mmm-yoso!!!

La Miche Kabobgee -lunch indoors

Welcome (back) to mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk is enjoying time alone with His Missus while Cathy is writing  about meals.

Realizing that Kirk posted about La Miche last month, I was hesitating to post about our recent visit.  It was the first time in a long while The Mister and I had an unhurried meal and it was kind of perfect.

 The tables are 'socially distanced' and business inside as well as 'to go' seemed steady.

 Menus are under glass on the table top, making it a bit easier to keep sanitized (as well as unnecessary for a QR code). Prices seem odd, because when tax is added, the final number is round.
 After ordering, a dish of fresh hummus and three hot pita breads are brought out.
 The Mister chose the Combo Pita plate ($12.50).  Beef and chicken shawarma and falafel in fresh pita breads, each with its own toppings (Beef shawarma with a (really good) pickled cucumber, hummus, tomatoes and tahini sauce. Grilled, moist chicken with garlic sauce, pickled cucumber and tomatoes.  Lebanese falafel (garbanzo beans and seasoning, made in house from scratch) with tahini sauce,  tomatoes, pickled turnips and pickled cucumber).
 The Fish Kabobgee ($14).  White fish sautéed in olive oil, butter, garlic and lemon juice.  It is so much more difficult to have things plain and simple yet is achieved in the kitchen here.  All flavors are bright and fresh and distinct yet blended perfectly.  

La Miche Kabobgee 9350 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego 92123 (858) 565-1165
Current Hours: Mon - Thurs 11am - 3pm Fri 11am - 730pm Sat 4pm - 730pm Closed on Sunday Website

La Miche Kabobgee 9350 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego 92123 (858) 565-1165
Current Hours: Mon - Thurs 11am - 3pm Fri 11am - 730pm Sat 4pm - 730pm Closed on Sunday Website

Wa Dining Okan-lunch (again)

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!! at the start of a three day weekend which we all might be able to enjoy this year.  Cathy is writing while Kirk (and His Missus) are vacationing.

The Mister and I have ventured out a bit more recently and have tried to visit places which satisfy cravings we have been unable to recreate at home.  (Here's a link  to Kirk's first Wa Dining Okan post; there are at least 20 more). The tight indoor eating space is now socially distanced with outdoor seating making up the difference.
 
 There is a large menu board outside the door.  
  Once you are seated, a two sided paper menu page, including a QR code, is given.  The Mister chose the Deluxe Curry Udon ($13.50) from this menu. Rich, beefy, (with a light blend of onion, potato and carrot) curry, firm udon, two tempura shrimp and a poached egg.  This blend of flavors and texture was completely satisfying.

 From the QR menu, I chose the Katsu pork set ($11), adding the tempura mini bowl ($6), because I wanted a different crunch.

. The mini bowl had the two tempura'd shrimp as well as potato and shishito peppers; a delightful combination.  The BBQ Yakiniku set ($11) was  filling with the flavorful thin sliced sautéed beef and vegetables and slaw along with the other parts of the Set (a great miso soup, white rice and varied pickled sides).
 I chose the Kakuni (pork belly) Set this time.  Tender braised pork belly in its sauce with a boiled egg...a perfect blend of flavors.   We always order hot tea here ($2 each). It is an excellent green tea.

Wa Dining Okan 3860 Convoy, Set 110 San Diego 92111 (858)279-0941 Website

Charlie's Best Breads (again)

mmm-yoso!!! a blog about food. Kirk and His Missus are enjoying some well deserved time off and Cathy is writing today.

There has been a another post about this Charlie's location, and The Mister and I were customers long before there was any walk-in/sit down area (Charlie's has been here since 1988).  We enjoy a good bakery, and the organic products used here are a plus.  Pre- and post-COVID-19, Charlie's has prevailed.  There are currently a few spaced indoor tables and a nice outdoor area.


 Since working from home, we have tried to make 'fancier' meals. To us, this means fresh/hot bread for sandwiches or as a side.   We've noticed a few places selling par-baked breads, but the rolls at Charlie's are our favorite. We pick up a bag at every visit ($4/dozen).  The Italian bread loaf (medium, $1.80) is topped with sesame seeds and satisfies cravings for a 'nice slice of bread with butter' at breakfast.   On top of the counter at the cash register, the smaller version of the Italian bread (a frenchette), simply filled with ham and Swiss ($1.99) is available as a 'grab and go' sandwich.  To me, it's perfect in size and flavors.
 The prosciutto with fig jam,  Manchego cheese and arugula on a sourdough seeded ficelle loaf  ($6.98) is easily shared and is a nice way to start the day. There are 'Toasts' on the menu and the Smoked Salmon ($9.98) on a slice of ciabatta (delicate crust; not chewy) with a Brie spread, onions, capers and a chipotle sauce (unnecessary) is also a good choice to share.  Also on the top of the counter when paying is a gluten-free seasonal choice- right now, it's an almond tart, which is sort of delicate, almost like whipped marzipan along with slivers of almonds.  (I don't know and don't care about the price; it is  great).

Always a nice stop with quality products. 

Charlie's Best Bread  1808 Garnet Avenue San Diego, CA 92109 Open daily 7-7 Website

 

Max's Restaurant- Cuisine of the Philippines (Mira Mesa)

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a blog about food.  Cathy is writing today; Kirk is elsewhere.  

Long story short:  in the late 1980's, not long after The Mister and I moved to San Diego, we were driving on Eighth Street in National City and saw a building with "Max's, The House That Fried Chicken Built" as the signage.  After one block, I stopped and made a U-Turn.  We regularly stopped at Max's, primarily to have the fried chicken skin appetizer, over many years.  That building is now Villa Manila and our memories of Max's have been fond and longing.

Well, we were in Mira Mesa, looking for someplace "new" and saw this building in the parking lot with Target,   Golden Island and our probable destination, Hong Kong BBQ and Dim Sum.

 We found Max's!
 We were seated in the larger conference room and given the simple menu.
 Ordering was simple for this decades old 'return' visit- Lechon Kawali ($14.29).  A good size portion of par-cut crispy pork belly with the only condiments needed; pickled vegetables and the traditional vinegar-garlic-sugar sauce.  We did order the small size garlic rice ($4.99), which is kind of perfect. This was the only leftover from this meal. 
 Since it had been so long (and also no chicken skins on the appetizer menu), I ordered the half fried chicken ($10.99).  The plate comes with fries and banana ketchup as the condiment.  The chicken skin was crispy and thin and flavorful  as we remembered, the chicken was moist and cooked perfectly.

We will be trying out the rest of the menu, soon.  What a wonderful find! 

Max's Cuisine of the Philippines 8265 Mira Mesa Blvd San Diego, CA 92126 (858) 397-2180 website

Ramona Family Naturals Market- lunch

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of this food blog. Kirk has been doing most of the posting this year and is taking a break.  Cathy is able to help out with some posts. 

Long story short: after my most recent post (in January), there was an incident involving Urgent Care and Orthopedics.  The Mister turned into my chauffeur, took his responsibilities seriously and while waiting for me to return from meeting a client, used his (new) phone to do 'searches' for 'food' and when the pin dropped, he would then research menus.  That's how we found Ramona Family Naturals.    In 2009, Ramona Family Naturals was an online shop which eventually became a Brick and Mortar storefront.  Organic and natural foods, beverages and produce are sold within the market.  In the far corner is a small deli, which makes food to order.  Tables and chairs are outdoors, in front.   
 As you can see, we ordered a grilled turkey melt ($12.99) and a chicken tortilla soup ($5) to share. 
 The meal was brought outside to our table (we paid at the cash register and also purchased a bottled beverage). {There is a coffee  area inside the entrance (to the right) which also sells smoothies and fruit bowls}.
 Delving deeper into the soup bowl- wow!  Plenty of chicken, organic veggies and a rich broth.  Would definitely buy this again.
 The turkey sandwich- on 21 grain organic bread (really good) was layered with turkey, tomato and avocado, as well as hickory bacon, grilled onions, Havarti cheese and honey mustard. The best sandwich we have had in a long time. 

Excellent, quality, local.  Very happy The Mister discovered this gem. 

Ramona Family Naturals Market  325 Sixth Street Ramona CA 92065  (760) 787-5987 Website

A winter road trip-Denver to San Diego

mmm-yoso is a food blog.  Todays post is about food but not about any local places and is written by Cathy.  Kirk is really busy.

Long story short: 2020 was a sad year for all of us and for my family personally.  Death certificates were involved and a small consolation was the availability of a vehicle with low mileage (opposed to mine with 230K miles).  My brother started driving and called from Iowa last Tuesday.  I flew into Denver on Wednesday and we began driving West together.  Here are some highlights of the trip, with food. 

The Denver Airport is huge and there are three terminals/train stops before you get to luggage pick up.  I was fascinated.

 We were on our way in the chilly weather, with a view of the Rockies. 
Needing to fuel up and get a snack or two, we stopped into one of the many Convenience Store Truck stops that line our highways and byways, Kum & Go.  Yes.  It was mentioned in the middle of this post. 




 There is more, much, much more offered.
 No, I did not purchase any branded merchandise, not even the washable face mask.  We took the Exit in Golden, Colorado to Historic Central City, Colorado, a former Mining Town  which has the primary road named Casino Parkway.  We stopped here, the Monarch Casino Resort Spa. There's a 24 hour Cafe.



 Shrimp linguine, a bowl of (really good) clam chowder and a side salad with my undecided dressing choices. Great food, pretty town. Still decorated for Christmas.
That night we got to Silt-Rifle, Colorado and stayed at the Holiday Inn Express, which had a beautiful view from the room. and a bagged breakfast instead of buffet, because...Covid.  (and yes, it was cold- ). 
Eventually, we got to Utah,  which has Rest Areas with explanations of your view. 

Freeway exits notify you of businesses at that exit.  We saw "Mom's Cafe" and had to. It's about two miles form the exit.


The Special- Hot roast beef w/ mashed potatoes and vegetables.  Soup of the day: Chicken noodle.  We each ordered the same thing.
 Home made noodles.  Dumplings, really.  A wonderful, perfect broth.  Quite a bit of chicken.  A great cup of soup.

 A huge portion of roast beef.  Real mashed potatoes, lovely beefy gravy and more fresh carrots.
 Our nice waitress, Kathryn, brought this warm delight out.  She called it a 'scone' and said it was what Mom's was known for.  It was a sort of Indian Fry Bread.  Still warm, it tasted slightly sweet and was fluffy and nice.  With the honey butter on top, it was a fancy donut! So glad we stopped here. 

Price?  each special was $8.99, beverages $2.29

Mom's Cafe 10 East Main Street Salina, Utah 84654 (435) 529-3921 Website

We continued driving through Utah, a bit of Arizona and then Nevada, which had pretty rest areas.
I dropped my brother at the rental car area at the Las Vegas Airport and checked into the hotel, which had this view from the 9th floor in the morning.
  My dinner was an appetizer plate.   Breakfast the next morning was the corned beef hash.  Driving home to California, I stopped in Baker, but only for photos.  Then I continued on to San Diego.  A winter trip, with food,   and a new (to me) car.

Stay safe!  

Ol' Rodeo's Meat Market and Yogurt Mill (El Cajon) again, but it's COVID-19

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog trying to share a bit of 'normal' during these decidedly abnormal times.  Cathy is writing today while Kirk enjoys His job.  

I wrote about our favorite 'secret' place for great food with great dessert back when times were simpler, all the way back in August of 2019.

 The small, conveniently located market has been in El Cajon for at least ten years.  The Mister and I purchase warm tortillas and carne asada as well as other meats from the butcher shop counter, while ordering from the in store taqueria. Way back when 'eating in' was allowed (October?November?) The Mister and I woke up talking about craving the birria.  The meal is now $8.99 and was brought to one of the properly spaced in-store tables. The birria is either beef or mutton (depending on the day) and is a deep flavored, long simmered (at least three hours) wonderful stew.  There are ancho as well as guajillo peppers, garlic, oregano and a wonderful mix of herbs and spices.
 We have been ordering birria "To Go" and the packaging is nice.  The broth is kept separate from the meat and the serving size is the same or larger as the in-store plating.
We usually order one taco ($2.50), so that the other person has something to eat while the other is enjoying the stew. Our favorite here is the adobada (marinated pork).
 Although the carnitas is quite nice.  

Eating local; an easy resolution.

Ol' Rodeo's Meat Market 927 Broadway El Cajon 92021 (619) 401-7351 

Right next door is The Yogurt Mill.  (That is Ol' Rodeo to the right in this photo)
 Family run now in its 43rd year. Just frozen yogurt and a variety of toppings. Five of the flavors change daily (including one non-dairy and one non-sugar), five remain the same (chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, coconut and peanut butter).  The "Baby" size ($3.60) is enough for sharing.  

  Flavors shown here are tart peach and pistachio; peanut butter and coffee (not photogenic, but tasty); strawberry and coconut.  

Always a nice ending to a good meal.

Yogurt Mill 935 Broadway El Cajon 92021 Open daily 11-9

Chef China (Spring Valley) Take away

mmm-yoso!!! , the food blog, is sometimes written by Cathy and usually written by Kirk.  Today it is Cathy's turn. 

Even in the era of COVID-19, The Mister and I have kept up our habit of just driving and stopping when we see interesting signage.   This storefront, just a block East of Grecian Cafe, across from Rana's and in the same mall as Fruity Loco  (as well as kitty corner from the former Butler's, (which now has plainer signage of "Coffee Shop) has been located in this same space since at least 2006.  Seeing that it was open (for take out only) and knowing that we were hungry..we parked and walked up.  

 There's a table at the doorway and you can order and pay, (although it did seem that most people were calling in orders).  We were told it would be about 20 minutes, so we walked to Fruity Loco for a (tamarind) raspado while we waited.

   Deciding to try an appetizer, nothing in that section of the menu looked interesting, but at the "Salt and Pepper" section of the menu were Salt and Pepper Chicken wings (six for $6.50, 12 for $10.60).  What a great choice!  Easily a meal, these large, meaty, garlic spiced properly fried (and still crispy after the drive home) wings were wonderful.  The rice wasn't necessary, but used for a future meal. 
 My usual 'first time' choice at Chinese restaurants is the (Shrimp) Egg Foo Young ($10.90). There were three large patties, nicely crisped, filled with fresh bean sprouts and onion, cabbage and carrot.  Apologies for no cross section photo.  The gravy for the Egg Foo Young was unique and delicious.  The sauce had large, juicy shrimp,  celery and chunks of water chestnuts, making the whole dish filled with texture as well as flavor.   Going for texture worked out well with the Shrimp Fried Noodles ($10.10).  Packaging for take out is important and keeping the noodles crispy is necessary.  The sauce had a different flavor than the one that went with the egg foo young.  The broccoli, sugar peas and carrots were crisp and fresh (canned mushrooms and bamboo shoots, of course) and each flavor was distinguishable. 

 Plating at home with a bit of everything.  We will be returning to this longstanding local restaurant.  

Chef China 9726 Campo Road Spring Valley 91977 Closed Monday Open Tues-Sat 11-9, Sun 3-9 (619) 460-7286

Grocery Market Steam Tray meals: Carnival, Sam Woo BBQ and Valley Foods

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a long running San Diego food blog.  Cathy is writing today while Kirk catches up with things.

At midnight, San Diego County is going back into the most strict lockdown phase (the purple tier, again).  (This time for at least three weeks).  Restaurants cannot be 'eat in'.  (Only outdoor dining will be allowed).  

The Mister and I have learned a lot during 2020. We have been cooking and baking more at home (another post) and initially would grab and go takeout from places that sort of specialize in take out items (Taco Shops; we have been to a lot of taco shops). I made a New Year Resolution more than 15 years ago that I would not use "drive through" windows anywhere and have stuck to that resolution to this day.  This resolution, which was meant to force me to park and walk inside businesses, has limited some access to food.

Anyhow, we also discovered a lot of restaurant food does not travel well and just doesn't taste the same at our table on our plates.  What we did realize is that grocery store Steam Tray food items DO travel well and make a good meal when we don't feel like cooking.

I wrote a post in 2012 about eating in at Carnival Market an we have had many meals to go from here over the years. The eat in area has been closed to the public since March. There is a good choice of meals and snacks in the steam tray area: fried and roasted chicken, many taco meats, various stews and fried fish. In particular, the fried whole fish plate (tilapia, rice, beans, tortillas ($7)) is a regular choice. There are a few daily choices of stews, sold by the pound (for an additional $2, you get tortillas, rice, beans, cilantro and onion).  The nice workers fill the container with meat, weigh and price it, then fill the rest with the juice.  This is beef birria (mutton is sometimes available).  

Carnival Supermarket 3560 Ashford Street San Diego 92111 (858) 277-1505 (Currently opens at 8 a.m. daily) 

I have written about eating in at Sam Woo, but not about the hundreds of quick meals we purchase at the Steam Tray area when first walking in.  Apparently I don't take many photos, either.   Choices of one, two and three items with rice or noodle usually has us ordering one all vegetable (eggplant) and a meat/vegetable choice.  Less than $7 and more than enough food to share.
 Except that we pretty much also ask for 1/2 pound of the BBQ pork or duck, because it is irresistible.

Sam Woo BBQ To Go 7330 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Ste 103 San Diego, CA 92111 (across the hall form 99Ranch Market) (currently opens at 9 a.m. daily) 

In East County, Valley Foods Mediterranean Market  has been around for more than ten years. The steam trays and grab and go areas have a great selection of choices.  Some things have changed. 

Now, if you would like a masgouf prepared fish, walk over to the fish counter and pick one out.  (currently, preparation including the fish is $3.99/pound) and the fish will be carried over to the steam try counter and you'll be asked if you want 'everything' (you do).  This fish was over three pounds ($14.33)(that's a regular size fork) and was two meals plus snacks for The Mister and myself. There are roasted tomatoes and onion in the pan. (Fun story about masgouf (the downfall of Saddam Hussein)).
 The fish is coated with oil and za'atar, a spice blend with thyme, oregano, savory and sumac as well as sesame seeds.  In the refrigerated area, we usually buy some baba ganoosh or hummus, the home made (cream top) yogurt and tabbouleh. There is an area next to the cash register with 'pizza', but really these are flatbreads, one topped with cheese, the other with za'atar ($1.50 each)   Next to the seafood counter, you'll see an open door (into the baking area) with signage above the door.  Breads made in stone ovens ($1.50 white, $1.75 wheat and $2 sesame topped).  I usually ask for the sesame topped bread and it's made fresh and handed to me in a paper bag, very hot. 

One day I was alone shopping and decided on something light. Beef or chicken kabob ($1.50 each). These are beef.  It is all I ordered.  I paid $3 plus tax.  Look at all the condiments!  Roasted tomato and onion, raw onion, pickles, pickled cabbage.  What a substantial meal. 

Valley Foods 1275 East Main Street El Cajon 92021 (619) 749-8355 Website

There are many choices for prepared foods in this time of COVID-19.

Golden Bagel Cafe (El Cajon)

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy today; Kirk is still on a vacation with His Missus.

The Mister and I have tried to avoid patronizing chain businesses during this time of COVID-19 and lockdown.  The Golden Bagel, located at the intersection of Navajo and Fletcher Parkway, in El Cajon (right on the border of La Mesa) is locally owned and prides itself on fresh made, preservative free items.  It is a sister store of Cheers Deli which has been in business for 20+ years  and is located about a mile west. (I know, I have to do a post) 
 Stepping inside, the selection of bagels (25 flavors) is good in the early morning.  There are a variety of beverages available (although many opt for the Starbucks next door). There is plenty of out front seating.  Here's a quick sampling of some of our breakfasts here.
 Pumpernickel bagel with cream cheese ($2.99)  You can taste the rye flour in this bagel and it is so very fresh and bright. On the right here is a bialy- a baked bread (the bagels here are water boiled) topped with poppy seeds and onion.  A lighter, softer (yet chewy) bread, I like the differences between a bialy and a bagel.  Toasted and buttered is a wonderful treat. The cheese topped bagel is also a favorite  (with butter, $1.99).
 Ham and cheddar with avocado and tomato on an everything, open face. ($8.99  plus $1 for the avocado=$9.99; we went for it).  There is a choice of cheeses, the avocado made this kind of perfect.  Open face, warm and melted- shareable! (The open face sandwiches cost more than a regular bagel sandwich.  You can see each half is substantial).

 The open face smoked salmon ($11.99) (of course on pumpernickel) .  Pacific Northwest Smoked salmon (lox), cream cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, dill and capers (and a slice of a really good pickle).  Quality as well as quantity; more than enough to share.

There are wraps, focaccia, pizza melts, salads...a nice menu.  Always nice people work here.  We had always passed by and are so glad we have finally stopped (and stopped in again and again!)

Golden Bagel Cafe 2744 Fletcher Parkway El Cajon 92020 Open Mon-Sat 6 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun 7 a.m.-3 p.m. (619) 464-2243 Website