New to the Rotation Part 1 – De Cabeza

As the days pass and the seasons change our rotation adjusts as well. This one has been great during the cooler temps and I'm sure that four visits over the last six weekends does indicate a place is currently on our rotation.

De Cabeza Rote 01  De Cabeza 03 While the Missus has been sticking with the Cabeza en su Jugo which was love at first bite for Her. I've been trying out a couple of other items on the menu……and Jesus, the Manager hasn't steered me wrong.

And yes, just like I mentioned in my previous post; the upside down items are done on purpose…..it's not a mistake. 

De Cabeza Rote 02

On one of my visits; I thought I'd try some tacos; I definitely wanted to try the lengua, Jesus suggested the tripas, and the other really friendly guy suggested the longanisa.

De Cabeza Rote 03 De Cabeza Rote 04  The lengua really delivered the deep beefy flavor I thought it would. It was melt-in-your-mouth tender and moist.

But, man…it was the tripas that I really loved…..the toothsome exterior, tender interior, and mild offal flavor. It was delici-yoso!!! The cilantro and onions added pungency and the mildly spicy salsa didn't interfere with the beefiness of these tacos.

De Cabeza Rote 05

The longanisa was fine if not very special. The tortillas, heated on the griddle while I waited held up well (no cracks or tears) and added the deep "corniness" to the tres tacos. I really enjoyed these tacos; the best I'd had since our last visit to CDMX.

As I left with the Missus's soup and my tacos, Jesus told me "try the alambres next time". Which is exactly what I did.

De Cabeza Rote 06 De Cabeza Rote 07 I selected lengua and tripas (of course) for my alambres. My goodness, the combination of textures, the meats had been caramelized on the comal giving it some crispness; loved the "chlorophyllic " and mild bitterness of the bell peppers and the griddled onions added a mild pungent-sweetness. The light amount of cheese kept things in place and of course bacon……yes, bacon….say no more! I'm going to have this again for sure.

So, even though the Missus is currently obsessed with the Cabeza en su Jugo…..

De Cabeza Rote 08

As the weather turns warmer; I'm sure I'll get Her to switch to the Alambres.

De Cabeza Rote 09

As with all my visits; Jesus is so warm and friendly…..and understands our tastes and preferences. And we really appreciate it!

De Cabeza
1043 Broadway
Chula Vista, CA 91911
(619) 349-2505
Hours:
Daily 8am – 8pm

12 comments

  1. The alambres sounds great! Love lengua too. Never had tripas before.
    Random, I saw a Golden Chopsticks banner that said “Coming Soon” in the same plaza as Target Mira Mesa.

  2. I’ve never had alambres, and it looks delicious. I too saw the Golden Chopsticks banner in Mira Mesa, and that will be an interesting addition to the area (assuming it’s affiliated with the National City restaurant). Even though Royal Mandarin is my favorite for salt & pepper wings, it would be nice to have an option nearby.

  3. Thanks for posting this. De Cabeza is an awesome place! Have you tried the green chorizo tacos there? They are pretty tasty!
    About a block or two north De Cabeza on Broadway there is a taco truck called Tortas Ahogadas El Tio Pepe. They sell pretty good tortas ahogadas and really tasty carnitas tacos. Also, their birria de res tacos are pretty tasty.
    Thank you!

  4. Thanks for taking the time out to comment Ivan, it’s been a while! I tried the green chorizo at Al Pastor. Jesus told me it is the same recipe as when they were making it there.
    Thanks for the tip on Tortas Ahogadas El Tio Pepe! I used to go to El Gallito Tortas Ahogadas every once in a while:
    /2014/08/24/sunday-sandwiches-el-gallito-tortas-ahogadas-revisited/
    Have you been there? And if so, how does it compare? I haven’t been exploring the South Bay much since Covid came along; but hope to soon.
    Thanks again for visiting and commenting – hope all is well!

  5. Kirk,
    Thanks for the good wishes!
    I have been there several times and tried several of their items.
    The torta ahogadas here are pretty good. If I were compare them to El Gallito, I would say that El Tio Pepes carnitas are better but with respect to the sauce and bread , I would give it to El Gallito.
    Anything I have tried with carnitas is really good at El Tio Pepe. Usually, they give you a choice between surtido ( mixed meat like skin and leg meat) or maciza( usually pork leg only). I find the surtido to be tastier
    Thanks again!

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