As “FOY” Junichi mentioned in the comments of my revisit of Izakaya Sakura post, on May 29th Jesse Verduzco, owner of JV’s Mexican Food passed on after a tragic accident on the I-5 freeway on May 29th. Junichi, had some amazing timing, because I had read about the tragic accident and felt I needed to go there and had just revisited JV’s that day before!
I really had only done two posts on JV’s during the last 21 years. As I noted in my first post back in 2007, JV’s was kind of a regular stop when we lived off Friars Road back in the early “aughts”. The area was quite different back then; this was before the Arrive at Mission Valley apartments were built, for us the regular stops were Mr Peabody’s, Tio Leo’s, Rose Donuts, Nico’s, and JV’s. My appetite was also quite different back then, as I could put away quite a bit more than today. Over time, I drifted away from those burritos and such, I’m more of a taco kinda person these days……
As for JV’s, well, even though I’ve only done two posts on JV’s, I’ve been there quite a few times in the last 21 years. Though, as far as I could tell, I hadn’t been back there since maybe 2024? After reading about JV’s passing, in addition to contributing a bit to the Go Fund Me (you can Google it), I decided it was time for me to head back to JV’s.
This parking lot can get quite busy and I can only imagine what seems like the eternal road work that has been going on the last couple of years on Morena (one of the other reasons I haven’t been back to here and places like Bird Rock Coffee in a while) I can imagine what effect it might have had on business. I headed over at around 1030 to beat the lunch rush and easily found parking.
I always get a kick with regards to the “menus” at JV’s….it basically covers one whole wall and then the counter and of course the menu behind the counter! All kinds of options….if you think Vietnamese Restaurants have crazy menus…well, you might want to check this out!
And the wall of the dining area is full of USD, Bay Park, and Clairemont customer and team photos. You can tell that JV’s really supports the community.
I’ve stuck to one item on my last 2 visits. In the comments of my original post on JV back in 2007 “FOY” Denny (haven’t heard from you in a while and hope you are well) who also went to USD, recommended the Roast Pork Burrito. Well, back in 2023, I finally ordered it and thought that maybe it was my favorite item on the menu. I ordered it again on my last visit. So, of course I got it again. It’s now priced at $11.80, but it’s huuuge. Of course, I have a thing about displaying relative size of objects….like I did with that “mini” croissant. I was tempted to use one of my shoes…but I didn’t want to spoil anyone’s appetite! So, I grabbed a bottle of cold brew I had just gotten the Missus from TJ’s.
For some reason, it just seems even larger than before.
And to think I only got one container of salsa for this? What was I thinking?
There’s enough carbs in this to keep you for at least a day. The roasted pork is fairly tender and quite moist. On my last visit it was kind of salty, but it was good on this day. Nice oinky porkiness. The menu says it’s cooked in green sauce, but the overall effect of the chile verde is mild. Though it’s probably due to the fact that it’s so porky. And yes, enough rice for the sumotori in you!
It’s easy to see how JV’s has endeared themselves to several generations of USD students. It’s a neighborhood staple.
To quote Junichi: “Whenever I eat as JV’s it brings me joy. Been going since high school. With todays prices I don’t go as often as before. But when I heard about the owners tragic passing a few weeks ago by a wrong way driver on the 5 I had to do a visit. The burritos were still big and full of flavor. Just as I remembered. Will miss seeing Jesse’s smile behind the counter.”
I really wasn’t sure if I was going to do a post on this visit; but after Junichi’s wonderful comment…well, I felt I just needed to.
Thank you Jesse for all the wonderful smiles, food, and full bellies you provided all these years! You will be missed. Rest in peace!
JV’s Mexican Food
1112 Morena Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110
Current Hours:
Mon – Tues 9am – 10pm
Wed – Sun 9am – 11pm
Thanks for the recommendation all those years ago Denny! And thanks for the inspiration Junichi!
Wow, we go there all the time and didn’t know about Jesus
Yes, it’s really sad ST!
So terrible — I’ve never eaten at JV’s, but I know it is the favorite of many San Diegans. RIP Denny.
Tommy just told me about this. We’re heading there tomorrow.
Glad you’re headed there Franklin!
*** I meant RIP Jesse! You’ll be missed.
Yes, he will definitely be missed Peter!
Very touching post. Funny. My go to there is also the roast pork burrito. Really good with their green salsa. If you ever go back I also recommend the shrimp machaca and Sonoran quesadilla.
Ok, I’ll have to try those Junichi! Thanks again for such a beautiful tribute to Jesse!