mmm-yoso!!!

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.

 

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

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

Let's Go Retro! The 2024 San Diego County Fair (Part Two- it's happening now)

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, is being written by Cathy while Kirk and His Missus are enjoying these sweltering days in an area of aquatic coolness. 

I wrote a post about the 2024 San Diego County Fair, before it opened, a few weeks ago.  The Mister and I have attended the Fair a couple of times and will go again.  Here's a post about what you might see if you go there now.  It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and the last day is Sunday July 7.

 The front gate is crowded just past the metal detectors at 11 a.m.

 The Midway, with rides and  food booths There's Chicken Charlie, checking out a couple of his food booths as the Fairgrounds opened!
 The Fun Zone, with Carnival Games, is a typical American Fair activity.

The various Exhibit Halls are filled with so many judged entries

 Home Made, Gems & Minerals, Design in Wood
 The Paul Ecke, Jr. Flower Show, along with the Paul Ecke, Jr. Garden Show with the entry from the San Diego County Model Railroad Museum
 The Future Farmers of America were preparing to show goats..

There is a LOT more to do at the Fair, and that will be showing in my 'wrap up' post.  For now, let's talk about food.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

 Walking outside the Livestock Barn is an informative area sponsored by Hollandia Dairy.  Dairy cows were on display and a small booth was selling chilled bottles of Hollandia Dairy milk for $3.  There was signage indicating that these bottles were also being sold at Frazier Farms stores until the end of the Fair.  This Dutch Coffee milk tasted very fresh and was an unexpected treat.

 There are three adult-only 'Specialty Booths' at the fair-The Beer Experience,
 The Wine Experience,

 and "Destination Unknown", a sort of Speakeasy (you need to tell the password to the elevator attendant who will whisk you up to the rooftop bar overlooking the Race Track).

In the first Fair post, I linked the Food Map along with the $5 "Taste of the Fair food samples available on Wednesdays and Thursdays

 The Texas Style BBQ booth offered a 'BBQ Sundae'- mashed potatoes topped with plenty of hickory smoked meat, some bark, some BBQ sauce and topped with a grape tomato.  Tasting this BBQ absolutely made both of us want to order a full plate.

 A 12 ounce Aqua Fresca at Ricos Manjares Mosita (cucumber lime flavor) was worth the $5 and so refreshing.

 San Diego's Original Fish & Chips offered clam chowder fries.  French fries topped with a lovely, thick chowder filled with clams, some potatoes and topped with crumbles of bacon.  Definitely a chowder I would order if it was cooler.

 The Texas Donuts offered their plain glazed donut for $5 (regular $7) and it was kind of perfect.  We've always thought this booth has reasonable prices.  
 OH MY!  Dipping Dots 'taste' was a five ounce root beer float.  Wonderful tasting root beer.  Topped with vanilla Dipping Dots, it really was a different type of 'float'.

 On our second visit, we saw this Rowdy's Root Beer Float booth and it was also offering a $5 taste.  We had to.  Ten ounces of soft serve ice cream and not as much root beer; memories evoked and well, soft serve.

 This blurred out booth,'Eat At Joe's' was selling various fried items (zucchini, chicken strips, curly fries) the Taste of the Fair special was cheese curds!   The curds didn't 'squeak' when biting in, but were very tasty...as batter fried cheese should be.
 Maddie's Churros was offering one made-to-order churro and it hit the spot.  You know, fried dough rolled in cinnamon sugar...
 The Squeezers Lemon shaped booths are always part of the Fair and this year offered a 'Sour Apple Lemonade', small size (12 ounce) as a Taste.   First, the color.  Second- the flavors.  The mix of sour apple flavor and fresh lemons was really unique.  Another refreshing beverage.

 The Pan Fried Chicken booth offered two fried wings, hot sauce, carrots and celery with Ranch dressing for $5!  One drum, one flat and quite large.  Another mini-meal.

 We saw the Freeze Dried Candy booth last year but never stopped.  This time we did; I've been curious for a year. Quite nice and different.

 Of course, when leaving, we stopped here, as almost everyone does- always see people carrying large bags of Kettle Corn out the main gate.  The small sample of Kettle Corn made it home and even lasted a few days.  It was great; large, mushroom shaped popped corn coated in sugar and salt.   A Perfect treat.

 One thing we will pay regular price for is a turkey leg ($22).  Since we seem to only find raw turkey eggs (weight about two pounds) for $9/pound, it is worth it for us to purchase a large leg already smoked.
 We brought this one home, cooked some corn (3/$1) on the grill and had a nice dinner.

I hope you can get to the Fair.  Each of the samples we tried were excellent and were incentive to order something full size from that booth on our next visit.

Soo and Maggie also attended the Fair this year!

2024 San Diego County Fair Website Purchase tickets and parking online.  Open until July 7 (closed Monday and Tuesday)

The Money Pit (San Marcos) (again)

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, is why you are here, so continue to read.  Cathy is writing today, while Kirk remains busy.

I wrote about The Money Pit in September 2023 and have 'been in the neighborhood' a few times in the past month, picking up meals for The Mister and myself before driving home.

 This former bank building seems to always be busy, with many people using the drive-through.  But, I'm still following my 1998 New Year Resolution and continue to not use any drive-through lanes and instead stick to parking and walking into the building.

 Some menu prices have increased.

 There's always something interesting to find in the decor, especially while waiting for a 'to-go' order.

 The "2x2" ($6.10) is an excellent imitation of a Double Double from In-n-Out, served on a toasted bun and is satisfying..
 The Combo Plate ($6.80), listed under "Sides", has a little bit lot of every side-fried onion rings, zucchini, mushrooms and French fries.  It comes with a side of the house-made Ranch dressing.
 One day, I decided to try a Greek Chicken Wrap ($8.95).  It was great!  A greek salad with plenty of grilled chicken breast in a tortilla.  All the flavors and freshness without a fork. 

 Another day, I ordered a Turkey Wrap ($8.40).  Not as interesting as the Greek salad, but still very fresh and satisfying.

 The Avocado Salad ($9.85).  The Thousand Island dressing is made in-house and is really nice.  There is a whole avocado on this very large salad, along with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, cheese and hard boiled egg.  This is a bad photo because of a  person driving a blue F-250 who doesn't know physics mishap in the car while driving home.  
 Here is the chicken strips salad ($10.60). Almost too much chicken to salad ratio.  Another great meal.

The Money Pit 1360 East Mission Road San Marcos 92069  Open daily 7 a.m.  Closes 11 p.m. Friday, 9 p.m. Sunday, 10 p.m. the other days 

Let's Go Retro! The 2024 San Diego County Fair-Part One (before it opens)

mmm-yoso!!! is a blog about food.  Cathy is writing the post for today while Kirk is busy with things, elsewhere.

On Sunday, June 2, I dropped by the County Fairgrounds and the front gate was still being set up.  

 Two days ago, the front gate was almost ready to welcome thousands of people daily, beginning tomorrow (June 12) until July 7 (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays).

The Theme of the 2024 Fair, is "Let's Go Retro and will be celebrating the music, movies, TV shows, fashion, food, games and fads of the 1950's to the 1990's.
 The Exhibit Hall (to the right when you walk in the main gate) is decorated with "Pac Man" logos and is filled with information of the theme- displays of  items from the past, video games, music and more.
 Last week, there was no Ferris Wheel at the end of the Midway and one specific booth was not yet set up.

 

But that is all taken care of now.

 Similarly, the path toward the Infield, with rides for children, garden and farming education displays has also been made ready for visitors.
 This booth looks interesting; I think the French Toast/ice cream combination sounds yummy.
 Then again, I noticed this on one of Chicken Charlie's booths...
Many of the rides and booths were not not yet set up because they had all been at the Los Angeles County Fair which had its run in May.  That Fair closed on Memorial Day and everyone had to pack up and move to the Del Mar Fairgrounds and set up while waiting for inspections. 

The Fair Website has a link to some of the new foods which will be sold this year.  There will be celebrity judges tasting and judging each of these concoctions on June 14, but knowing that you can choose and plan ahead is a good thing. 

***Notable on the (recently updated) Fair Website is "Taste of the Fair"- on Wednesdays and Thursdays only, all food booths will offer, for $5, a 'sample size' of a certain item they sell. Here is a link!  The last time the Fair offered food samples was $3 Thursdays in 2019.

My second post will feature items The Mister and I find interesting. 

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

There will of course be rides, games of skill,  demonstrations, entertainment stages, sales booths, a Speakeasy (Disco themed) and exhibits showcasing skills of local residents.

 Home Made has been judging crafts and setting them up for display.
 The quilts this year are beautiful. 

 The collections are, once again, eclectic.

 There were many entries in the Preserved Foods Division.

The Baked Goods Division had more entries than last year.

Of course, the Theme of the Fair is encouraged for all crafts, collections, and even food entrants!

So much to see and do and enjoy- the start of summer.  

San Diego County Fair Website, open June 12-July 7, closed Mondays and Tuesdays.  Opens daily at 11.  Purchase tickets for the Fair and Parking online (or there is free parking at Canyon CrestAcademy-the other location, Torrey Pines High School, is undergoing some construction; many signs directing you to the new location, about one mile away) with a discount code from Vons/Albertsons.

Phuong Trang (again)

Thank you for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk usually writes, but is very busy doing some research for future posts.  Cathy is writing.

The Mister and I haven't had Vietnamese food in a while and the days are beginning to get warmer with cravings kicking in.  I haven't written about Phuong Trang in ten years!  PT is a place we bring people who are unfamiliar with Vietnamese cuisine.  The food here is non-offensive, MOR (Middle of the Road) and made it through the Covid pandemic.  PT only did take out for about a year, which is just not the same as eating indoors.

 Located in one of the larger strip mall areas with plenty of parking,

 the interior is quite large.  When we got here, there was plenty of seating which quickly filled by the time we left.

 The menu is quite large.  Here's a link.  One section is "Rice Paper Wraps".  This is Thit Nuong Banh Trang- Char Grilled Pork ($17.50).  This 'build it yourself' appetizer/meal is quite large and filling.  There was plenty of seasoned ground pork, topped with green onion and peanuts.

 It comes with hard-form rice paper atop a bowl of hot water for dipping and a plate of green leaf lettuce, mint, cilantro, sliced cucumbers, pickled daikon and carrots, pineapple and, of course, fish sauce.  Side note- the water does not have to be warm to get the rice paper to a soft-form.  This was filled in fresh flavors and fun to construct while chatting.

 As soon as we sat down, I ordered a Banh Xeo-Vietnamese Crepe ($15.95).  It takes extra time to prepare.
 This rice flour crepe is filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, onion slices, and mung beans.  It is also served with the plate of greens (minus the pineapple).  Wrapping a bit of everything in a lettuce leaf and dipping it in the fish sauce (another 'build it yourself' meal) makes for crunchy, tasty bites.

 On the "Stir Fried Noodle" part of the menu, we went for it and ordered Hu Tieu Ap Chao Hoac Mi Dao (don) Thap Can-crispy egg noodle stir fried with baby bok choy, broccoli, carrot, onion, meat and seafood (chicken, char siu pork, shrimp, imitation crab, calamari and fish cake) in a garlic sauce.  We haven't had crispy noodles in a long time and this was so very satisfying.  The combination of flavors and textures in each bite was something we had missed.

 Under "Broken Rice Dishes" on the menu, we chose Com Tam Tau Hu Ky- Steamed broken rice with ground shrimp wrapped in tofu and a char-grilled pork patty ($15.50).  This plate was also quite a good size and everything was fresh in flavors-the char on the pork patty was excellent. 

 As always, we order hot tea.  The charge is only $1 each for the pot.

Phuong Trang 4170 Convoy Street 92111 Website Open Wed-Sun 11-8 Closed Mon-Tue