mmm-yoso

Actually Sushi Itto is the Mexico City based sushi chain. ick........

Cool Super Mercado Murphy - we were just there a few days ago. Man do they have alot of sweets. It's on the corner of University and Menlo! I was suprised to see so many Asians shopping there.

Hey mizducky - I'm having a blast reading your blog! Keep up the fine(and fun) work.

Please hurry mizducky - I need to find out what I ate tonight!!!!

Nice post Frog Princesse - Hope to see much more in the future!

Hi mizducky - Your Pho'/Bun Bo Hue diet seems to be in full swing. One thing about the Bun Bo Hue at Pho' Ca Dao - which I think is good, BTW. Is that instead of giving you the fermented shrimp paste and chili oil on the side, it's already been mixed into the broth, which may be a bit off-putting for some people. So fay I've really enjoyed the Pho' at Lucky Pho' which is attached to Lucky Seafood Market in Mira Mesa: Lucky Pho' in Lucky Seafood Supermarket 9326 Mira Mesa Blvd San Diego, CA 92126 Which would probably appeal to those who enjoy a darker - richer broth. http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/

I used to really enjoy Boo Cho, but since they've changed owners, I think they've gone downhill a bit. I rather have Buga. Dede's is pretty good, and IMHO not as spicy, nor as high in oil as Ba Ren. My Wife who is from China calls is Pseudo-Sichuan.....pretty good, though alot milder. Though let it be said we enoy the cuisine from ChongQing more then what we've had that represents ChengDu http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/

Wow, it's good to see this thread is alive and well! Just a couple of things: Pho Hoa Cali on Clairemont Mesa Blvd - is now Pho T Cali. I really can't tell the difference in food, but notice that some of the people working there are different. In Mission Valley, it's Pho' Cali - co-owned by a former EE at Kodak and a Mechanic - so I really don't think there's any affiliation with Pho Hoa Cali on Mira Mesa Blvd. Had lunch there a few weeks ago, but didn't have time to post. A bit more expensive then most $6/bowl of Pho'. Very mediocre, and some of the worst Banh Pho' I've ever had, also skimpy on the garnishes, though Ngo Ngai was provided - the broth was pretty good. This is also the place where you can get Banh Mi for $4.99, just in case you feel guilty paying 2 bucks for it elsewhere! But if you really can't wait the extra 10 minute drive to Linda Vista, you can get Pho' here. I though Pho Pastuer was pretty good, though if I recall they were a bit more expensive then most Vietnamese Restaurants at the time. I also had an alligator dish, and all I remember was that the meat was sour, and slimy - though the first bite tasted like chicken! Go figure..... http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/

Mizducky - If you're looking for Spam Musubi; L&L will do just fine. In addition, perhaps a little closer to you; right down Garnet in the same mall as Great News cooking store(which will keep you occupied for quite a while); and Lotsa Pasta. Hawaiian Island Barbecue 1768 Garnet Ave San Diego, CA 92109 http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2005/0...ian_island.html In addition, I've had Spam Musubi from Nijiya as well. For a plate lunch I think at this time that Da' Kitchen makes the best - right up the 15, Carroll Canyon Road exit. Da' Kitchen 9823 Carroll Canyon Rd. San Diego, CA 92131 Open Mon-Sat 10am - 8pm http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2005/1...tchen_fina.html I'll pass on a funny story about World Sushi; it's right up the street from where we live. I once dropped by and decided to have some Sushi (they do pretty good tempura and stuff). My usual drill with the Itamae is to first order a few nigiri, so I had some Maguro(what I call buffet grade fish), Hamachi(lousy), Hirame(decent), Albacore(lousy). Then asked the Itamae(real quiet Vietnamese Guy) what is good today? He tells me "The California Roll is really good tonight!" WHAT! Was he even paying attention to what I was eating? Since then I've stayed away from the Sushi at this Vietnamese owned Japanese Restaurant. The other Japanese style dishes are pretty good and that's what I stay with. Nijiya will sometimes have okara, it'll be close to the fish and sushi! It may be hard to come by; but since Nijiya has their own brand of tofu, sometimes they do sell this tofu by-product. Next time I'm there I'll ask if they still carry it. Kirk http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/

Alas, I currently do not own a barbeque grill. Shocking, I know--I'm guess I'm not living up the the SoCal ideal here. But at least the apartment complex I'll be moving to has a community grill right in the courtyard. ← Is the hope of Kurabuta Kakuni out of the question???? Basically Nagasaki Style Braised Pork - it dies use okara - which is tofu lees 1 1/2lb Pork Belly 1 1/2Cup Okara 1 Cup Water 1/4 Cup Sake 2-4 Tb Mirin 1/4 Cup Sugar 4 Tb Soy sauce Place pork and okara in a pot and fill with water, and bring to a boil. When brought to a boil reduce the heat to med-low, and continue slow boil for 2 hours, adding water as necessary until the pork is tender enough for a bamboo skewer to pierce the meat without difficulty. Turn off heat and let stand until pork is cool. When the pork is cool, rinse the pork under cold water, and eliminate unclean parts and excess fat. Cut into bit sized cubes. Place water, sake,sugar, and pork into a pot, and bring to a boil. When it comes to a boil add soy sauce, and cover. Reduce heat slighly, and simmer until liquid ids reduced to half. Increase temp to a boil and pour in mirin in a circular motion. boil until alcohol is burnt off. Arrange in a bowl, garnishing with shredded snow peas and mustard. Kirk www.mmm-yoso.typepad.com

Y'know, kalypso, I've been intrigued by the name of this joint ever since you so provocatively let it drop, so of course I had to do the Google thing--and this is what I found. Other than the possibility that the scene there might be a tad more "straight" than my usual speed, this sounds like it could be a helluva fun time to this dive-bar-lovin' chick. I'm not sure if I'll get in to check it out before the end of this blog, but I'll certainly check it out sooner or later. And yes, you will indeed get a full report--especially if I succeed in making a karaoke fool of myself there. ← Hi mizducky - I'm enjoying the proceedings thus far....I've been to Camel's Breath Inn - it's mainly a neighborhood watering hole. Lot's of off-duty SDPD'ers, and Mexican Bar Grub. Kirk www.mmm-yoso.typepad.com

The Market in that strip mall is now First Korean Market/Orient Bowl - A Korean Market. It does have alot of "stuffs" from Hawaii, though if tyou're interested. http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2005/1..._kine_stuf.html Kirk http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/

In all honesty, I get most of my Cooking "gear" in Los Angeles. there is one place on Convoy that you can check out. It's called Chef City Restaurant Equipment and Supplies 4927 Convoy St San Diego, CA 92111 It's located South of Clairemont Mesa Blvd, on the East side of the street. It's an Asian Restaurant Supply Store - you can even get high BTU, "fire-rings" there. The quality of many items there may not suit your requirements, but it's a good place to get odds and ends - several Asian Restaurants buy their equipment and other items from them. And I've shopped there a few times in the past - they do sell to the general public. Utsuwa No Yakata is the porcelain shop located in Mitsuwa marketplace, and sells only porcelain(i.e. bowls. plates, dishes). There's a kitchen section within Mitsuwa, but it's mostly Rice Cookers, ginger graters, and such. But I remember seeing pretty good sashimi knives. I still have my left handed fish knife I bought at the Wok Shop many years ago.... Good Luck, Kirk http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/

You are going to eat an entire "styrofoam" tray of uni? You are hardcore. I'd rather just wait until I can get 1 "live uni" and have the Itamae prepare it for me. You'd use that tray of Uni, maybe for a sauce in the end? Catalina Seafood has some of the best Uni around. I know that misspelling "omakase" can be a bit irritating, but we understood the subject. I get this all the time from people who really don't understand the "Nihon" translation. You should see how people screw up my name!

You won't find "Omakase" in the sense of say Urasawa, but many times if you have developed a "relationship" with your Itamae, you'll be able to set-up a very nice menu. Usually there will be some set items, and Omakase Nigiri, or Sashimi, in which the Itamae who understands your taste will provide what is best that day. A recent dinner at one of our local neighborhood joints: http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2005/1...que_dinner.html The live/fresh Uni in San Diego is superb. Kirk www.mmm-yoso.typepad.com

miz - Ba Ren is an excellent restaurant. One of the few that IMHO would survive in the San Gabriel Valley. The Chef at Ba Ren used to be the Chef at ChungKing restaurant in Monterey Park. The cold dishes are very good - I love the FuiQiFeinPein(Husband and Wives). If you have any questions one of the Owners, her name is Wendy is very helpful. They are starting to get alot of business since the review in CityBeat: http://www.sdcitybeat.com/article.php?id=3824&atype= The food is very good and not "dumbed-down", we've been going there since it opened. And it's really funny that I was one of the first Non-Chinese customers. Kirk(yes, I'm the kirk mentioned in the review) http://www.mmm-yoso.typepad.com

jrichman - I emailed you the prices that I remember from Sammy's - did you get it? Kirk

Phil's is my favorite too - though call ahead, otherwise chances are that you'll wait! Phil's BBQ 4030 Goldfinch St San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 688-0559 Full rib dinner all fries - side of sauce......and a place to sleep afterwards! But it ain't cheap at almost $20.

So Mucho Gusto is worth the effort - we live close by - in Bay Park and I pass it at least 5-6 times a week... Med Cafe - One of my regular stops for lunch since I work in Hillcrest - $5.95Gyros Pita plate is a bargain - something that always makes me laugh is that if you look at the lunch menu posted on the door it says 1/3 Hamburger Plate $5.95 - almost sounds like you'll get only 1/3 of a hamburger instead of 1/3lb Hamburger! Service is very nice! - Don't forget El Cuervo next door! Daphne's - People don't know - it's one of those "fast-casual" chains - like Chipotle, etc... not very cheap, but food is consistent. Next to Tropical Star is Noble Chef - But you've got to know what to order! DO NOT order any of the Orange Chicken, Beef Broccoli garbage, it's terrible! Instead, try the Shrimp with XO sauce Fried Rice or Chow Fun, or the like - got some "wok hey" going on. Stay with the Chiu Chow style dishes or home-style stuff like turnip cake w/scrambled egg. I like the Shrimp Tomato on Rice too....it's soooo 60's Chinese, but has a strange attraction! BTW - hzrt8w, I haven't forgotten ,but need to check the addresses before I post!

If you enjoyed Chamorro food you might like Bamboo Hut - it's a plate lunch place - sorta, but they had Chamorro stuff too, at least they did when I last visited over a year ago! 9172 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92126 I've always gotten a kick out of Islander grill - the Grill is right out on the sidewalk!

Many people claim Sushi Ota on Mission Bay Drive is the best 4529 Mission Bay Dr San Diego, CA 92109 One of my favorrites is Izakaya Sakura - not quite a sushi bar - but an Izakaya. They will not make any "rolls" - alot of Japanese Nationals as customers and pretty pricey http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2005/0...ya_sakura_.html Shirahama - also in the area, is another quite expensive place. Will not make rolls either - Koji-san is known as the Sushi-Nazi for a reason also. Sushi Dokoro Shirahama 4212 Convoy St. There are alot of Neighborhood Sushi places like Katzra (same owners as Tofu House next door). My favorite little Neighborhood Sushi place is Sammy Sushi on Engineer Road: http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2005/0..._sushi_eve.html Though the quality of fish can vary, Sam usually has something good - prices are also cheaper and Sam will make anything you want - even Poke. You can tell him Kirk-san sent you! Btw next to Sammy's is Boo Cho - they are the only Korean Restaurant I know of in San Diego that does charcoal BBQ: http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2005/0...ho_going_s.html alot of people enjoy Boo Cho.

I have asked my college roommate about this. Just like me, he grew up in Hong Kong but has been living in Oceanside/San Diego for many years. Here's what he said: 1. Are there any good (in our standard) Chinese restaurants in the Carlsbad/Oceanside area? (Name and Street) Nothing is good in North county, period. 2. Which Chinese restaurants in Kearny Mesa (in the Convoy area) would you recommend? Jasmine, Emerald, or China Max. They are OK, but better than nothing. My note: San Diego Chinese food prices in general are much higher than those in the Los Angeles/San Francisco areas. ← Sorry - By Chinese you mean Cantonese, right??? ← BTW - China Max is pretty good Hong Kong style seafood, but you will pay..as you will in Los Angeles - lived there for 4 years! And yes, San Diego is more expensive, but for Guangdong style - the prices at Sam Woo - $2.95 for weekend breakfast is not bad - though I don't think prices would ever compare with HK!

I have asked my college roommate about this. Just like me, he grew up in Hong Kong but has been living in Oceanside/San Diego for many years. Here's what he said: 1. Are there any good (in our standard) Chinese restaurants in the Carlsbad/Oceanside area? (Name and Street) Nothing is good in North county, period. 2. Which Chinese restaurants in Kearny Mesa (in the Convoy area) would you recommend? Jasmine, Emerald, or China Max. They are OK, but better than nothing. My note: San Diego Chinese food prices in general are much higher than those in the Los Angeles/San Francisco areas. ← Sorry - By Chinese you mean Cantonese, right???

Hi Toliver - An "interesting" buffet is Manila Tokyo it's a Filipino Buffet (I like their Lechon Kawale, my Wife likes the Daing Bagus), that has a Karaoke (thus the Tokyo) and they have a dance floor as well - 3421 Plaza Blvd, National City, CA 9150. Conching "upstairs" supposedly has a good buffet with lot's of seafood, but we haven't made it there yet. Conching is right around the corner (or visa versa) from Manila Tokyo. Have you tried East Bufett on Miramar Rd yet? I like it better than Great Moon and Sunrise (another new Buffet - this one on Convoy). 8998 Miramar Rd, San diego, CA 92126. La Torta is great, love the Chicken Mole and Carne Asada torta's - though they run about 7 bucks - at least you get fries with them. i'm orginally from Hawaii, so am somewhat picky about plate lunches - in some ways Da' Kines is better than the proliferation of all these Hawaiian BBQ places opening everywhere, in some ways not so much so..... Kirk http://www.mmm-yoso.typepad.com/

Hi mizducky - Were you talking about Kabul Market? They also have pretty good and reasonable Afghan Food - I enjoy the Chapli Kabob, sort of like a very herbacious hamburger steak - all for about 5.99-6.99. All the meat is done in accordance with the House of Halal. http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2005/0..._market_ch.html Also there's Parsian a Persian Market on convoy as well - they used to be on Balboa, but moved to ther new digs when Golden City closed down (now set to re-open on Clairemont Mesa). Funky building once used to house a Mickey-D's - or so I was told. There's also a Muslim-Chinese Restaurant up on convoy called Jamillah Garden that does Da-Bing and all the other Muslim Chinese dishes - they are somewhat inconsistent, but sometimes are pretty good. I've been to K's several times - one of the times I got a bit ill, but I don't think it was K's - but there's a plethora of Banh Mi type places all over the Linda Vista - Kearney Mesa - Clairemont Mesa area. One good thing about K's is that they open early - like 6am or so! Kirk