoenix Decorating Company in Irwindale.  This was the first of at least three road tests before decorating, which begins the first Saturday in December.  (You can sign up for decorating floats HERE; The Mister and I have already chosen two dates in December).

 The artist rendition for the 2025 Lions Club International float, "Celebrating a Day of Service" is so cute,!
 Even moreso in real life!  See the slot in the front hill? That is where the "Spotter" sits and can view what is in front of the float.  The Spotter speaks to the driver via a headset and has a set of brakes there at the front, in case an emergency type of stopping is necessary.

 Kiwanis International has the theme "Being Together" and is going to be even more beautiful when covered in natural materials and flowers.  The slot for the Spotter to view is at the top of the honeycomb


 The Service organization of Oddfellows and Rebekahs has their 2025 entry depicted on their website. 
 Here it is in real life!  so vibrant and, again, cute.  You can see the rectangular slot in front.  The Driver, who only follows the 'Rose Colored Line' on the street is situated near the middle of the float.

 The drawing of the 2025 Rotary International float, does not di it justice.
 This beauty is surreal and so detailed; everyone (on either side of the parade route) will see  something different.

 The 2025 entry for the Luthern Hour Ministries and Petal Pushers is going to continue with being the only Christian Themed float in the Parade for the 74th year.   There will be 'stained glass' windows on the church, all created with natural materials.  This float will be magnificent with it's theme "Behold! Jesus the Savior is Born".  The Petal Pushers volunteers assist with decorating about eight floats during decorating days.


 The Fraternal Service Organization of Elks will have another float in the 2025 Rose Parade.
 "Cherished Memories" is the theme.  Remember that all floats must 'fit' down the parade route, so the Elk at the back of the float must be able to collapse down to the maximum allowable size.


 Shriners Children's 2025 float will feature a working waterfall!
 So far, in it's basic stages, I can see that the two parrots will be lifted up to go down the parade route, then lowered as it gets to the tight spots along the route.  

 I have not seen any drawings for the City of Alhambra entry, but it was also  tested on July 13. 

Most road tests at Phoenix Decorating are on the last Saturday of each month, beginning at 6:45.   The Mister and I could not make it this last weekend of July.

 

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So, once we finished with viewing and taking photos, The Mister and I headed south six miles to Portos in West Covina.

 A cortadito ($3.39) was a nice alternative to coffee.  The espresso with sweetened condensed milk really hit the spot.  

 A new beverage is an iced passion fruit, yuzu pear lemonade ($5.45) and we just had to try it.  Topped with edible violas and mint, this was a very pleasant, not overly sweet treat.
 A peach target ($4.55) and a matcha raspberry eclair ($3.90) were our choices to try later that day.  Wonderful crust and pastry and fruit and cream.  Very nice indulgences.
 A walnut-raisin batard ($4.65) is a must purchase item.  Crisp crust, an almost sourdough base and walnuts and raisins; a perfect snack or breakfast.
 Two cheese rolls ($1.19 each).  were enjoyed in the car on the way home.  Crisp and flaky and sugar topped with a whipped cream cheese filling.  Another perfect item.

 We ordered Torrejas (Cuban French Toast) ($9.15), a wonderful  breakfast item, especially with the cream cheese and fresh fruit.
 Instead of an eggy sandwich, we shared a lechon sandwich ($8.69) Roasted pork, so tender and topped with pickled onions, served on fresh, pressed bread that was spread with a wonderful house made chimichurri sauce.   This satisfied the cravings I had for about half a year.

Portos Bakery & Cafe 584 S. Sunset Ave West Covina CA 91790 (626)214-3490 Website

Niban (revisits)

Hello.  Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!! on this holiday week.  Cathy is writing today.

My most recent post about Niban was about 18 months ago.  This is part of the 'rotation' for The Mister and myself and I could write about meals at Niban every month, but have found restraint.

 Not much has changed here other than the prices, so here we go!

The soft shell crab roll ($11) is a filling five piece meal.  Soft shell crab, real crab and avocado are the main ingredients.
The fried calamari appetizer ($9) is always a good choice.  Four pieces of sliced calamari steak breaded in panko, crisply fried and served with (always too much) spicy sauce.  

The Vegetable Delight ($13.50) seems to be a regular choice for me; I found photos from nine different visits.  Consistently the same presentation. Eight pieces of vegetable tempura (potato, carrot, zucchini and onion), salad, eight pieces of Garden Roll, edamame, cold noodle salad, rice and tempura dipping sauce.  This is a very satisfying meal with so many varied flavors and textures.

 The Combination Bento ($13.95) with pork teriyaki and egg roll is also a good choice.

 The Stamina Udon ($13) was a nice meal on one of the (many) cold and rainy days we had early this year.  The broth has a light mushroom flavor and the ingredients (chicken, krab, fishcake, shrimp, dumplings, sweet tofu, egg, broccoli) along with the springy udon make this a very filling meal. 

The Shrimp Tempura Bento ($13.50) has five shrimp tempura, lightly fried and served with a house made tartar sauce and a portion of the Seafood Salad (bottom right) which is on the appetizer menu for $5.  A nice addition to this bento.

 When you first walk in, before turning to the cash register, look at the wall ahead.  Daily Lunch Specials from 11-2:30.

 Bento Lunch ($9.75) Six pieces of California roll, one piece Inari, three pieces of fried seafood (fish, squid, shrimp), pickled vegetables and rice.  This is a very pleasant lunch and good for the budget minded.

The Gyoza Lunch ($9.25) is also really nice.  Six meat filled dumplings  steamed or deep fried.  Salad, rice and (a very good) miso soup.  You might notice that miso soup is no longer included with the bento meals; it is $2.50 on the appetizer menu.
 I do prefer the gyoza being steamed then quick fried 'pot sticker' style.  The deep fried is a nice, crisp texture but I think overwhelms the filling.

This longstanding (first Yelps are from 2005) eatery is consistently serving good food at reasonable prices.  They have started charging $1 for hot tea, which, considering how much 'free' tea we had over the years,  is not a complaint.  It's a good green tea.


Niban 7801 Clairmont Mesa Blvd., Suite 101, San Diego 921110(858) 268-0465  Open Lunch: Mon-Sat 11:30-2:30  Dinner: Tue-Thurs 5:00-9:00 Fri-Sat 5:00-9:30 Sunday 4:30-9:00

 

Rose D'Amour Cafe (Chula Vista)

mmm-yoso!!! greets you on the Monday of a Holiday week.  Cathy is writing while Kirk and His Missus are out and about, researching for future posts about food and activities.

A few weeks ago, my dear friend, cc and I embarked on our annual celebratory end-of-work food crawl.  As always, she organizes and I follow along and learn of new and interesting places.

 The building housing Rose D'Amour has reincarnated itself several times over the years.  It is now owned by a friendly husband and wife and serves breakfast, lunch and various coffees and juices.  The ordering online system seemed to be well in use during the time we were here on a Tuesday morning.

 Just a portion of the menu.

 

 The interior is small but there is additional seating on an outdoor patio.

 cc ordered the Simple Breakfast ($12.99) with scrambled eggs, sausage, country potatoes and corn tortillas.  I had a bite and this was very good.

 I ordered the Molletes  ($14.99) which I always like to try at new (to me) places.   The toasted telera was topped with plenty of wonderful flavored refried beans, pico and Cotija cheese.  A fresh made Chile de arbol based salsa was served on the side.  This was a great savory breakfast; the telera was fresh and soft, even with the toasting. 

 cc ordered an iced brown sugar something ($6.75) and I got a regular coffee ($3)

The food, beverages and service here were wonderful and I will return with The Mister to try out the lunch menu.

Rose D'Amour Cafe. 1283 Third Avenue Chula Vista 91911   (619) 947-6717 Open daily 8-2

Tom Cat Bar & Grill (Mira Mesa)

Here you are, reading mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Cathy is writing today because Kirk is busy doing fun stuff this weekend before the long Independence Day weekend.

After reading Kirk's recent post about revisiting Tim Ky, The Mister and I headed out that way, but decided to stop on the 'other side' of the construction in the parking lot- the Tom Cat Bar & Grill.

 When the Tom Cat first opened, Miramar Naval Air Station was the military base nearby.  Close to the Pacific Ocean, the base housed aircraft and squadrons which were assigned to aircraft carriers stationed in San Diego.  Among those aircraft was the F-14 Tomcat, hence the bar was initially a hangout for Active Duty and Retired military.  The base also was home to TOPGUN, the nickname for what was the Navy Fighter Weapons School.  (There was a base realignment in 1993 and in 1996, TOPGUN moved to Fallon, Nevada,  while the various Naval aircraft, squadrons and training were relocated to several bases and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar was made official.).

 So now, the Tom Cat is a Sports Bar.

A simple, two sided menu is available.  We did notice a chalkboard with some specials, at the bar.

We decided to order the fried mushrooms ($9.25) from the appetizer menu.  The serving is quite large and very well made- light cornmeal based batter, surrounding large, meaty mushrooms, properly fried.  It's served with an excellent Ranch dip.

Then we ordered the Tom Cat Signature Wings ($13.25).  There are eight flavors to choose from and "Tom Cat Style' (grilled green onions and fresh jalapeño slices)  has the highest spice level, three chilis, but the nicely crisp wing breading was not spicy  if you didn't eat the fresh jalapeños.  Four large flats and four large drums and a lot of carrots and cucumber, this was certainly a meal in itself.  

The Cobb salad ($14.95) was nice to share.  Bacon, turkey and Blue Cheese crumbles, a hard boiled egg along with other vegetables and lettuce (as well as a squaw roll) in this deceptively large (deep) bowl made this  also a quite large meal.  

A nice place for lunch, dinner or a weekend breakfast.

Soo was here in 2021

Tom Cat Bar & Grill 9388 Mira Mesa Blvd San Diego 92126 (858) 566-5300 Open daily 11-11 Website