mmm-yoso!!!

China 1968 (El Cajon)

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, writes about a variety of places in San Diego County (as well as around the world). Kirk is usually posting here, but for now, it's Cathy.

Located in a strip mall fronted by an El Pollo Loco, with a pizzeria on one side and next to a laundromat, China 1968 has been here since 2014. Family owned, family run, everybody who works here seems to remember you, if not your 'usual' order.  It's a regular stop when we don't want to 'venture West' for Asian food.    There are 14 Lunch Specials on the menu, ranging from $9.49 to $11.49.  Each is served with rice, (vegetarian) egg roll and cup of soup (either egg drop or hot and sour).  This is the Kung Pao Chicken ($9.49).  You are asked if you would like it medium-hot or hot-hot in level of spiciness.  It is made to order, as is everything on the menu. This is quite good with the fresh mushroom, onion, zucchini, peanuts and smooth, spicy/vinegar-y/lightly sweet sauce with a perfect amount of heat (I asked for "medium plus a little more" in spice level).  You can taste each of the vegetables as well as the juicy chicken. 
 The chicken corn soup (medium $7.49, large $9.49) is wonderful, tender and meaty chicken, plenty of flavorful corn bites and egg swirled in a tasty chicken broth. The large size is great for sharing.
 Our "must order" at every Chinese restaurant- House Egg Foo Young ($16.99).  Beef, chicken and shrimp are mixed in with the (very fluffy) eggs and the crust formed on the large pancake was remarkably lightly crisp.  It's all topped with a variety of fresh vegetables (and no bean sprouts!) and a good brown gravy. The EFY here is my absolute favorite and the eggiest version I've ever tasted.    One day, we saw another table ordering this and on our next visit, it was a 'must try'.  Salt and Pepper Shrimp ($17.99).  That is a large tablespoon with a single (no shell) shrimp in it.  Plump and juicy shrimp, a wonderful, perfectly fried light and crisp salty/peppery batter with garlic and scallions and a few red peppers mixed in.  This plate is a meal in itself with some white rice.

Each dish is made to order and everything here is fresh and flavorful. A great place for great food. 

 China 1968 500 Broadway El Cajon 92021 (619)593-0495 (619)593-0498 Open Mon-Tue 2:30-8, CLOSED WEDNESDAY, Thurs-Sun noon-9 p.m. Website

The Original Pancake House (revisit)

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy today; Kirk is unavailable.

Originally, I wrote about The OPH in 2009 then again in 2013 and once more in 2015.  It's time to share another breakfast.  
 Going early is smart; the line can get long and some tables have been removed to be socially distanced.  The menu choices are the same, as are the heavyweight silverware, real half and half for coffee ($3.55, kept constantly filled) and even condiments on the tables. 
 Diced honey-maple ham and eggs with pancakes as the side ($13.25).  It's a good ham (and there's plenty) mixed in with the fluffy, soft scramble of eggs.  The pancake batter here is unique and the cakes are always prepared properly, having a light-crisp exterior and cake soft interior with a slight buttermilk 'twang' of flavor, if you don't overpower with syrup or whipped butter.
 Banana nut pancakes ($13.75) are sometimes all you need. There are smaller pieces of pecans and diced banana inside each buttermilk pancake.  The banana slices are just the right amount of sweet needed for each bite. 

Another memorable breakfast, able to be enjoyed indoors. 

Original Pancake House 3906 Convoy San Diego 92111 858-565-1740   Website open daily 7 a.m.-1 p.m. 

 

Original Pancake House 3906 Convoy San Diego 92111 858-565-1740   Website open daily 7 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Golden City-more lunches

Here you are, reading mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, again.  Cathy is writing while Kirk is busy at work.

The Mister and I have been venturing out for meals a bit more lately, visiting places we haven't been since BC-Before COVID and are quite happy for the places which have survived this pandemic.  My last post about Golden City was in December 2019.  Kirk did write about takeout in June 2020, in the midst of COVID-19.  The parking lot can be difficult to navigate at lunch hour because of all the businesses, even though Subway has closed. We usually just park on the street or around the corner.
 The interior remains the same; clean with tablecloths.  The people who work here are so nice. 
 The pink menu is the lunch menu and the one printed on yellow paper is the daily menu. I do prefer being able to hold a menu than to scan a QR code and read my phone screen; always think I am missing something.
For our first visit, we had to order our favorite, #45,  Egg Foo Young (Choice of beef, pork or chicken) $10.95.  It remains one of our favorite versions.  Vegetable and egg filled with a crisp crust, even through the gravy.  The pork and peas and carrots topping the platter blend in with each bite. 
 #62, Fish Filet with Tofu ($11.95) is quite wonderful. Fried breaded fish pieces (many) along with strips of wrinkled tofu skin, fried tofu cubes and mushrooms in a gingery sauce has become a new favorite.
   Most of the lunch specials come with a choice of soup (egg drop or hot sour), a vegetable egg roll. those crunchy wonton strips and plum sauce.
  #32, Chicken Chow Mein ($10.95) satisfied the texture craving for lunch one day.  The crunch of vegetables and tender slices of chicken along with bites of the crisp and semi soft (because of the gravy) noodles was something we didn't realize we missed.
 #82, Sautéed shrimp and Fish Filet ($12.95) was another flavorful meal.  The quite large, plump shrimp along with the thick pieces of fish and the variety of vegetables had textures and colors and distinct flavors.  I hadn't realized how much I missed snow peas!
  #19, Duck with snow cabbage and vermicelli soup ($9.95) really hit the spot on a chilly day!  An overload of duck pieces, bean sprouts, pickled snow cabbage along with firm but non-clumped vermicelli.  The flavors were distinct and comforting. 

Under the radar, after all these years. Soo had a wonderful dinner here a few years ago!

Golden City Chinese Cuisine 5375 Kearny Villa Road San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 565-6682 open seven days 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 

Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot and Grill (again)

mmm-yoso!!!, the food blog, is being written by Cathy today while Kirk is very busy at work. 

The last time we went to Little Sheep was in February 2020, BC (Before Covid).  The spicy broth, multiple flavors and textures were a craving, while the ability to use metal utensils and cook a meal at the table was something we just wanted to do. 
 Things look the same inside. There is still a special lunch menu.

 We decided on the House Spicy Soup base, mixed with the mushroom/vegetarian base (not yin-yang style, which I suppose would be a prettier photo, but the flavor blend was great) (soup base is $4.25/person).
 My choice was the fish filet lunch. ($9.70) Five large, thick portions of fish along with fresh noodles, frozen tofu, assorted (beef, pork and lamb) meatballs, pieces of 'krab', shiitake mushrooms, potato slices, squash, cabbage and chrysanthemum greens (tangho).
 The Mister decided to try the Beef Belly Lunch ($9.70) All of the accompaniments are the same for all of the lunches.
 We also chose add ons of wood-ear mushroom and soft tofu ($1 each). Cooling bites if not put into the broth but also tasty when cooked.

Little Sheep Mongolian HotPot 4718 Clairmont Mesa Blvd San Diego, 92117 (858) 274-2040 Website Open Mon-Th 11:30-9, Fri-Sat 11:30-10. Sun 11:30-9:30
Some of the broth leftovers.

2022 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Float Road Test Four, Breakfast at Georgia's Original Bun 'n Burger (Covina)

Thank you for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog sometimes with explanations as to why and how the food was found. Cathy is writing today while Kirk enjoys a short break.

Link to 2022 Rose Parade Float Test One

Link to 2022 Rose Parade Float Test Two

Link to 2022 Rose Parade Float Road Test Three 

The Mister and I drove North very early on Saturday, in light rain which turned to fog, to watch another Road Testing of mechanics and maneuverability of some floats which will be participating in the 2022 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade, which has the theme of "Dream, Believe, Achieve". 

"Soaring to New Heights" will be presented by Farmers Insurance and features not only a surfer, but also a bicyclist and a 'person' who is 'bouldering' (outdoor wall climbing).  The float photo is of the 'off camera' side of the float, while the drawing shows the 'camera side'.  Large, beautiful and (of course) I am most interested in the materials which will be used for decorating this colorful float.  Every visible inch of each float must be covered with all natural materials; nothing dyed or artificial.  
The City of Hope, "Gardens of Hopes and Dreams" is whimsical, with giant butterflies moving their wings as well as oversized flowers and mushrooms. 
 "Wild Kingdom" presented by RFD-TV and Mutual of Omaha will honor both Marlin Perkins and Jim Fowler, the original hosts of this longtime (since 1963) documentary style television show which features wildlife and nature.
 Shriners Hospitals for Children will have another float featuring the larger than life "Fezzy Bear", who will collapse while going under objects (like signal lights and the 210 freeway) along the five mile Parade Route.
  The first (Banner) float in the parade as well as the Closing float (introducing the event following the parade on television, the Rose Bowl Football Game) were also tested on Saturday. 

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As we have been doing this year, after viewing and taking photos, The Mister and I head East from the Phoenix Decorating barn area in Irwindale and look for cars parked, indicating a restaurant serving breakfast.  
 
 This was the place- Georgia's Original Bun 'n Burger with some neon signage above the door indicating its name had been Plum's Cafe (which moved to Costa Mesa in 2012). 
 It was a little crowded and instead of eating outside, we sat at the counter, with a view of the kitchen as well as a view of the rest of the counter and other side of the interior. (Factoid: the record album at the far right in this photo is the Don Ho Show album, which we owned; Mom and Dad loved that nightly comedy, variety and audience participation television show, which only ran for five months in 1976-77 with 90 episodes.)

The printed, disposable menu is quite extensive, with breakfast being served all day.

 'Tavern' ham, eggs (three, poached) and home fries (look at the nice size pieces of potato) along with rye toast ($11.99). A great tasting thick slice of ham as well as the potatoes and eggs and toast.  Very satisfying breakfast.
A very thick, but not dense, vanilla flavored waffle with two eggs (over easy) and crispy, thick bacon ($11.99) was also quite a large breakfast. 

There were bottles of wine in the (former) pie case, because this restaurant is open late (a rarity it seems) and the lunch and dinner items, especially the burgers, have us curious to try more of the menu.

Georgia's Original Bun 'n Burger 180 East Rowland Street Covina, CA 91723 (626) 915-2016 Open Sun-Wed 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Thur-Fri-Sat 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

La Miche Kabobgee (again)

Well, you're reading mmm-yoso!!!, maybe looking for lunch ideas or maybe you are just curious as to what Cathy ate, or maybe you are wondering when Kirk will return from vacation.  In any case, welcome! 

Even though I wrote my first post about La Miche in May, while Kirk wrote a post in April (and many posts prior).  It has become a semi -regular stop for The Mister and me.  The owner (Nabih) and his wife recognize us now and are always so friendly.
 We chose our table to have a view of the kitchen on this visit.  Sometimes we can see flames leaping during cooking.

 The menu was brought out- it's not under glass any more. This was dinner; lunch prices are less.  Website link at bottom of this post.  The odd cents for the price of each item take into account tax that will be added to make it a 'round' number.  If you pay in cash, it's easier to not have to deal in pennies (or nickels or dimes).
 As always, flavorful, fresh hummus and just made, hot pitas are brought out when you are seated. 
 The Mister likes to try moussaka whenever he sees it on a menu ($12.53 lunch, $15.08 dinner).  The Lebanese/Middle East/vegetarian version doesn't use any béchamel and is not layered like the Greek version; it is more like a stew.  Wonderful with a good amount of roasted eggplant, tomatoes, chickpeas, onions and garlic cloves (we found a few within the sauce-mild and almost sweet because of the simmering). Seasonings are mild and there is no need to add salt or pepper.  This is a new favorite.  
In my prior post, I had ordered the Fish Kabobgee and this time I wanted to try the other fish version-Mediterranean Fish ($13.46 lunch, $18.56 dinner)). Grilled white fish topped with tomato, onion, cilantro, garlic and lemon juice.  I do love a good char on seafoods as well as meats, so the difference from the sautéed fish was notable.  Yet, I am not sure which I like better because each version is so fresh, meaty and flavorful.  

A wonderful, family owned and run restaurant. 

La Miche Kabobgee 9350 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego 92123 (858) 565-1165
Current Hours: Mon - Thurs 11am - 3pm Fri 11am - 7:30pm, Sat 4pm - 7:30pm Closed on Sunday Website

 The presentation of the Mediterranean fish.  You can see a corner of the salad which, along with rice was part of each of our meals.

La Miche Kabobgee 9350 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego 92123 (858) 565-1165
Current Hours: Mon - Thurs 11am - 3pm Fri 11am - 7:30pm, Sat 4pm - 7:30pm Closed on Sunday Website

Tea Station (one more post)

Here you are, reading mmm-yoso!!! on this lovely day.  Kirk and His Missus are still vacationing while Cathy is writing.

The first time I wrote about Tea Station was in 2007; I was fascinated with the concept.  This San Diego Franchisee location of an internationally owned snack/small meal/beverage/shaved ice dessert spot remained open during COVID-19, which is so nice. (The Mister and I stop in pretty regularly, with posts about visits in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016 and 2019).  We usually order one item to share, along with a beverage.  There are Monthly Specials and Lunch Specials but I am listing the regular menu prices.  There have been a few changes, with the ability to order from your table as well as at kiosks and the cash register.

The menu is about the same, serving some tasty food. Green onion pancake with egg ($7.99) is a good choice.  The flaky, crisp egg topped pancake is served with a good chili sauce.  Tasty and a nice snack.
 Tea dumplings ($13.50) are pretty much a craving.  Sure the price has increased over the years ($6.50 in 2007), with the flavors remaining consistent.  
 Marinated chicken meal set ($16.96) was our choice one day.  The plump pieces of lightly breaded flavorful chicken were memorable and served with the sides of three condiments and rice.  You might notice everything above was served in disposable packaging...another COVID-19 result, but also easy for leftovers.  We did eat in.  Desserts, however are served on 'real' plates.  Peanut butter toast ($6) was a perfect snack along with a pot of hot tea.
 One very hot day, the Iced coconut combination ($8.50) was what we craved.  Everything-sweet red and black beans, grass jelly, mochi and coconut milk over ice, served in this very large bowl.  A great choice when you do want a bit of everything. Then again, my craving was dark plum with grass jelly shaved ice ($7.50)-prune juice and grass jelly.  Pure flavors and yes, a definite craving.
 Peach yogurt snow ice ($6.75) is a great beverage.  I notice that there are quite a few yogurt based (probiotics or just tart?) beverages available everywhere and have started to order those, because maybe they are "better".  Anyhow, this was tasty.   Fresh lemon green tea (large)($6.50) was ordered with no sweetness and light ice.  We were warned.  Fresh squeezed lemon juice- tart! You can taste the green tea as well as the lemon, which is quite fascinating. Will order again. 
 There are three ordering kiosks at the entrance (in the cash register area).  The screen saver all summer was for these fresh fruit teas ($3.99 each, with a minimum order of two).  You could choose black or green tea.  Apple, pineapple, watermelon, lemon, lime, kiwi. Not too sweet, very refreshing. The screen saver/offer stopped at the end of September.  I sure hope this beverage/fruit salad comes back.  

A good spot for relaxing with a snack. Some changes due to COVID-19.

Tea Station 7315 Clairmont Mesa Blvd San Diego 92111 (858) 268-8198 Open 11:30 a.m.-midnight daily website

Lemon Grove Cafe

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog with random posts, is where you have landed.  Kirk is vacationing with His Missus and Cathy is writing today.

An early morning wake up with differing cravings had The Mister and myself looking for breakfast away from home.  We started driving South, took the Lemon Grove Avenue exit and saw the pretty painted building with an almost full parking lot and decided to stop.  This has been Lemon Grove Cafe since 2012 and was a location of Antique Row Cafe prior to that.  The writing on the wall says it all. 
 There is also and outdoor covered area as well as the comfortable indoor seating.  The breakfast menu is pretty extensive.
 Señor Uno ($11.95) was The Mister's choice.  A three egg omelette with sausage and cheese, the side of country fries were chosen (over hash browns) and were crisp with onion and bell peppers.  The tasty breakfast sausages filled the large omelette, topped with plenty of cheese.
This came with a choice of toast, English muffin, biscuit or pancakes, and pancakes were what was craved.  The cakes were quite thick/large and had a nicely crisp crust. 
 Once I saw the choice of chicken souvlaki with eggs it had to be ordered.  Greek style breakfast-the savory craving would be satisfied.  The over easy eggs were properly cooked.  The grilled skewer/souvlaki style chicken had large pieces of flavorful dark meat.  The tomatoes and Feta combined with the warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce helped make each bite memorable.  

We will be returning for more meals at this family owned cafe.

Lemon Grove Cafe 3521 Lemon Grove Avenue Lemon Grove, CA 91945 (619) 644-1031 open Mon-Sat 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Website

Carnitas y Mariscos Las Morelianas (revisit)

mmm-yoso!!! is where you have stopped in your scrolling.  Welcome (back).  Cathy is writing today; Kirk is not.

I posted about this Sherman Heights mainstay (since 1997) first in 2014 and again in 2017.  It's a great restaurant.There always has been an outdoor patio, which has now expanded to have some temporary canopy covers on the other side of the side/parking lot entrance.  Once you are seated, a menu is brought out.  
There are two kitchen areas (and parts of the menu)- the Las Morelianas (Carnitas side) will catch your eye first.
This carnitas quesadilla ($8.99) is quite a meal in itself.  The large flour tortilla (you can also have this on a corn tortilla for $3.99) is filled with fresh shredded carnitas and cheese then griddled to a light crisp. It comes with guacamole and a small salad and is large enough to share, except you might want it all to yourself.  So good.

 The Enchiladas Suizas plate ($11.99) includes rice, beans and three enchiladas stuffed with the surtido (mixed shredded pork) and topped with a mildly spicy tomatillo based sauce which is made with Swiss cheese. Wonderfully unique and quite a meal. The other side of the door into the kitchen has the La Bahia (seafood) menu and display.
 You can order something simple like a fish ceviche tostada ($6.99). Freshly prepared with fish, tomatoes and cilantro, the lime soaked ceviche topped with avocado is craveable. The ceviche is served on its own plate with tostadas on the side; a proper way to serve this dish.  You could get all crazy and order chicharron de pescado ($12.99).  Fried fish filets.  Many.  Plump and flavor filled.  Lightly breaded and fried and served with house made guacamole.  Great to share or have as a meal. 
 Then again, you could be healthy and order an Ensalada Plancha Pescado ($8.99).  Grilled fish on top of mixed lettuces, tomato, cucumber and avocado. 

Always a great place to stop.  Breakfasts are also available.

Las Morelianas/La Bahia  2121 Imperial Avenue San Diego   (619)239-6284 website Open Mon-Sat 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

  We usually order a large aquas fresca ($3.50) made at the fruiteria area in the back of the restaurant (next to the juke box) when we first sit down.  Pepino (cucumber and spinach) is our favorite.

Sam Woo BBQ-Eating out during COVID

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog.  Today's post is written by Cathy. Kirk is taking a vacation with His Missus.

As you may recall, The Mister and I try to have a meal before grocery shopping.  If you type "Sam Woo" in the search box at the top left on the blog, there are over 200 results where this restaurant is mentioned; a bunch of those are my posts, because this is our 'stop' before shopping at 99Ranch Market (go ahead and search "99 Ranch"; there are over 800 results).

Sam Woo was one of the first 'dining out' places we ventured out to try once dining in was allowed again.   Tables were protected and distanced. It was not crowded.
 When we ordered from the lunch menu (back in March) they just brought us this huge bowl vegetable soup. I assume since it was not busy and they were happy to see us again. (SW is back to bringing out individual bowls with the lunch menu).
 We also received a communal bowl of steamed rice with our lunches.  This was Fish in XO sauce ($12.95)(current price)(also, hot tea is 30¢) which I was craving.  It was just so perfect, with the fresh vegetables, plump fish and XO umami . (They now bring out individual rice bowls).
 Shrimp in Black Bean Sauce ($11.95) was my other craving that day and the saltiness hit the spot.  The plump shrimp and more fresh vegetables were just so nice to have after so much at home cooking. 
  Of course, we try to avoid crowds when grocery shopping and Sam Woo for breakfast is our usual stop.  Coffee is now 70¢ (as is hot tea) and with the condensed milk is just a perfect offset to the savory breakfast. 
 Number one on the breakfast menu- rice vermicelli with lunch meat (fake Spam)($6.50) is always considered.  Number two on the menu is stir fried wide flat rice noodles with soy beans and soy sauce (Wok Hay!).  Number three, fried (crispy) noodles with bean sprouts are also considered.  Noodles with breakfast pretty much every time we go out.
 Fish filet porridge ($6.50)(four other porridges as well as 14 noodle soups are on the breakfast menu) is my usual choice; it has wonderful flavor.  Fried donuts ($2) are also now made here (used to have to run across the hall to pick some up at the 99Ranch steam table) making the breakfast complete. 
 Roast duck Lo Mein ($6.50) is always a choice when we see the ducks hanging in the BBQ area (sometimes they are not out early when we are here). Crisp skin, tender meat, savory broth along with non-mushy noodles and steamed box choy makes a great breakfast.  

Sam Woo BBQ Restaurant 7330 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Ste 103 San Diego, CA 92111 (858) 505-9888 Open seven days 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

 (Old photo; fond memory.  You now have to request condiments)