mmm-yoso!!!

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)

2022 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Float Road Test #3, Breakfast at Lisa's Coffee Shop (Covina)

It's time for another mmm-yoso!!! 2022 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float Road Test post.  Kirk (and His Missus) remain on vacation and Cathy is writing.

Link to 2022 Float Road Test #one

Link to 2022 Float Road Test #two

The Mister and I were at Phoenix Decorating in Irwindale early on a Saturday in late September, in time to see floats lined up and ready to undergo mechanics and maneuverability testing.   The Lions Clubs International float has another cute design this year to accompany their "Quest for Kindness" theme.
The City of Alhambra has their 2022 entry to the Parade, "School Rocks" featuring a bit of movement of the float-the engine will be 'wobbling' its way down Colorado Boulevard over the five mile Parade Route.
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day , a company that makes some delightfully scented cleaning products, will be sponsoring a float for the third time.  The 'outline' of Mrs. Meyer is on the label of most of their products and the reason for this float design.  Clever and cute.
Rotary International, another Service Organization, has their 2022 Parade entry, "Changing Lives Through Education", symbolizing the importance of education around the world and one of Rotary's seven areas of focus: Basic Education and Literacy. 
   The City of Hope Cancer Treatment Center will again (for the 49th year) be inspiring America with cancer survivors riding this beautiful float along the Parade route. 

Bonus photos:  This basic outline of a float might give you an idea of the design as well as the detail of sturdiness built into all floats. Hopefully more will be complete with the next Road Test to help 'connect the dots'.

 There is always a Driver, who only follows the 'rose colored line' along Colorado Boulevard, looking down the entire route. Then there is the Spotter, who can see out the front of the float and communicates with the driver constantly over headphones.  I caught the Spotter resting his hand out of his viewing area. {you can also see the Spotters’ cut out in each of the above float photos as well as the Spotter and Driver on the Mrs. Meyer's float}  Here are some peeks inside the decorating barn. 

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As always, we make no plans and just begin driving home, looking for a breakfast spot.  Usually, we see cars parked so we know a restaurant is open.  This time, we saw the signage.  Had to stop.  A good size breakfast menu with many choices.  Again, we did not order coffee, even though this is a Coffee Shop.

 The "Mini Attack" ($8.99) was wonderful.  House made buttermilk biscuit (light and fluffy), grilled and then filled with scrambled egg and a sausage patty (really good quality, flavor and size) and smothered in house made Country Gravy.  It was served with two *very good* house made salsas. 
The Corned Beef Hash breakfast plate ($13.99) was enough to share.  A good sized serving of griddled crisped hash along with nicely crisped Home Fries, two (poached) eggs and toast.  Flavors! Filling!  A great neighborhood place! 

Lisa's Coffee Shop 1530 W. San Bernardino Road Covina, CA 91722 (626) 339-2014 Open seven days, 7 arm,-2 p.m.

Anthony's Fish Grotto (La Mesa) (again)

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Cathy is writing today while Kirk and His Missus are researching new places to write about, in a relaxing setting.  

In La Mesa, Anthony's Fish Grotto has been an institution, since 1950, just after the first location opened in 1946. This is now the only remaining restaurant. (Soo posted about a meal at the original Bayside location in 2016). Stepping inside, the waiting area is as magnificent as the entryway.
The menu choices here are seafood centric (although there are beef and chicken dishes as well as a signature hamburger) and vary in preparation; choices for everyone. From the Big Bay Combo($29.95)- grilled garlic butter shrimp, a crab cake and filet of sole (we asked for a substitute of the salmon) with sides of rice pilaf and slaw, the preparation and quality of food is always spot on.
To a wedge salad/clam chowder in sourdough lunch ($13.50, Mon-Sat).  There is a choice of clam chowders here and we chose the white New England style (cream based with potato and celery along with a lot of clams). The red clam chowder is also good here, with a completely different flavor profile; it's described as "zesty", which is correct.   The sourdough bowl is fresh and a good 'sour'.  The wedge salad-look at it-fresh lettuce capped with a great bleu cheese dressing, chopped tomatoes, bacon crumbles and avocado slice.  A nice summertime/lunchtime meal.  
Of course, if you want a salad as a meal, there is always the Seafood Cobb Salad ($18.95 on the lunch menu (Monday-Saturday)). Real crab, bay shrimp and chilled cooked salmon, along with bacon, tomatoes, carrot, egg, avocado, the house dressing.
 One of the first menu items at Anthony's (in 1946) was the avocado salad, (I added shrimp)($18.95 at dinner) and it is a classic. The simple blend of celery and avocado with the House dressing and the shrimp (you can add albacore tuna, crab or shrimp and crab; different prices) is just perfect to me. Lettuce, cucumber, tomato and shredded carrots make a nice 'side salad' to mix in with the plentiful amount of stacked central ingredients.  
 Then again, you can always order what you really desire.  Mama's Platter ($24.95 at dinner) with a side of veggies and baked potato has everything properly fried with crispy, light, different batters. Shrimp, calamari and crab bites are each tender and filled with flavor. 
  When you are seated and perusing the menu, warm mini-ciabatta rolls and a side of garlic-y sun dried tomato butter is brought to your table. The beginning of a memorable meal.  

Anthony's Fish Grotto 9530 Murray Drive La Mesa, CA 91942 (619)463-0368  Website Mon-Thurs 11:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Sunday (brunch!) 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
 (Happy 'old fashioned' Birthday to my brother!)

Tom's Famous Family Restaurant (number 23)(Escondido) (again)

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy while Kirk takes a break.

I wrote about Tom's Famous Family Restaurant in 2018 and it's time to post some revisits to this classic California diner (the first location opened in 1962).   There is a menu at the drive through, if you park at that end of the lot.

 But there is also the full menu taped in the window next to the door (and another above/behind the ordering counter). There are also posters in the window and a White Board next to the cash register advertising special prices. 
 The original 'open kitchen' is in view when you order and pay. Food is brought to your table.
 One of the window posters had a "Strawberry Pancake Meal Deal" ($8.99) Two bacon (crisp!), two sausage (good quality; skin on), two eggs (perfectly made over easy) and hash browns (a good crisp, not a 'raw' interior)...
Along with a choice of pancakes or French toast.  Thick piece of eggy bread, crispy exterior and a proper fluffy interior topped with that wonderful frozen then thawed strawberries in sugar sauce, like Mom used to put over ice cream.  The White Board next to the cash register had "Chili cheese omelet, includes coffee" ($7.99).  I had to.  You can see it is a well made plain omelet topped with two slices of cheese (one Swiss, one cheddar (not American)) smothered with beanless (hot dog) chili.  Great flavors! The home fries were wonderfully crisp, topped with onion and bell pepper.  What a great breakfast! 

The Mister was craving pastrami so we were back the other day.  Tom's Pastrami sandwich ($8.99) was ordered.  Not the combo (which is only $1 more). The hand cut, smokey, flavorful pastrami on a toasted bun with mustard and pickles hit the spot. 
 I ordered the three piece fish dinner ($9.99). The lightly battered, perfectly fried flaky fish pieces were very well prepared.  I chose onion rings and vegetables on the side. The whole slices of onion, fried crisp after being dipped in cornmeal batter were just so good (no uncharge!).  The "Normandy"steamed vegetable medley was a good choice this cool day.

 Also included were toasted bread (a hamburger bun, as I would make at home) and a choice of soup or salad.  This day, lentil soup the choice.  It was amazing.  Lentils, tomatoes, celery, onion, herbs and spices.  The bowl of soup could have been a meal in itself.  

Tom's Famous Family Restaurant #23 505 West 5th Avenue (at Centre City Parkway) Escondido 92025 Open daily 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Breakfast served all day

 

Perry's Cafe (El Cajon) breakfasts-again

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!! Cathy is writing today while Kirk is taking a break. 

I've written about the El Cajon location of Perry's Cafe only twice, but it has been a regular breakfast stop for us over the years. During some of the more restrictive COVID-19 days, there was outdoor seating in the parking lot and the condiments were ready to be put on the outdoor tables. One day, The Mister chose the strawberry French Toast breakfast ($11.99).  There are a choice of fruit toppings in addition to plain French Toast (menu at bottom of this post).  The over easy eggs were, as always, perfectly made.  The bacon is crisp and the toast is crisp on the exterior and fluffy on the interior; perfect. These were the condiments brought out: warm syrup and lemons and tartar sauce. You might wonder why.
 Well, it's because fish and eggs ($13.25) are on the breakfast menu. This meal, with a choice of potatoes (home fries for me, of course) as well as toast or muffin (banana nut was a choice this day), perfect over easy eggs (the grill is utilized perfectly in this diner) and pan fried, lightly floured fish is always satisfying.  I fondly remember my catfish breakfast at Smokey's back in 2010.  The Mister chose the Italian Sausage Frittata ($12.99) one day. The mild sausage was plentiful, with scrambled eggs, mixed cheeses and tomato baked in a pan and lightly firm.  The sides were a pumpkin muffin and home fries.  As always, we choose items we don't want to prepare at home.
From the "Mexican Breakfast" side of the menu, I decided to try the Huevos Revueltos con Nopales ($11.50).  Scrambled eggs with cactus, onion, mild chiles and tomato.  This was wonderful, filling and something I will order again.  The meal included refried beans with cheese and warmed tortillas as well as a vey nice salsa.  The cactus is soft and not salty; has a distinct yet subtle flavor.The chicken fried steak ($10.75- a white board special at the front door on this weekday) had a crisp, yet light coating and the chopped steak was quite nice, as was the country style gravy and the perfect eggs.  The hash browns were nicely crisped and the biscuit, well, it wasn't quite right at this meal; it was dense instead of fluffy, but the top 'crust' was good with butter. (The dogs got a treat).  
 I had to get the fish and eggs again. (still $13.25) and this time the fish pieces were quite thick and still lightly floured with a crisp pan fry.  Poached eggs and a blueberry muffin this time along with the crispy home fries.  Always satisfying. 

Hope you are having a nice, cool, Autumn weekend!

Perry's Cafe 475 North Magnolia El Cajon, CA (619) 440-5724 open daily 6 a.m.-2 p.m.

 

2022 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float road test #2, Breakfast at Flo's Coffee Shop (Azusa)

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog and there are many reasons we find places to eat.  Cathy is writing today about the reason and the place.  Kirk is busy at work.

Link to 2022 Rose Parade float Road Test #1 

Link to Road Test #3

This past Saturday, The Mister and I woke around 4 a.m., let the dogs out and got ready to drive North.  We left the driveway at 5 a.m. and got on the foggy, dark, empty freeway.  There was a stop for coffee and treats in Tustin and then the sun was out and we were in Irwindale, at Phoenix Decorating Company, where we have not been since we decorated floats for the 2020 Rose Parade back in December of 2019.  Floats were already on the road, being tested for mechanics and maneuverability.

  "Arctic Dream", the 2022 entry by Oddfellows and Rebekahs, a service organization, is so cute! 
 The Lutheran Hour Ministries will have their 72nd entry in the 2022 Parade. "Jesus Teaches" goes with the Theme of the Parade, which is celebrating education. 
 The Royal Court will ride in the same float as in the past few years.  The exterior 'beaning' looks good; other details and, of course, flowers, will be added during decorating.
 The Farmers Insurance float underwent its first test.  I can see pine and palm trees-and the driver (in the center of the float).  The driver looks down and follows the 'rose colored line' along Colorado Boulevard during the parade and does not see the route; there is a 'spotter' at the front of every float.  
You can see the 'spotter' seated in the front of this rebar shell of a float undergoing its first road test.  Unsure of who the sponsor is, but suspect it might be Trader Joe's, because of the banana shape near the back.
 The 'spotter' will be out in the open-on the 'jeep'- of this float, sponsored by Mutual of Omaha.  It looks like and ode to Wild Kingdom  (a classic conservation educational television show since 1963, currently found on social media and digital channels). 
 The Kiwanis International, "Dream to Achieve" is another cute entry.  Seeing the whimsical floats rolling down Colorado Boulevard on January 1 is a great way to start the year. 
 
We were finished taking photos pretty early, since the testing started sooner than 7.  Drove North, over the 210 and headed East on Foothill Boulevard; Route 66. Look at the sign; we had to stop.
 Flo's has been in this location since 2012; it had been a Mexican restaurant for decades prior. 

 Breakfast has a good amount of choices.  Thing is, we really did not want any coffee, since we had been awake since 4 a.m., so I can't comment on the 'coffee shop' part of their name. It was pretty crowded and we sat at the counter.
 The Mister ordered the Waffle Combo ($10.45) with over easy eggs and link sausages.  The sausages were very good, eggs cooked properly and the waffle had a distinct vanilla flavor and was soft.
Not being able to decide and wanting savory, the Huevos Divorciados ($10.45) was my choice.  Two wonderful distinct salsas covering two over easy eggs along with (very good) rice and beans.  The red salsa had a distinct heat and texture: finely diced onions were still crisp (and not part of the heat factor; the chilis had a great heat) the tomatoes added sweetness and were chunky. The green salsa was great, with a garlic an citrus undertone and smooth tomatillo tang.

All in all, a great breakfast on an early Saturday. 

Flo's Coffee Shop 248 West Foothill Blvd Azusa, CA 91702  (626) 334-6600 Open Daily 6:30-2

Patrons of all occupations eat here.  The fire station is on the next block.  

 

Tobey's 19th Hole (Balboa Park) (again)

Thank you for stopping here, mmm-yoso!!!, to read about food.  Cathy is writing today while Kirk continues to be overwhelmed with work and things.

Yes, I've written a few other posts about this golf course restaurant, located at the start and finish of the City golf course in Balboa Park since 1934.  I thought you might want to see what has changed since the pandemic. 

  Well, not the exterior...

 Not the views.  The tables are spaced out and the patio was upgraded with new furniture. Oh, the menu has a bit of history on the cover.  Choices are the same.  Prices have increased.

 There are still the specials on the sandwich board out front, but it is a newer, more colorful board.  

That's it.  Here we go!
 The pork chop breakfast ($12).  Nicely grilled, tender and juicy chop served with some applesauce as well as the hash browns, over easy (perfectly cooked) eggs and a fresh made, flaky, light and crispy biscuit.  A filling and so very tasty breakfast.
 The ham breakfast ($14.95) includes a *thick* piece of ham steak, also nicely grilled.  I chose the O'Brien potatoes- grilled to a crisp and with the onions and bell peppers, quite a fresh, flavorful side dish. The poached eggs (again-perfect) and rye toast rounded out this large meal.

Another survivor of the pandemic.  So happy we can still patronize this family run (for eight decades!) San Diego classic. 

Tobey's 19th Hole 2600 Golf Course Dr. San Diego, CA 92102 (619) 234-5921 Open daily 6-6 
 

Pupusas Express- Salvadorean Food (El Cajon)

mmm-yoso!!!, the food blog, welcomes you back for another exciting post.  Cathy is writing today; Kirk is preoccupied.

I've written about this tiny East County restaurant in 2009 and again in 2010, with the most recent post in February 2020, just before the COVID-19 shutdowns began. The name has changed, prices have increased, it's been painted inside.  There are new menu boards. 
 Otherwise, the same comfort foods, quality and flavors abound.  The traditional Salvadorean 'fruit salad' beverage (large, $3.50) is available right there on the counter with the other aqua frescas.  Finely diced red and green apples, pineapple, mango (or was it cantaloupe?) mixed with orange, lemon (or lime) juice; basically a mix of sweet and sour fruits and some water. Not too sweet, very refreshing.
 
 Two pupusas, made fresh when ordered (you can hear the dough being slapped in the kitchen).  One is cheese and chicharron and the other loroco and cheese ($3.85 each).  The thick griddle cake is stuffed with a cheese that ends up being gooey and tasty with whichever other filling you choose. The salty chicharron is very good, as is the flowering vine of loroco (you can buy loroco fresh or frozen or pickled at any Mexican Market; it has a unique flavor and slight aroma of 'green').  The curtido (a cabbage and carrot relish made with vinegar and sugar) is a perfect compliment to the almost sweet corn cake pupusas.   
 The menu on the wall is always a good place to select another dish. Pictures!


 The chicken soup ($12.99) arrives 'disassembled', as you can see.   The broth is rich, filled with zucchini and potato and herbs.  The freshly fried chicken leg has a bit of delightful skin attached.  Rice is eventually needed in the soup, but I opted for the hand made corn tortillas ($1.50) and tore those into the broth at first.  The tortillas were different than the pupusas, which were lighter (a different type of corn flour).  The refreshing salad completed the meal. 

Again, another local restaurant that survived the pandemic!

Pupusas Express 1207 East Main Street El Cajon 92021 (619) 447-2501 Mon-Sat 10-7, Sun 10-3
 

R&B Filipino Cuisine (again)

mmm-yoso!!! thanks you for stopping by to read about things, primarily food.  Kirk is busy with work and this is a short post by Cathy.   

As is our habit, on Saturdays The Mister and I jump in the car and start driving without a plan.  We randomly got to Mira Mesa Boulevard before 8 a.m. and found most restaurants were not yet open. When we got to Camino Ruiz, I decided to just drive by and see if R&B Filipino Cuisine was open-and it was!   

 We saw one person walking out with a large catering order and figured there would be something to munch on.
 The steam trays were filled and we were the only ones ordering (so I did not take any photos).  Closer to the end of the steaming trays, I saw a large tray with cooked eggs and next to it, longanisa (sausage), beef jerky (tapa), da (fried, dried baby milkfish) and tocino (cured pork-sort of like bacon to us caucasians).  Since I know there are many types of longanisa (Wikipedia link), I wanted to try it here (we usually buy four or six fresh links from the meat counter at 99Ranch or from the fish counter at Lucky Seafood).  
 Longsilog is the name of the breakfast:  Longanisa with two fried eggs (pritong itlog) and (really good) garlic rice (Sinangag).  ($8).  What a wonderful, flavorful, filling breakfast! But wait, there was more..
 I just pointed at this chopped lechon (fried pork) mix with vegetables selection in the steam tray and asked for a small container size. ($4) 
 We purchased a calamansi pouch (sort of like lemonade) from the refrigerator.  The sauce that goes with the pork was brought out to the table.  Soy, vinegar and onions, the sauce cuts through the fattiness of the pork and is very complimentary.  Wow, really great deep fried pork and sauce to go with the large amount of garlic rice.  This was memorable. 

Breakfast is only available on weekends here and it is worth the stop. 

R&B Filipino Cuisine 11257 Camino Ruiz San Diego 92126 Open Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat & Sun 8 a.m.-6 p.m.(858) 695-8455

California Fish Grill

Thank you for stopping to read the blog named mmm-yoso!!! Cathy is writing today, because Kirk is preoccupied. 

I've mentioned before that The Mister and I do not 'regift' items, including gift cards.  We have found creative ways to use them if we don't really want to purchase a compete meal (all appetizer meals, only dessert meals, a cup of coffee a week...). However, we knew nothing about California Fish Grill and were curious when we received the card this year. There are multiple locations (four) in San Diego  County and 33 more scattered throughout California along with one Arizona and two Las Vegas locations. Their website does note that the seafood sold here is responsibly sourced, so that is a plus. 
 The drill is similar to many places nowadays: walk up order, pay, find a seat, grab your own beverages and your number is called.
 You pick up your tray and take it to your table. 

 Louisiana Delta (!) Catfish ($11.75), fried. Two sides to choose: kaleslaw and sweet potato fries (additional $1.99).  Mild and flaky fish, lightly fried, this was two filets, a large portion, and very good with the house made tartar sauce.  The kaleslaw is unique, yet not: it's chopped kale and shredded red cabbage in a mild, mayonnaise based slaw dressing (I detected a bit of sweet and salty and tangy, so there is either mustard or vinegar along with sugar and salt). The sweet potato fries were very well fried and seasoned and sweet in a good way. 
 Calamari and battered fish ($9.99) was my chance to try more frying techniques along with seeing how they squid was prepared here.  The lightly breaded thick cut squid strips were crispy from the light fry. The swai filets had a nice, crisp batter; texture contrasts were nice. The sides of kaleslaw and regular French fries were very good.    

 I just had to try a bowl of the clam chowder ($5.49) and was impressed.  Creamy, very rich broth with a deep clam flavor and clam pieces along with diced potatoes made this soup memorable.    The keto shrimp bowl ($9.99) was a great choice.  Plenty of grilled shrimp severs over a spring mix of various greens and topped with a Green Goddess dressing.  Very tasty plump grilled shrimp (I love the char) and a very large serving. 
 Had to try the battered fish and chips meal ($9.50)-three pieces of swai, great, crispy French fries and Brussels sprouts (an upgraded side- $1.99). The sprouts were outstanding- still crisp but charred and a real treat. 
 Here is a cross section of the fish- good sized pieces and see how light the batter is?

Great food, attention to details, ambiance,  and very nice people working here. 
 

California Fish Grill multiple location  Website Open daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

 (the sadly unused condiment bar)