Lunching @ Izakaya Sakura - The Sakuramen And Few Other Dishes..

Another episode of sharing my lunches at Izakaya Sakura. I hope people aren't getting tired of these. I explained in the past that I'm simply one of many regulars here and it just so happens that I have a hobby of blogging about what I've eaten. Oh, that and I've been also trying to complete their entire lunch menu for fun. Ok, that part might sound weird to some....

So anyway I've heard Sakura was experimenting with a Tonkotsu based ramen for some time now and it was supposedly offered on a trial basis during dinner while they ironed out the recipe. It's now available for lunch. :)

Sakura's original ramen cleverly named the "Sakuramen,"($8.50).


While my experience with were all pleasant, its personality has been a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. So you can say the recipe tweaks continues on but I didn't think the results would be so drastic.

My first bowl was Dr. Jekyll, a made from scratch delicate tonkotsu broth that I guess I'd categorize as "assari Tonkotsu" or light tonkotsu. Toppings were also flavored on the light side which I thought maybe caters to their older and female majority of patrons (that at least I observe of the place).



The thick cut roast pork was impressively tender, the yolk of the hanjuku tamago a nice glossy medium, the stir-fried bean sprouts still with a nice par crunch with a light kick of fine ground pepper. The noodles not surprising were off the shelf (wavy chijire which I believe is usually not associated with tonkotsu ramen but is efficiently shared with their Hiyashi Chuuka cold noodles). With a name like Sakuramen, you can tell they are not really trying to authentically replicate a bowl of a particular region but instead create something unique to them that their patrons would hopefully enjoy. I was asked afterward what I thought and I was quite honest with. Overall the flavors were on the quiet side for me personally but everything seemed consistent in a good way. Younger patrons may want something flavored a little more potent though..(?) I'd still happily slurp up this version any day of the week.

So a month or so had passed and my second experience turned out a polar opposite beast. Mr. Hyde or Mr. Hulk. This was not the soft spoken doctor from the previous.(!)



A completely opaque extremely dense soup that was collagen central.. A can of this on the market shelf would've been labeled "Cream of Pork Bone." If the soup were any thicker it could've rivaled my bowl at Tenkaippin in Kyoto. The bold personality of the soup was very un-Sakura like if I may say so, but not in a bad way. While I continued to slurp I kept thinking to myself I was going to get tired of the rich broth anytime soon now but I somehow didn't. It's rich but not salty. One glitch though is that the noodles now seem underwhelmed in the heavy weight boxer of a soup.



So to reconfirm my experience I had to try it yet again.. ;) This time a tad less rich than the previous but still quite up there in the kotteri scale. The stir-fried sprouts now with the addition of garlic chips.



An onigiri rice ball probably would be a great complement like how one is served with their soba entrees. While I hate sounding like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, I personally wouldn't mind the soup a little less rich if the noodles were to remain the same. Whether or not it will be your cup of tea is hard to say but what I can safely say is that at least for these last experiences went there is no other tonkotsu that comes close to Sakuramen in San Diego and to have this option is nice and a refreshing change. :)

A few other meals quickly that I don't think will need too much explaining..
I noticed a few price increases of their sides which is concerning but the Tori no Karaage (Chicken Karaage, $3.50) I think is still a great deal. Hopefully yours will be shaped like little grenades like it was this day as I feel it always should. I like the center to be concentrated with scorching hot chicken juice, haha. Because otherwise I might as well be eating chicken strips which is not the same.



I remember when Sakura's karaage used to be served mizore style (already bathing in the tsuyu with grated daikon radish). Sometime ago they switched to the tsuyu on the side with an addition of the more modern (but now almost standard) dollop of Japanese mayo with shichimi pepper.



I've had it once with their standard curry ($8.50). Mmm a no brainer match. Surprised it's not on the menu this way but we all can't be a Coco Ichibanya can we? :)



I've described Sakura's mild but rich curry many times before but I'm always impressed at how well it goes with the Miso Soup. The sweet Fukushinzuke pickles are an absolute must for me (I often ask for extra) and here it is also served with Rakkyo (sweet pickled scallion bulbs?). Something a bit rare these days.

To finish the karaage thread, it's also available as a Teishoku lunch set ($8.50).



This day the karaage was shaped more "strippy" than usual. It probably fries up quicker this way and while it was still decently moist (the fact that the chicken is the darker thigh portion with skin always helps) I missed the tension of the extreme care I have to take of not burning my mouth with the chicken mini-grenades.



The Mix Tempura Set ($9). Two large shrimps, a butterflied aji or kisu, and a variety of vegetables (eggplant, green bean, sweet potato, onion, if I remember correctly).



The batter was a medium density with nice perforated branches (the term of the technique used is「花を咲かせる」or "to blossom flowers"). Fried well if not a bit on the thick side but with a nice aroma of sesame oil.



Maybe a good time to slide in a visual refreshment here.. :) The Hiyayakko cold tofu appetizer is still a favorite of mine ($2.50).



A momen medium-firm tofu topped with scallions, sliced raw okra and dried bonito flakes. The okra is a nice touch.

And what would a Japanese eatery be without your Katsu-don. This one is chicken ($9) though visually almost indistinguishable to the pork, he he.



Consistent to the Ten-don and Oyako-don that I've had, a nice robust tsuyu broth to make me crave that Japonica variety of rice. Something that I really enjoy but also something I've learned to not take for granted (such as at Kayaba which borderlines flavorless).



I need to keep reminding myself to ask for the eggs half cooked in the future though.

The Nasu no Karee or Curry with Eggplant ($9).



I'd like to say the eggplant is roasted but I'm sure it's quickly fried which in the world of Japanese Curry is never a bad thing. I actually enjoyed this a lot.




And again, the paring with the miso soup may sound strange but my how well it goes together. :)

I thought I depleted my token used to be offered dishes but I managed to find one more. The Kani Cream Korokke (Crab Cream Croquette).



You still occasionally find a mini version in the Limited Bento Lunches. The crab flavor is very subtle in the hot bechamel based filling so some may be disappointed but it's a pretty typical rendition. Sort of a classic mainstay in Japanese households and I can see myself order it if it were still offered.



The last is a recent new addition to the lunch menu. Mushi-dori no Teishoku (for short but actually - Steamed Chicken with Sliced Jalepeno and Onions, $8.50). This actually is an update from a previous steamed chicken dish now with a generous addition of sliced onions and a nice heat from Jalapenos.



The chicken is again a tender thigh portion with skin. The toppings were lightly steamed as well and all with the ponzu based sauce a great non-fried healthier addition to the menu I thought.



So this concludes yet another nerd-a-thon episode.. I hope you all enjoyed it. The next one will probably be coming sooner than later while I continue to finish off stashes of older photos before the year ends. Hope you all are having a good week, and of course good lunches! :)



Izakaya Sakura, 3904 Convoy St #121, San Diego, CA 92111

Links to past lunches I've had at Sakura:

Uni to Ikura no Zousui, Kimchi Nabe, Saba Misoni (side), Una-don, Unatororo-don, Oyako-don, Sukiyaki-don, Ten-don, Ebi Shrimp Fry, Ten Zaru Soba, Ten Soba (cold), Natto, Ebi Fry Curry
Ginger Pork
Unagi-don (+tororo)
Buri Daikon, Saba no Shioyaki (teishoku), Yasai Itame, Jyaga Tamago, Tensoba, & Sanma no Shioyaki, Mekabu Natto Yamaimo Iri, Saba Misoni, Tonjiru sides
Nagasaki Sara Udon, Nagasaki Champon, Chicken Teriyaki, Yakisoba (w/ egg), & Roll-Kyabetsu, Sanma Nitsuke, Guratan Korokke, Potato Salad sides
Kaki (Oyster) Fry, Chicken Katsu Curry, Chicken Katsu, Plain Omurice, Hayashi Omurice
Uni-don, Chirashi (1 and 2), Ikura-don, Negi Maguro Natto-don, Spicy Nakaochi-don, Tekka-don (+w/tororo)
Liver Nira, Ginger Pork, Garlic Chicken, Saba Amazu Ankake, Hata no Kinoko Ankake, Buri Teri, Steamed Chicken w/ Ponzu, and Tofu Dango, Aji Fry, Saba Shioyaki, Buta Kakuni sides
Curry Udon
Hiyashi Chuka, Hiyashi Somen
Nikomi and Wafu Hamburg, Menchi Katsu, Subuta Dango, Mabo-don, & Hiyayakko, Agedashi Dofu, Yasai Kakiage, Karaage sides
Uni Spaghetti, Miso Marinated Broiled Salmon
Wafu Steak, Special Bento Box - 1
Menchi Katsu Sando

Guess.. That.. Breakfast!

Since my last guessing game of Japanese Curries was such a tremendous hit I'm ready to give another challenge (to my three San Diego readers?). :P

Breakfasts!!

I love dining at greasy spoon joints on my days off cause it reminds me of the times my dad and I would go out on the weekend mornings for breakfast. It was our time together where we'd share the paper, I the comic section and he.. the rest of the paper.. :) On this blog I've had fun sharing a few non-American breakfasts of other culture's but as for American Diners go I'm not very experimental with what I order. Over-easy eggs, hash browns and some kind of salty meat. If I'm feeling fancy a Benny of some kind once in a while but that's it. Anyhow while compiling these I really enjoyed looking at not only what was on the plates but the plate themselves.. color of the counters.. etc. Below are a few breakfasts I've had in SD. Can you guess where each are from?!

I know I promised a prize last time but I lied.. You will gain the people's ovation and fame forever. So let's start. Allez cuisine!

A, B - C, D..


"D," the only other Creamed Beef on Toast I had in SD other than The Huddle in Mission Hills. Nice weathered counter aye? :)

E, F - G, H..


Getting a bit "International" here.. Kind of.. haha.

I, J - K, L-1..


"L-1" is a hint for photo "L" below.. Very pink in here! :)

L, M - N, O..


"O," one of the best breakfasts I've had. Too bad it's a bit out of the way for me..

P, Q - R, S..


I've been meaning to post on "P" forever but I know Kirk had since covered the place. Though you can say I've been meaning to post all of these.. :) "R," a giant Sausage & Egg Biscuit. The biscuits are baked fresh at the cafe..

T, U - V, W..


These a bit tougher.. Though the dishware of "U" gives it away to some.. :)

X..


"X" I am giving away.. It's Bristol Farms circa 2007. I think they now only serve breakfast burritos (which is why I've been visiting McD's).

and again Y.. for


Haha, how's that for consistency.. Hope you enjoyed these. I'm working on my year end 10 Photos Meme for 2009. It's been very tough again but waiting out until after my road trip to finalize.



Hope you're having a great weekend despite the rain and keeping warm! :)

Fast Food Friday - Breakfasts @ McDonald's: The Hash Brown Chronicles

Wanted to share some quick breakfast meals I've had over the course of the year at the fast food mega chain we all know as McDonald's. For whatever it's worth I have to say I enjoy their hash browns.. Eating one is like devouring a giant Tater Tot.



Sometimes I would even order two but this particular morning I indulged in the strange practice of actually being charged less for more food. The advertised special price of the Deluxe Breakfast ($3.59) was cheaper than the Big Breakfast.

I knew I wanted to focus on the hash browns when I finally got around to work on this post but I didn't know I would be encountering a small twist along the way. My photo at top is McDonald's Hash Brown Exhibit-A taken early in the year, aka "the way I like it" with a hot golden crunchy outer, rough chopped texture and nice potatoey flavor.



I never were a big fan of pancakes but as far as I can tell this is the main difference between the Deluxe vs. the Big Breakfast. In any case to me essentially deconstructed versions of one of their breakfast sandwiches. The container is kinda cute though (and the butter with the "M" logo as well).



The pancake and English muffin double carb whammy of the DB proved too much for me so I stuck with a classic Sausage McMuffin with Egg (combo) on my next visit a couple months back.



I never cared to give one a lot of attention but I now realize that I enjoy the strong sage flavor of these sausage patties. They are also not too sodium laden.



And here on this momentous day I was given a special Hash Brown Survey to fill out. How excited and special I felt. ;)



So naturally it made me take a closer look at my hash browns to wonder why. Below is Hash Brown Exhibit-B from that day..



It may be hard to tell visually but it was noticeably different. The outer was still done a nice golden crisp but it was a finer/mashier texture. Not quite as good as the original for me, falling way short on the devouring a giant tater tot experience. Dutifully stated my preference in the form (where the questions were mostly of circling A, B, C, or D, which included preferences in cooking temperature and seasoning strength) and sent it out in the accompanied self-addressed, stamped envelope. Anxiously waited for my gift coupons which turned out to take another eight weeks.

So in the meantime I had a Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle.



You gotta love the pancake buns with crystallized maple syrup.



Pure genius. And the protein vs. carb ratio is just right Imho.



The hash browns were unfortunately the newer mashy version and also too light in color and therefore too greasy. A double bummer.



I mean, they were ok....., just not as good as the original. And I had even purchased two this day. So make that a quadruple bummer. :(



Couple more weeks pass and still nothing in the mail.. So in the meantime I had a Sausage Biscuit and Egg combo.



The same tasty sage spiked sausage patty and scrambled eggs between a starchy biscuit. What's not to like. If I had to rank these breakfast sandwiches though, the McGriddle would be top, the Sausage Biscuit second, and the McMuffin last. Though I really like the unscrambled (hockey puck) whole egg of the McMuffin.



I had asked for a regular Iced Coffee (black) but I got an iced latte instead. Oh well. These are quite watered down btw so you kinda get what you pay for. Latest news is that the gift certificates had finally come but I've yet to use them..



And the Hash Browns has returned back to the original! Yay.



The guilty pleasure to start my day devouring a giant Tater Tot may once again commence. Yippie! Christmas has come early for me this year..? :)



McDonald's, 4260 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA

Wednesday Onezies - I Like Food, Some More Than Others

I felt these photos would lie dormant in my album much too long if I didn't do something with them soon so sharing tonight while they were still somewhat timely.

I've eaten at this Coco's before usually when in the mood for a breakfast type meal for lunch. But the other secret reason is that I love watching people eat while I eat, especially the elderly. I'm not sure exactly why. There's something calming about it (yes I'm a weirdo).. But anyway, Coco's is the prime place for this.



This day the Double Prime Burger ($9.99) peaked my interest. The patty was so so in that it was juicy but oddly also on the tough side. I think what I enjoyed the most about it were the buns that were buttered and griddled to a nice crispy edge. The tomato bisque soup of the day was not very memorable (and was not part of the burger meal if I remember correctly).



Coco's (Restaurant & Bakery), 4280 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122

Facing opposite to Coco's in the same center, a Roast Beef Sandwich I had a couple months ago at Bristol Farms.



I've been a semi-regular for quick bites since they opened a couple years back. They pretty much replaced Whole Foods for me. I just feel for about the same price the hot deli at Bristol Farms is much better. Anyway this day my sandwich was really good! Very moist with uber beefy flavor, creamy horseradish sauce and caramelized onions.. Pretty much anything I wanted to stuff in between was fair game except maybe avocados or bacon which I'm sure would be extra.



All on a moist sandwich bread of your choice.



And while the close to $12 price felt steep at first, this actually included two side choices from the hot deli.



Garlic Chicken Wings and Scalloped Potatoes. I know what you're thinking.. but I planned on them to be a late afternoon snack which it was along with the other third of the sandwich that I couldn't finish. They carry Itoen's Oo~i Ocha green tea and are usually nice and chilled. :)

Bristol Farms, 8510 Geness Ave, San Diego, CA 92122

How I found Bangin' Burgers last week was completely random. I had given up on the sight of the looooooong 805 Fwy on-ramp line returning home and decided to head a few blocks East and rest a bit at a Starbucks off of Miramar Rd.

I found Bangin' Burgers in the same mall..

..and took these photos as a reminder to try them next week.

The interior wasn't too different to a typical sports bar with suspended flat screens and pool table but it somehow had a vibe that they were definitely more interested in the food they served than the entertainment which I liked.



I had what was on their specials board, a 1/2 lbs. blue cheese burger with caramelized onions and dijonaise ($6.50).



Condiments are provided buffet style (ala Fuddruckers) at a side booth. The onions on the burger were wonderfully sweet caramelized and the blue cheese not too overpowering.



The sesame seed buns used could've held things together better but weren't bad (much better than Western Steakburger's buns which fall apart). The patty seemed a medium ground 80/20 which was nice but if I had to be picky, a hotter griddle to sear to the outer would've sealed the juices better and also enhance the beefy flavor even more so, even for one with a medium rare doneness that I had asked for.



Still for the price I thought this was a pretty good burger. In fact a Bangin' Value. I'm pretty sure I'll be back again.



Unfortunately for the wings it might've been an off day but they were extraordinarily salty and also a bit dry on top. I'll be sticking to the burgers next time or maybe try one of their hot dogs. Sounds like a good plan. :)

Bangin' Burgers, 7070 Miramar Rd, San Diego, CA 92121

Philly Grill I finally visited after living in North Park / Hillcrest / University Heights for almost nine years now. The shame! Passed by this place who knows how many times.



Nice and cozy inside. The lady that took my order was extremely friendly.



It was cash only and I only had eight dollars and change on me so I went for their standard Philly Cheesesteak. Comes with White American Cheese unless you specify differently (Cheez Whiz or Provolone are options).



The thinly sliced rib-eye used was grilled nicely and very juicy. The toasted long roll was surprisingly soft and made it easy to munch through the entire sandwich but also held everything together well. The pickled hot and sweet peppers I thought helped cut through some of the thick gooey cheese and I was glad I had asked for it.



If I had to be critical maybe it could've used a tad more steak for its price but other than that I really enjoyed it. Another spot I'd definitely wouldn't mind revisiting (with more cash on hand).



Philly Grill has odd hours but since I'm trying to watch my weight maybe not such a bad thing for me..

Philly Grill, 2041 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92104

I saved the most oddball for last but I've unexplainably found myself at Great Khan's Mongolian a few times recently for a meal before heading home in the evening. I think it's the lamb that I'm craving and the fact that this place is quick helps.

My usual picks are some pork mixed with lots and lots of lamb. I use the draped napkin squish method where you compress the frozen curly meats like a compactor to make more room for your veggies.



On top of the meats I'd pile a ton of onions, a few mushrooms, bell peppers, some bean sprouts, green onions, and a Big Ol' Heaping heap of cilantro for me, thank you. The plastic fork may give my accomplishment this day a better sense of scale.(!) They then add the noodles to this. I'm not too picky about the sauces cause it seems no matter what I choose it ends up tasting more or less the same, haha.



Great Khan's Mongolian, UTC Mall Food Court, 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92122

Hope you all enjoyed these. It was fun not having to compile older photos for a change, sometimes up to two years back. I have another Fast Food Friday post coming up for the end of the week. Hope you all are having a great week. Cheers.

Pasta House Jin Jin - Shinjuku

Double posting today cause I can but more I've been inspired by the photos and story that were sent to me by my temporary Tokyo residing, occasional content contributing friends, G.R.A. I know I have at least two Ramen related collection of photos from them from last summer that I have yet to share but been meaning to, sorry!



Googling Jin Jin Pasta in English only came up with this.. but in Japanese it was a richer result with all these that show Jin Jin definitely has more than a few fans.



Located in the underbelly of Shinjuku Train Station, the story was that the Missus half of G.R.A. would come here during her college commuting days for a quick bite when switching trains. Although Jin Jin may seem like a chain it is said to be the one and original. I probably walked by this place (with sore feet and arms weighted with toys) many times without even knowing.

The pasta here was described to be always perfectly al dente and the now Mister's favorite being the meat sauce. I've talked a lot about strange to some Yoshoku dishes time to time but more often than not you can find more authentically prepared meals in Japan than here in the states. But of course there are always exceptions..



Like this seafood pasta dish served with Japanese shredded Nori seaweed and yuzu..

..and Asari Clams or Cod Roe with Shimeji mushrooms. But if I were ever here I'd probably go all out and have the ketchup flavored Japanese "Napolitan" which would definitely hit that natsukashii nostalgia inducing spot for me. Oomori (extra portion) for me please! (+150Yen, ~$1.50)



A few more pics..



G.R.A. must've finally gotten that DSLR that they've been talking about. Jealous.



And yumm..



Pasta House Jin Jin, since 1968. See you there!? :)



ジンジン新宿店、東京都新宿区新宿３丁目１７－７紀伊國屋ビルディング

A Lazy Sunday Breakfast @ The Huddle

I can't believe it's December so soon. I have many longer posts lined up but the brisk air and gray skies had me feeling particularly nostalgic today so I decided to share the breakfast I had this morning instead. It had been some time since I've been back to The Huddle so I dragged myself over out of the comfort confines of my down blanket, warmed by my laptop's battery.. A feat in itself.



But I knew if there was one place that would help me get into the holiday spirit today it would be here. The Huddle just has a nice calm vibe and charm that I always enjoyed but knowing the place has a community program that helps feed the homeless (not just during Christmas but year round) was always something I respected about the folks that run the place. Holiday decorations were up including seasonal vinyl tablecloths. The table I sat had a dark-green poinsettia pattern and the table one over were of white snow flakes. It almost felt as though the occasional light mist of rain falling just might be snow! Ok, I exaggerate but it was probably the closest I got to feeling winter had finally arrived in San Diego this year. :P



So anyway onto my breakfast.. Don't know a whole lot of places that still serve Chipped Beef on Toast but they do here ($5). I'm more familiar with the name Creamed Beef on Toast but either way it is much more flattering than the old military acronym that some may know as "S.O.S."



CBOT is basically triangular cut pieces of toast that are completely smothered in a very thick bechamel-like cream sauce with minced meat. The one that I would occasionally crave is actually made with ground beef. The version here has the chipped beef but it resembles the closest to what my dad and I used to have at military base cafeterias overseas in flavor.



More floury in a good way but most important not tangy like a few I've tried elsewhere that sort of reminds me of pastrami or corned beef. The key for me is that it must taste good with ketchup (of course). Cathy had reminded me that Stouffer's made one in a frozen pouch that I actually remember trying a long time ago out of desperation curiosity. Unfortunately it was from the tangy school but I've since been happy to discover that The Huddle would serve a CBOT that decently satisfies my childhood memories.



Had a side of hash browns and sausages. My breakfast diner motto is - If your hash browns are wack, I won't be back! Ha. They are fantastically crispy on the outside, almost potato chip like, and fluffy moist inside. Breakfast sausages on the other hand could be served to me cold and I'd still be happy. These were good if not out of the ordinary but seemed steep for $4.75. But if it helps feed some hungry people so be it..



Cause I'm totally cashing in when my senior discount with the place goes into effect. I already have my personal Huddle mug for their Folgers.. :)



Oh Huddle, will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I'm Sixty-Four Sixty-five!?



The Huddle, 4023 Goldfinch Street San Diego, CA 92103

Pho La Jolla

I'm still settled on Pho Lucky, Mira Mesa as my go to spot when craving a really great bowl of Pho (thanks to Kirk) but more times than not convenience takes over and I find myself elsewhere. Pho La Jolla is a hop and skip away from the office and it offers at least for me a bowl that is good enough for those Pho craving moments so that I don't otherwise spontaneously combust.



These days I've been going easy on the Nuoc Beo. Maybe because I have a new addiction.



Fresh Cha Gio from where ever it may be is just SO Darn GOOD. :)



I have to say whoever invented the concept of wrapping a fresh hot fried egg roll with cool leafy lettuce and herby mint leaves is a total genius. Admittedly a bit messy when dipped into the sauce (you're basically waving a lettuce mop in front of your face) but it is a valiant reminder of things that are good in the world. :)



The dipping liquid/sauce (I think called Nuoc Cham) is a bit weak. I personally don't mind the more intense ones that make me do a cough reflex but they usually give two here as to compensate for the lack of concentration.

The Bouquet (each are from seperate visits, enjoy!).




My first visit to Pho La Jolla was the same week after reading Kirk's post. Wow that seems like such a long time ago.



As described the soup then felt quite diluted, to me even borderlining to some Pho I had in mall food courts. Ngo Gai made a surprise appearance in the veggie platter but this was brief and only during this one day.




When I asked for Nuoc Beo they seemed a bit surprised but brought some out. I was also charged a small amount for it (I think my receipt said "Extra Onions, $0.50").

Over the year the broth eventually stabilized to something a bit more hearty but is still definitely on the quiet side. The nuoc beo now gets the more typical large sliced sections of scallions.




I mentioned not being a fan of the party confetti-like tripe in the past but these days I look forward to it. The tendon is usually very soft as well.
I had some Bo Vien beef meat balls added this day below (+$2). I describe about them a little here.




Had at least two more bowls of Pho documented but I felt the content was redundant and decided to leave them out. Onto a few non-pho dishes I tried..



Noodles with Egg Roll & Grilled Pork (No.48 - Bun Cha Gio Thit Nuong, $8.50).
Having the noodles dry in a bowl like this was a first for me and it made me realize that I much prefer the steamed rice dishes. I think I ended up drenching the entire nuoc cham over. It's probably just me.



The Chicken Spring Rolls (No.31 - Goi Cuon Ga, $4.45) this day was ok. Could've been better in that it was a bit sparse in the chicken department. I feel these peanut sauces makes almost anything taste good though.



Rice with Steamed Pork Meatloaf and Grilled Pork Chop (No.40 - Com Cha Suon Nuong, $7.25).
To me Vietnamese rice dishes are up there with Hawaiian plate lunches. Extremely filling and satisfying, but with the fresh vegetables a little less guilty. I find the portion here a bit smaller than usual but they did follow through with the complementary soup.



The Pho Bo Kho ($7.50) I had for the first time so I have nothing to compare with..



The soup had a mild sweeter tomato flavor. To me it tasted like a mixture of the Pho Bo soup base with a bit of tomato concentrate (Campbell's?) added to it. Only my humble description but I do remember it having an impressive amount of the stewed beef. Many were on the chewy side unfortunately.



And that's it.



Come to think they eventually were never able get the Banh Mi sandwiches going but compared to many Pho joints that seem to have cafeteria sized kitchens, Pho La Jolla's is teeny tiny. While there's definitely room for improvement, considering my options in the area (or maybe I should say not in my area) I'm glad Pho La Jolla is around. Service is friendly.

Pho La Jolla, 3211 Holiday Ct. La Jolla, CA 92037