mmm-yoso is the blog, which Cathy is doing today because Kirk isn’t. He just isn’t.
Hello again. Looking at the past few weeks of the blog, it seems that none of us has gone out to eat, except maybe to a "regular rotation" . So, here is one of our favorite places, yet another Mexican Restaurant, in El Cajon. La Casita "Especialidad en Mariscos"-specializing in seafood. If you are at the interesection of Magnolia and Bradley, ready to turn onto Highway 67- the In-N- Out is on your left, so you are facing south…right there behind the gas station …see it?
(So, it is basically on the southwest corner at 67 and Bradley)
OK, park and it looks like this.
It is also the Radiator Repair Shop parking lot. One row for cars.
You walk in and there is a menu on the wall in front of you. Order, pay, get a tray with chips and some cups for salsa, load up and sit down. Your food will be brought to you. *** The prices on this printed menu are off by about $1 on some items; new menus are being printed*** 
It was Friday, so I decided on a fish taco ($2.25)
Two corn tortillas, a lightly breaded, crispy fried fish piece,tangy white sauce, salsa, guacamole and cabbage. Fresh tasting and oddly, light. 
I also had a craving for a ceviche tostada ($3.50). It is made with only shrimp here and so wonderful. The mix of tomatoes, onions, cilantro and jalapeño was jsut perfect. Some nights though, I htink there is too much jalapeño. It is always this overfilled.
The Mister wanted a salad, and there is only one on the menu-
#9, Ensalada la Casita- beans, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, guacamole and olives, with a choice of shredded beef or chicken ($5.50). Substantial food. Not much lettuce. Great shredded beef. The Mister usually likes the Camarones la Casita plate ($9) 5 very large shrimp with a cornmeal breading and rice, beans, salad and tortilla.
As I said, you do pay first, but the food is brought out to you at these lovely tables. There are murals over all the walls, but I like this one on the back wall the best.
Really, The Mister and I come here for breakfast more often than not. All of the items are $6. We go to the Starbucks in the In-N-Out mall, one block North, for coffee after.
La Casita Mexican Food 1503 N. Magnolia El Cajon 92019 (619)444-8228 Open 7 days 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
Mmmmmmm I miss home cooked Mexican food.
They have excellent home made food here, Bill. Breakfast especially. Many people have beer with their breakfasts…I’ve wanted to take my camera but figured it would be kind of odd.
Off topic, but you guys have been helpful before. I am looking for a source for avocado leaves (to make Sopa Azteca). I’ve tried a few mexican markets to no avail… Any ideas?
Great blog guys. You’ve been a big help finding interesting places to eat in San Diego!
Hey, Alex- I love pop quizzes! Back when avocado leaves were considered toxic (about 1985) the way to mimic the taste of them was a mix of bay leaves and anise. I actually hadn’t seen any Tortilla Soup Recipes using avocado leaves, only epazote. Have you tried the Food Land group of IGA’s out here? Northgate Market? Both are fantastic resources for most Mexican ingredients, fast food to eat, tortillas, baked goods…Thanks for the kind words about the blog…and us.
Once again, mmm-yoso has the answer! LOL
After trying one more small market near my work (Sorrento Valley, the market was in Mira Mesa), I took a long lunch and went to Northgate Market. Holy crap! I did, indeed, find everything I needed there. Avocado leaves (actually, “Avocado Leaf Tea” but there leaves where whole and that’s all that was in there, so…), epazote, chicharrón, etc. Looks like I’ve found another place for authenic tacos too…
I also checked out North Park Produce (early in the search). Next time I make moussaka, I have a local source for kafalotiri (sp?) cheese.
Yay, Alex! Northgate is really cool, but they don’t want anyone taking pictures inside. Go there early and the steam trays have great breakfasts…or you can get a taco and aguas frescas. Also, in season, they have the least expensive herbs and squash blossom flowers around.
I have seen it spelled Ka- and Ke; either way, you still make it go up in flames. NPP is fun. There will be a new branch coming to Avocado and Chase in El Cajon pretty soon.