mmm-yoso!!!

Jollibee (Cathy's visits)

mmm-yoso!!! , a food blog, is being written by Cathy while Kirk and His Missus are on the road. 

Jollibee, a chain originating in the Philippines, is the largest and fastest growing Asian restaurant company across the globe, with 1500 locations (70 in North America).  Three are in San Diego County.   Even though burgers are on the menu, Jollibee is primarily known for its "Chickenjoy"-marinated, hand breaded chicken which is never greasy and always crisp and juicy.   Each location has a Jolly Bee greeter at the door. 
 There are some specials near the ordering area as well as online if you pre-order.  

The restaurant is always clean, ordering is efficient.  As soon as you begin, there is another person or two listening and beginning to gather your choices.  By the time you pay, a tray or 'To-Go' bag is waiting.  You do have to fill your soda from the machine.
 A salty brown gravy is included with each chicken order.  That's a pineapple juice drink ($3.49) on the tray, which was filled from behind the counter.
  A three piece meal with one side -adobo rice- and beverage from the machine ($11.99).  Adobo rice is fried rice with pork.

Adobo is a method of cooking in the Philippines.  It is a braising of the 'protein' (although you can make adobo vegetables) in a marinade of five items: vinegar, garlic, bay leaf, soy sauce and peppercorns.
 The two piece combination with palabok ($11.99).  Palabok is rice noodles topped with a garlic-pork-shrimp sauce topped with sliced hard boiled egg; a really nice side dish.
 We also ordered the 'Limited Edition' fried pie ($2.99) which is coconut pineapple-large shreds of sweet coconut and chunky pieces of tangy pineapple in a flaky, buttery crust. The 'regular' pie (peach mango) is always satisfying.  
 On another visit, I picked up two Deluxe Chicken Sandwiches ($5.99) with a side of 'crispy fries', which remained crispy on the drive home.    "Deluxe" means the sandwich has mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato.  It is served on a brioche bun.  As you can see, there was also a peach mango pie. 
 The chicken can be regular or spicy and regular is great-meaty, juicy, crispy and very large.  Packets of Cholula are available and compliment the flavor if you change your mind and want spicy.  I'm not crazy about brioche buns, since they basically don't absorb sauces (or juice) but this was toasted and fresh and not overly bready.

Jollibee has consistently great service and serves consistently great, fresh food.  An excellent chain. 

Soo wrote about Jollibee in 2021. cc wrote a couple of  Jollibee posts more than ten years ago.

Jollibee 8436 Mira Mesa Blvd San Diego, CA 92126 (858) 800-3130  Open daily 9-10 Website

Lee's Sandwiches (Rolando)

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, usually has posts written by Kirk.  However, He and His Missus are enjoying each other and doing research for future posts.  Cathy is writing today.

The corner of University at 58th used to house a great little Chinese restaurant.  The Mister and I went there many times when we first moved out here in the early 1980's.  Its signage has been preserved and the area has expanded into University Square, a shopping area anchored by a Food 4 Less, 99 Cent Only store and Marshall's. On this corner to the right of this famous sign, is Lee's Sandwiches, which began in 1982 as a family venture with 500 food trucks in Northern California and currently is a franchise in four states with 60 Brick and Mortar locations.
 The Menu Board includes six inch breakfast sandwiches (on baguette or a croissant) served all day.
  Beverages and Korean Rice dogs are available; quite a variety.
 Asian Sandwiches, served on ten inch baguettes as well as 
 European Sandwiches ("American" fillings) served on a large croissant or baguette.
 There's also a hot food display case and some offerings on the counter.
The Pate Chaud ($2.75) is offered in chicken or pork and both fillings are excellent.  
 The herbs and flavoring in the ground chicken and also in the ground pork are fresh and flavorful.  The pastry is crispy-flaky and each bite is quite nice.  The egg rolls sold from this case (five for $6) also have the same fillings and are a crispy snack.
 As mentioned, the breakfasts served all day are smaller.  
 The #82, ham, bacon, egg and cheese on croissant ($5.49) was quite hearty and filling.  The six inch croissant appears to have been baked in the baguette tray, so it's the dough but not the shape of a croissant.  Everything on the sandwich is good. 
 The #90 ($5.49) sausage, egg and cheese on a baguette was also filling.  The bread/crust ratio is good, bread is fresh baked and the sausage was a better quality than I've had in other breakfast sandwiches.  

 We returned for lunch.  I've been choosing yogurt drinks lately and the mango yogurt ($6.25) was a great choice; just enough sweet from the mango chunks and tart from the yogurt.  Of course, we had to have a Lee's Cafe original (Cafe su da)($4.49).  The strong coffee and sweetened condensed milk over ice is indeed a perfected beverage.
 The #1-combination ($6.99) is made on a ten inch baguette and includes house pickled daikon and carrots, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, mayonnaise and soy sauce. 
 Jamon-Head Cheese-Pate are the meats.  

The cured ham is not smoky, the Head Cheese has a black pepper heat which is cooled by the Pate.  Each bite was a great combination of complimentary flavors. 
 The #35  Roast Beef European ($9.49) included lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise and cheese (I was not asked which type of cheese I wanted, but the menu shows a choice of American, Swiss or Provolone).  Condiments are on the side (mustard, onion, pepperoni and pickle).  Plenty of roast beef on this fresh baked, soft crusted croissant.  Satisfying. 
 The matcha green tea ($5.99 large) is another favorite beverage; a nice strong matcha flavor and not very sweet.

A good place to stop if you are in the neighborhood.

Lee's Sandwiches 5801 University Ave Suite B1 San Diego 92115  Open daily 9-8 (619) 915-5562 Website

Brothers Family Restaurant (Grantville)

Today's mmm-yoso!!! blog post is being written by Cathy.  Thanks for stopping by to read about food.

Since the pandemic and Covid-19 restrictions, The Mister and I have had to get used to a 'new normal' with some of our favorite restaurants closing, menus and hours being pared down (so many Breakfast-Lunch only restaurants now) and prices rising.  There were so many places took for granted and I didn't even post about, thinking they would just always be there (RIP The Fancy Fish). Fortunately Brothers Family Restaurant has survived, since 1994. 
 When you walk in and see people seated at the lunch counter, know that it's a busy day and you may have to put your name on the Wait List for a table.

 From the breakfast menu, the Belgium waffle with fruit and whipped cream ($9.95) was ordered by The Mister for lunch one day (the Breakfast menu is available until 2 p.m.).  The light crispness of the waffle edges covering the puffy (not cake-like) filling is one of His cravings...plus we share our meal choices, so I was happy.   The cup of soup and half sandwich ($10.99).  I chose roast beef on rye toast and the Soup of the Day was vegetable beef.  Two different types of beef and each very flavorful- the large chunks of stew pieces with the still slightly crisp vegetables in a strong beefy broth really hit the spot.  The sandwich came with lettuce and tomato and mayonnaise and the meal was quite filling.
 The Half Tuna Salad ($11.99) was my choice another day.  The tuna salad is lightly seasoned with finely chopped celery, very little mayonnaise and some fresh herbs.  It is basically all tuna, which I like.  Served on lettuce with tomato and a sliced hard boiled egg, the house made Thousand Island dressing pulls every bite together with great flavors.  This 1/2 size is a good size meal.
 The French Dip ($14.99) is served with a choice of sides, so, of course, The Mister chose onion rings.  Nice, crisp batter surrounding whole onion ring slices (you know, made here and not frozen).  The thin slices of warm roast beef were served on a very soft, freshly toasted French roll.  The au jus is not salty and has some herbs for flavoring.  Quite nice. 
 On days when the Soup of the Day is clam chowder, a bowl is ordered ($5.99).  Thick, creamy, some chopped potatoes and plenty of clam meat as well as clam juice, this is a great choice.  Soup bowls are served with a half slice of that soft French Roll made into a crisp topped garlic bread; delightful.

Brothers Family Restaurant 5150 Waring Road San Diego 92120 Website open daily 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

 As you walk to the seating area, you'll pass the refrigerated dessert case.  Save some room.  (Yes, they make rhubarb berry from scratch!)

Sam Woo-breakfasts

Well, you are here, reading mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Here's another post by Cathy, who is writing while Kirk and His Missus are busy and not writing. 

In the hallway of the 'original' (to San Diego) 99 Ranch location, is Sam Woo BBQ.  We try to eat a meal before grocery shopping (anywhere) and 99 Ranch is a regular stop.  The last time I wrote about breakfasts here was one year ago, so here's an update. 

 The menu is the same and the price of each item has increased by $1, to $8.50.
 Coffee (accompanied by sweetened condensed milk) remains at 70¢,
 as does the hot tea.

 This is #3, Fried Noodles with Bean Sprouts and Soy Sauce; always satisfying having a crunch for breakfast.  #1 and #2 are also noodle dishes.
 #31, all the way at the bottom of the menu, Fried Rice w/ Lunch Meat, is the only rice offered at breakfast and has a wonderful, smokey 'wok hei' flavor along with the "Spam", egg and peas and carrots.  Sometimes we will order it just to we can take home for lunch. 
 #10, Shrimp Dumpling Noodle Soup, is quite satisfying.  The dumplings are quite large, with pork and shrimp and the bok choy and egg noodles are satisfying to round out the meal.
 #8, Fish Filet Porridge, is almost always ordered just because it's a comfort-breakfast food. 
 You can order a Chinese Donut ($2), which is made fresh (used to have to run across the hallway to buy one at the 99Ranch steam trays ) and it is freshly fried. 
 Tearing the crisp, airy donut into the porridge brings up the comfort food factor. 

 #23, Roast Duck Lo Mein, is a great savory item.  The herby and savory 'soup' is just perfect for dipping both the duck and the noodles.   
 #24, BBQ Pork Lo Mein, is also a good choice on some days.  It all depends on what you are craving.  

Sam Woo BBQ 7330 Clairmont Mesa Blvd San Diego 92111 (858) 505-9888 open daily 9-9
 The hot food display window is filled in the morning.  The steam tray choices next to it are 'To-Go' or you can eat at one of the two tables in front of the display.

Soo was here in 2020 and had nice meals.

Black Bear Diner (El Cajon) (breakfast) (again)

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, is, again, being written by Cathy while Kirk and His Missus are out of town. 

I wrote about the "new" Black Bear Diner in May of 2019 and it's time for an update.  This franchise has 156 locations in 14 states (primarily in California and all are West of the Mississippi).  The El Cajon location is still the only one in San Diego County. The exterior design is themed.
 The interior also looks like you are inside a cabin.

 The menu is a printed 'newspaper'.

We took a while to decide on our meals and our waiter was very patient.  The coffee ($3.89) is a good quality and kept refilled.
 The Mister chose the waffle "Bear's Choice" ($13.79) with the optional upgrade of the sausage patties ($1.99)(the kitchen makes their own).  The eggs were perfectly over easy, the sweet cream waffle is more cake-like (denser interior) and served with warm syrup.  The sausage patties are wonderful; menu states mild or spicy Italian and the mild flavor is just right for breakfast. 
 I chose the Shasta Scramble ($13.99) with grits and added "loaded" ($1.99).  The Scramble had spinach, tomato, onion, bell pepper and Jack cheese, topped with slices of avocado.  The menu stated it was two eggs, but those must be the extra-large size, since this scramble was quite filling.  All of the vegetables were quite flavorful/fresh.  The grits were a tasty porridge of cornmeal and the 'loaded' part was cheese and bacon.  Sometimes I only want salt, pepper and butter on my grits, but this topping made them special and more flavorful.  

A great place for breakfast.  I'll be writing a post about the lunch and dinner menu soon. 

Soo was also here in 2019.

Black Bear Diner 1025 Fletcher Parkway El Cajon, CA 92020 Website Open daily 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

Seafood Cove #2 (Westminster)(Dim Sum)

Here you are, reading mmm-yoso!!!  Cathy is writing the food adventure for today.  Kirk is elsewhere, with His Missus.

It was early on a Sunday and The Mister and I started driving North with the intention of having another Brodard breakfast.  At some point, I remembered this breakfast from October  and told The Mister to look for 'Dim Sum' on his phone.  Siri sent us one more exit West to this crowded-before-9 a.m. parking lot.  
 It's self check-in at a touchpad at the hostess stand.  Soon, a text message arrived that our table was ready.

  We were seated, hot tea ($2) was promptly brought out and we could order from the photo menu as well as from the passing carts. 

 Additional beverages were also available from a cart. 

 Shrimp Noodle Roll ($5.99) came from a cart and was filled with large, plump, flavor filled shrimp.  Slippery and  satisfying. Our order from the kitchen (each item $5.99) was delivered quickly.  The Shrimp Har Gow was filled with the same large shrimp and wrapped in a not too thick nor too chewy tapioca based dough.
 The steamed Tofu Skin Roll was filled with pork, carrot, mushroom and crunchy water chestnuts.  
 The Black Mushroom Sui Mai was really tasty.  The Sui Mai filling (pork/shrimp/ginger/mushroom/scallion/water chestnut) was a large serving size to facilitate holding the large black mushroom.  Flavors in every bite! 
 We ordered  the soup dumplings from a cart.  None were leaking.  The dough was chewy, especially at the top folds but overall the filling was quite nice.  
  The fried shrimp balls ($7.99), ordered from the kitchen, were a great choice.  Very large, cut in half and simply a mass of cooked shrimp formed into a paste then rolled in breadcrumbs and fried, this serving could be a complete meal if I could control my cravings. 
The picture menu  had this "Sweet Tofu-available only on Saturday-Sunday", so I had to order it.  What a great way to end the meal!  Soft, warm, fresh made tofu served with a sugar-ginger  sauce. It was quite perfect. 

 Our Order Card.  Seven items plus the hot tea ($49.95).  A very nice special meal. 

Seafood Cove-2  9211 Bolsa Ave, #106 Westminster, CA 92683 (714) 893-1976 Website Open daily 8:30 a.m.- 9 p.m. (dim sum 8:30-3)

Todo Sushi (Scripps Ranch)

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of this food blog.  Cathy is writing while Kirk and His Missus are researching.

A few weeks ago, I met a client at her workplace in Scripps Ranch.  When following Siri's directions and looking for parking, I noticed this restaurant, which was new to me but has apparently been here since 2007.

 There is seating outdoors in front as well as inside tables and there is a lengthy counter for the sushi bar.


The menu is pretty basic.

I ordered the Shrimp and Veggie tempura appetizer ($9.95) to check out the frying technique here.  The veggies (two each of green bean, onion, carrot and potato) were battered and the two shrimp were also dipped in bread crumbs.  The tempura sauce (soy, sugar seaweed and bonita flakes) (each sauce is made here and ingredients listed on the menu under the “Glossary of Sauces”) was a perfect compliment to the crisp, non-greasy fry.

 I ordered the "Modern Sashimi Salad" ($15.95).  Assorted sashimi (tuna and salmon this day)-(a very large amount) topped with the House dressing (soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, onion and black pepper) on top of a crisp spring mix.  This was a wonderful choice.  Fresh, flavorful and plenty; I will order again.

 The Mister ordered the Tonkatsu Bento from the Lunch Special menu($13.95).  {Lunch specials served from 11 until 4:30} Breaded pork topped with a ponzu sauce (bonito flakes, soy, seaweed and citrus juice), rice, salad and tempura.  The pork was cooked about 30 seconds too long and was a bit dry but not terrible; the breading was not burned or too crisp.  It was on top of some sautéed cabbage, carrot and onion which was quite flavorful.  
 The lunch special came with a good quality miso.  Hot tea (as I always order) was a quality green with the grass-like flavor that I like and no charge.

We will stop by to try more of the menu when back in the area.

Todo Sushi 9823 Carroll Canyon Road San Diego 92131 Open Mon-Sat 11-9:30, Closed Sunday. (858) 566-0206 Website 

Prime Grill (Cathy's revisit)

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!! today.  Cathy is writing while Kirk is 'researching'.

The first time I went to Prime Grill was in 2016 and it was with Kirk and Ed (from Yuma) who had this perspective of the visit. The Mister and I returned the other day and were going to order from the regular menu, but the All Day Special  Menu, which was All You Can Eat for $27 per person would cost about the same.  We decided it would be fun to cook our own and eat all we could. 

   The complimentary banchan (pickled 'sides)were brought out along with the sauces (and salad and rice we ordered from the menu).  Everything is replenished when you ask.
 First up-thin brisket, beef bulgogi and chicken BBQ.

 You are given tongs and scissors to help cook and cut your meats.  The bulgogi and BBQ sauces carmelized on the grill and gave some flavor to the brisket.
 
Steamed egg is always a nice side dish from any Korean restaurant.  We could have ordered two, but managed to restrain ourselves. 
 The 'corn cheese' is an excellent side to share. 
 For our second round, we chose thin beef belly and thin pork belly...so we could compare.  
 A clean grill had been brought out, so there was no flavor imparted from the bulgogi and BBQ sauces and we instead ate the meat with the pickled sides (the kim chee is excellent) and rice on top of salad: a completely different second meal.

Tasty and fun and good time spent together.

Prime Grill 4620 Convoy Street San Diego 92111 (858) 277-0800 Open daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Website

Petrino's Greek Restaurant (La Mesa)

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog.  Cathy is writing while Kirk is vacationing.

The Mister and I were sort of craving some Russian/Ukranian/Polish food (soup and beets, really) and headed back to the closest place we knew, which is now closed and is the current home of Petrino's Greek Restaurant, which had been located around the corner (next to the Liquor Store, same parking lot) since 2013, but moved here, next to the 7-11, in about February of 2022.  It is another family owned restaurant which survived Covid-19. Greek sounded good for lunch, too.
There's a menu above the cash register and on the wall to the right. Order and pay and your food is brought out in disposable/"To Go" containers.
 The walls from the former restaurant are still here; the furniture is new.
 Lentil soup with pita ($4.50) was an excellent Mediterranean version.  Cumin and turmeric flavors were primary and the broth not too thick with lentils or potato or carrot as other versions, but very deep with flavor.  I did not taste onion and salt/pepper were not needed. 
  A side of four pieces of falafel ($2.50) was a good choice.  The thin, crisp edges were perfect, leaving the inside fluffy.  The side of tzatziki sauce was refreshing with its yogurt and garlic base.
  Greek Mix Plate ($14.99).  1/2 chicken shawarma, 1/2 lamb gyro on top of yellow rice and pita along with a good sized side salad (served with a herb-infused vinegar dressing) was quite a lot of food to share.  The shawarma was not shaved, but instead chopped and grilled.   It had great flavor.  Indeed, it was lamb gyro and shaved, leaving each piece with a crisp side.  The rice, pita and salad made this a good size meal, enough to share. 
 Lemon and mint lemonade ($2.99) was excellent- fresh lemon juice, not too much sugar and dried mint gave this beverage two 'thumbs up' from us.  We'll be back to try more of the menu.

Petrino's Greek Restaurant 8302 Parkway Drive La Mesa 91942 (619) 741-7721 website Open Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Closed Sunday

 The stamped floor with animal footprints remains.

Lido's (Lemon Grove) (revisits)

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy, while Kirk and His Missus are busy with a wonderful vacation.

I did write about Lido's in May of 2022.  Easy meals out with leftovers for another meal seem to be how The Mister and I are operating these days; neither of us wants to cook at home.  The well-established (since 1955) pizza parlor, serving Italian food as well as cocktails is open for lunch in nearby Lemon Grove.  A bowl of the house made minestrone ($4.95) really hits the spot.  Vegetables are still slightly crisp (not mushy, except for the zucchini) and broth has a nice deep herb filled flavor.  You can order a 'double bowl' for $7.35.  We often share a double bowl as our 'appetizer'. 
 A large (for two) antipasto salad ($9.95) was shared for an appetizer.  Plenty of mortadella,  salami and provolone along with pickled vegetables and parmesan.
 The Italian Salad Bowl ($7.95) is always a good shareable 'appetizer' for us.  Don't be fooled by the camera angle- that is a very large, deep bowl (it's the same bowl used for the 'double bowl soup'). Lettuce, tomato, mozzarella, olives, pepperocinis and all of that pepperoni could make a nice low carb meal.  But we've been ordering large pizzas lately.
A large sausage-pepperoni pizza ($20.45) is one choice.  Neither of us wants too many ingredients to take away from the beautifully flavored dough.

Every large pie is served with a complimentary plate of "hors d' oeuvres"- Cheez-It's, salami and American cheese squares.  A delightful (and tasty) combination of textures, flavors and saltiness. Tradition. (You can order a separate plate for $3.95).  As I added in my last Lido's post, here is a link to a subtle ode to the use of Cheez-It's as a restaurant food (last photo of the post).

 The large sausage-mushroom pizza ($19.25).  More of a favorite.  You can see the thin crust.

A great, local place. 

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

 The 'Bar' area is a bit closed off from the rest of the dining area.