Mexican Restaurants – Page 25

COMC Calorie Bomb Edition: Carmen’s Mexican Food, Harry D’z BBQ, a Caliente Burger, and one repeat

January 24, 2013 mmm-yoso American/New American Restaurants, BBQ, Burgers, Mexican Restaurants, Plate Lunch, yoso-silly

I know that my timing tends to suck……I have a tendency to do these posts right after the New Year. It’s really not on purpose…really. What happens is that I try to close out the previous year and always seem to have some of these “one-off” type photos, so I basically have stuff for a “COMC” (Clearing Out the Memory Card) type of post. So anyway, here’s some “stuffs” from the last quarter, of last year.

Carmen’s Mexican Food:

A couple of folks have mentioned Carmen’s to me and I tell them that I had eaten at Carmen’s back when they were located in Linda Vista, across from what is now K Sandwich. I really wasn’t impressed with the food, which seemed more Am-Mex, then Mexican. Eventually that whole area was razed and Carmen’s was gone. I did feel a twinge of sadness, because even if I didn’t care for the place, a lot of folks did. Then a couple of years ago, Babylon Cafe closed down, and Carmen’s reopened in that location.

I was still not really motivated to eat there, but more than one person mentioned how good their Carne Asada Fries were. After my post on Yesenia’s, I actually received two recommendations for Carmen’s. So after a short CAF recovery period, I decided to drop by for lunch.

The crew here was friendly and all the customers seemed to be regulars, talking about kids, vacations to Disney, Disney cruises, relatives, not seeing “so and so” for a while….you know, that kind of stuff. I actually kind of felt like an outsider, but this gave me an understanding of how the place has cultivated a customer base over the years.

Everything was cooked to order so it took a couple of minutes before my Carne Asada Fries were ready.

This really wasn’t my cup of tea. First, thought I love my dinner fries, I’m not fond of them in my CAF. Since there’s always some guac-crema-salsa action going on, I prefer a higher ration of crispness. Second the guacamole was kind of pasty with no flavor. Third, the carne asada was a lot more tender then it appeared, but was rather tasteless. I’m sure they make their own salsa here, but for some reason it reminded me of Pace Picante. Nothing against Pace, but several decades ago I had a coworker whose second favorite hobby was….how shall I say it…partaking of the “cash crop”. We’d go over for beers and would instantly know when he was enjoying himself….he’d be having this concoction of melted Philadelphia Cream Cheese mixed with Pace Picante and chips. Ick……

The rather substantial pool of oil at the bottom of the plate could either be an added treat or not…depending on your point of view.

Still, like I’ve said many times…there’s a big difference between “favorite” and “best” and I understand that. There are many reasons why folks hold a place close to their hearts and the food may not be the main reason(hey, I’m just as guilty). Based on the rapport between the two guys working on this day and the regulars, I’m thinking this is one of those places.

Carmen’s Mexican Food
4937 Diane Ave
San Diego, CA 92117

Harry D’z BBQ:

During one of the early days of the Morena’s Farmer’s Market…..having not been back in a while, I’m wondering if it still running? I passed a couple of weeks ago and na-da?? Anyway, it was getting close to evening and I hadn’t had lunch and this little stand looked interesting.

Actually, there should be some kind of law against sticking pork in front of a starving man’s face…..

So I decided on the pulled pork sandwich, which was a reasonable $6.50.

The pork was quite moist, but I had a hard time believing it was really smoked based on the mild flavor. The sauce was too sticky sweet and what seemed molasses heavy for me……

The Caliente Burger at Tommy’s:

**** This location of Tommy’s has closed

I’m not sure what it is about San Diego’s Tommy’s, but it just doesn’t seem to be the same as the Tommy’s back in LA…even the one in our old neighborhood. But there I was, standing in line at Sprouts and the two customers in front of me were going on and on about this “new” burger at Tommy’s that was “oh so good, but so spicy”. Now what kind of bonehead would actually go visit Tommy’s after overhearing two women talking about something “oh so good”??? Hello, I’m bonehead, nice to meet you……

The young lady at the counter was really friendly and told me that they top the chili burger with pickled cascabel chilies and chipotle cheddar. She was very nice and even gave me a little tray with some extra chilies in them. Funny, these reminded me of the bottled Del Monte Chilies I used to eat when I was a kid.

The burger was actually better then I had during my last visit, maybe five or so years ago now. The chilies weren’t really that hot. I’ve kind of noticed that the chili at this location is heading into two divergent directions….as it becomes more and more like refried bean glue in texture, the flavor becomes more watered down. Right now it just seems like heartburn fuel…..though I’ve only had heartburn once in my life(a funny story) and it wasn’t from Tommy’s

Serves me right to eavesdropping on folks in the grocery line……

Original Tommy’s
7415 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92111

So there you go….man, that’s more then enough calories and saturated fat…sheesh.

I think I’ll go and quietly have my plate lunch in the corner now.

Meals with Friends: Mariscos Godoy, Luce, and Roseville Cozinha

December 27, 2012 mmm-yoso American/New American Restaurants, Chicken Wings, Mexican Restaurants, Pizza, Pubs and Pub Grub, Seafood

As you can tell; I’m trying to get all these round-up type posts done before the end of the year. Of course, this is the time of year when folks get together and celebrate….here are a couple of “meals with friends” we’ve had recently.

Mariscos Godoy:

**** Mariscos Godoy has closed

What better place for a festive time with a group right? Mariscos Godoy is a great place to just get together and grub with friends….unless of course, there’s a major soccer game on…or when one of the bands are playing, which makes conversation impossible. On this night, we got both…..and the band even had a tuba player! yikes…..

Still, as you can see, we didn’t leave hungry……..

And I even forgot to take a photo of the pulpo…..

Mariscos Godoy
651 Palomar St
Chula Vista, CA 91911

Luce’s (again):

My buddy JohnL has moved back into the neighborhood. We decided to grab some drinks and felt that Luce was close by. Plus, I was really unimpressed with the food on our last visit. Well, at least the charcuterie board was decent…..

The wings on the other hand were totally one note in flavor….sweet, with not much else going for it.

The fries were ok….a bit mushy and dry, but flavored decently.

I like the friendly service and the small, but good beer list (and a mule or two). But is Bay Park so starved for a place like this, that there would be lines waiting outside on a cold evening? Well, I probably just answered my own question.

Luce Bar & Kitchen
1959 Morena Blvd
San Diego, CA 92110

Roseville Cozinha:

**** Roseville Cozinha has closed

One great thing about having a group gathered for a meal is that you get to try a bunch of things. We decided on a porcine party post mortem and Peter thought the newly opened Roseville Cozinha would be just the place.

There’s a a beautiful wood fired oven in the place and I think they are still fine tuning and getting the hang of beast. My favorite items were the “local Salumi Plate” and the Salt Cod Fritters. Roseville tips its hat to the Portuguese and Italian fishing communities which formed the backbone of the Point Loma area. I benefited with some nice bacalao fritters.

Compare this salumi with what Luce’s serves…..the price is pretty close as well. This wins hands down.

The wood oven roasted shrimp must have been good…..I never got a shot at it!

Ervilhas Stew…….good thing the Missus wasn’t here….that egg would have never lasted 5 seconds on the table.

Of course you need some greens……

My favorite pizza was the “Chef’s Special” a fresh clam pizza……

Fennel and sausage…..

Wild Mushroom…..

What a meal…….what a great time with good friends!

Roseville Cozinha
2750 Dewey Rd Suite 104 (Liberty Station)
San Diego, CA 92106

Carnitas Uruapan-revisit, but a new location

December 1, 2012 Cathy Mexican Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a place on the interwebs where Kirk, ed (from Yuma) and Cathy share specific recollections of various food experiences with you. Today, Cathy has something random to share.

The other day I was looking at the photos left on my phone and realized I could write a quick post about one of my 'regular' stops, Carnitas Uruapan, which was one of my first posts when I started helping Kirk, in 2006. The Mister and I discovered the original restaurant, which has since closed, when we first moved here and had many meals inside that large building. Alas, the original owner died, the restaurant closed and we were sad. Not long after, family members re-opened in a smaller location on Spring Street, just North of the 125/94 intersection, next to the Denny's.

I did say smaller. That "Drive Thru" window has no microphone leading up to it and the menu board under the window is not white from the sun reflecting on it; it's worn down from people leaning on it.

There are eight tables inside the area where you order. If you are eating in, your food will be brought to you after you order and pay.

Fresh chips and a red salsa with a good heat and your beverage order are also brought to your table. There is also a salsa bar (where you can fill your own 'to go' cups with other available salsas; I do like the green)

On a recent chilly day, The Mister ordered the Barbacoa Soup ($6.99). This slightly spicy soup bowl is accompanied with the items shown above: refried beans, onions, cilantro, limes and tortillas. Barbacoa is a method of cooking beef, originally over an open fire, originating the 'barbecue', but the modern interpretation of Barbacoa generally means the meat is steam cooked until tender. This soup- the broth, the meat…without the add ins, is savory, rich, deep flavored. The meat portion is always generous and tender and makes the meal complete.

I have many, many photos of burritos from here. It's the meat that makes each item wonderful. Above is a beef tostada ($2.50)- a layer of beans makes it perfect and carnitas taco ($2.50) delicious carnitas…the name of the restaurant is what they do.

Carnitas Uruapan is known for its carnitas meals- this is a take out meal for one($5.50) – 1/2 pound of carnitas, with rice, beans, tortillas, cilantro, onion and lime. The carnitas here are tender, not crispy and not fatty. They really do it right. (The one pound meal for two is $11; math).

Now. My little secret 'meal' and craving. Fresh chicharron. 1/2 pound, $3.50. You can walk up to the window, order it as part of your meal, or appear to have restraint and order it to go after your meal.

Lovely, fresh fried pieces of pork skin. Really perfect.

I hope everyone is staying dry on this gloomy day.

Carnitas Uruapan 4233 Spring Street La Mesa, Ca 91941 (619) 337-2448

Miramar Fish Market & Seafood Grill-Chula Vista

October 23, 2012 Cathy Mexican Restaurants, Seafood, What Cathy Eats!

Miramar Fish Market & Seafood Grill is closed

Well, you have stumbled upon mmm-yoso!!!, the food blog. Kirk and ed(from Yuma) are just too busy to blog today, so Cathy is sharing a few virtual meals with you.

Well, I've found another place to satisfy my cravings. It's kind of a drive from East County, yet only five or six signal lights from either freeway exit, and worth it.

This rather plain façade in a newer mall on the East side of Broadway, one signal light South of Palomar in Chula Vista, may have been a place I would not necessarily stop. However, friend and fellow blogger caninecologne was kind enough to send me a 'Get One Free' coupon in June and one day, when The Mister and I were going to be driving South, I grabbed the coupon…you know, just in case I would be hungry.

The clean interior and fresh smelling fish display was inviting.

As were the photos of some of the meal choices, in addition to the rather large menu which was handed to us when we sat down.

The variety of hot sauces on the table, as well as the jarred condiments(limes, pickled red onions, a mild, chunky salsa and a smooth, fresh made chili based hot sauce) brought out with fresh corn chips was just a peek into the flavors we would soon experience.

On our first visit, we decided to share a fish tostada ($2.50) and our waitress was kind enough to just bring the ceviche on the plate and we supplemented it with the corn chips. This ceviche is available in the fish counter, is very fresh and really good.

The Mister ordered a "House Special", Filete de la Casa ($10.95)- a grilled fish topped with large sauteed shrimp, grilled mushrooms and vegetables. This was so fresh and perfectly flavored. It was served with tortillas, rice, beans and salad.

We were also served some seafood soup before our meals came out. As you can see, filled with fish and shrimp and in a rich broth.

I had ordered the Cabrilla Sarandeado ($11.99) A whole sand bass, split, covered with a mayonnaise/salsa mix and grilled….served on this GIANT (larger than the 15 inch laptop I am writing on right now) foil covered tray, along with the same sides and additionally grilled onions and jalapeños. So fresh and so very tasty.

So, a few weeks later, it was my birthday day and I knew what I wanted. This meal started with a pulpo (octopus) tostada ($3.50). There is a whole section of the menu with just octopus dishes- always fresh, since they seem to go through it quickly.

This is the medium Botaña ($9.95)- seafood combination snack/appetizer, but I made it my main course. Because it is huge. Octopus, half moon scallops, shrimp, sea snails. Fresh, just 'cooked' in lime juice accompanied by cucumber, avocado and topped with a nice chile salt.

The Mister chose the Empanizado filete ($9.95). Breaded and fried, this was a *very* large piece of fish, quite meaty and perfectly fried. It was served with the usual sides and was really good, crispy and didn't get soggy. Magic bread crumbs!

Just a few weeks ago, fellow bloggers and friends, Carol, caninecologne and I met up for a "C3 Bloggers Food Crawl" and our first stop was…yep…Miramar Fish Market. We each got a hearty cup of the seafood soup to start our meal. I am pretty sure it is the Seven Seas Soup, since this time there was octopus in the mix. I am going to order a bowl of this the next time; perfect in this chilly Autumn weather.

Here's an overhead of our meal selections, which we shared…the Culichi shrimp (at 1:00)($10.95)-I've been trying this cheese and poblano pepper sauce every time I get the chance. The version here has a nice kcik of heat from the poblanos. It's very satisfying…and the shrimp here are so large and not overcooked, providing a nice vessel for the sauce. The item at 11:00 is another "House Special"- the Filete Relleño ($11.95) another good sized fillet, grilled and 'stuffed with seafood' as well as topped with shrimp and a wonderful creamy sauce (you could say it was a Mornay, but there was no cheese… so, a white sauce that was creamy and well flavored on its own).

The third item, a large mixed seafood cocktail ($9.95) was so large and absolutely filled with shrimp and scallops in a wonderful tomato/lime sauce filled with onion/cilantro/cucumber and topped with a beautiful fanned avocado half.

Every meal here has been absolutely fresh and wonderful and enjoyed with either the Mister or friends and I want to eventually try the whole menu…

Miramar Fish Market & Seafood Grill 1655 Broadway Ave, Suite 12 Chula Vista 91911 (619)425-5504 Website

Eating on the hood of your car: Mariscos El Jefe Truck

October 14, 2012 mmm-yoso Food Trucks, Mexican Restaurants, Seafood

I've been shopping at the Northgate Market on the corner of 54th and University quite a bit. The Missus bought a new juicer and has been some interesting concoctions, several of which use nopales. The most disturbing one was nopales and beets which looked like bloody snot….but I digress. One day, Instead of heading just getting back onto 54th and my way home, I took a right on University and saw a pretty busy taco truck.

The selling point seemed to be the 99 cent fish tacos…which is quite cheap since most trucks, including my favorite have raised prices north of a buck. The seating area is a very small – four chair and no table makeshift looking set-up. So you really will be eating on the hood of your car here! The folks here were very friendly. One of the women started chatting with me….talking about favorite taco trucks…hers being El Kiki, while lamenting the crazy price of gas. The menu is interesting, the top half is in Spanish, the bottom half is the English translation.

I went the cheap route, two Tacos de Pescado.

The batter was on the soft side, with a hint of sweetness, a bit too spongy for my taste. Not much fish in this at all, but what do you expect for 99 cents? The crema had no taste and the tortillas….eh…

So that was it, right? Well, maybe not. I went shopping again this past weekend and was just plain starving. I decided to try some of the other stuff at El Jefe.

By the way, if you're ever looking for the cebollas, limes, and salsas, they're behind the gobernador door!

Speaking of gobernador, I got one of those and one of the spicy shrimp tacos. These looked quite a bit more hefty.

Both of these had things in common, both had cheese melted on the base of the tortilla to prevent the tacos from disintegrating. Both had some kick, though the spicy shrimp was surprisingly spicy. Both were two tortilla jobs, you could tell much more care was taken with these. The gobernador was the better of the two, but nowhere as good as others. The shrimp in both tacos were on the overcooked side as well. The spicy shrimp taco was interesting….I wasn't fond of the very finely diced cabbage mixed with crema. Though it served to buffer the heat, it was like dumping coleslaw all over a taco.

The shrimp were spicy, I wouldn't be surprised to learn that they use habaneros for this. The overall flavor was pretty one dimensional.

I'd say that El Jefe, wasn't quite "the boss" of Mariscos trucks in San Diego. Probably not in my top five. But like the woman said, "the price of gas now is so high, we have to find alternatives to driving to South Bay."

Mariscos el Jefe Truck
5599 University Ave

Escondido: El Tejate Restaurante

October 9, 2012 mmm-yoso Mexican Restaurants

The Missus was really missing the Mole Poblano from Los Pueblos and nothing could really solve the issue. So I thought it was about time that instead of heading to LA for Chinese, we'd just get out to Escondido and El Tejate, a Oaxacan restaurant….no it's not mole poblano, but Oaxaca is known for the complex mole negro, which I've been told several times is the most complex and difficult to make mole. I'd been wanting to go for a while. In fact, my good friends TFD and MrC actually stopped in the strip mall once, where I recall telling them about this place, but we just could never make it.

So on a lazy weekend morning, the Missus and I headed on up to Escondido and El Tejate, which of course is located in a strip mall, next to a Thai/Lao Market, a Thai Restaurant, and a Mediterranean place.

The restaurant itself doesn't look very large, but is fairly big as it is divided into two sections…the walls are painted in bright colors which added a nice contrast to the rather dark furnishings. We were waited upon by a very nice young lady, i'm thinking perhaps the daughter of the woman in the kitchen or the gentleman watching stuff on the laptop? This had the feel of a mom and pop place, the pace is relaxed and like a complex mole, it takes time.

There were some chips delivered with our menus; thick and crisp, though the "salsa" was seemed like straight up chilies scalded on the comal and blended with water.

We ended up ordering quite a bit, with things starting off with the Tlayuda, the folks here kindly made it with mole negro.

For the Missus the mole was love at first bite, we also thought the Quesillo – the Queso Oaxaca was pleasant, stringy like string cheese, with a tiny bit of milkiness like a very mild jack cheese. The Tlayuda is a large, thin tortilla, about 16 inches or so wide. The thickness is almost like the thinnest of thin crusts for pizza. It was both hard and chewy at the same time, and not really our thing. Though the Missus loved that mole.

I got the Enchiladas de Mole Negro ($10.50).

The mole seemed mild at first, but paying attention you'll quickly notice the complexity, first the nuttiness, then a mild sweetness, with clove-cinnamon hints, followed by a light sneaky heat. It was pretty rich stuff, I only finished one of the three enchiladas, but perhaps that's because I finished up the Tlayuda for the Missus. I enjoyed how the pungent onion cut through the richness, but the Missus thought it just interrupted the flavors. The chicken in the enchiladas was white meat and quite dry. The rice was very tasty……I would normally love this, but for some reason, it just didn't seem to go with the mole negro.

The Missus absolutely loved the Memilitas ($5).

The Missus was in masa heaven….these were like thinner sopes, with just a smear of tasty refried black beans and queso Oaxaca. Nicely moist and pliable enough to fold, these were missing just one thing for the Missus, you got it….mole negro. She availed Herself of the mole on my plate and wiped this out.

The last item that arrived was actually one of the appetizers….I just had to try the Chapulines ($8.95):

In case you don't know what Chapulines are, you can find out more here. And in case you want a close-up, you can see one up close and personal….here:

These were very well roasted and quite light…the flavor is like a very mild shrimp, though it was hard to tell because of the amount of tajinseasoning. Salty and puckery flavors, this is good beer food. If folks go expecting something outrageous they'll be disappointed, it's still quite good. We took most of it home and the Missus snacked on it until it was finished. Maybe next time we'll try the pusanos de maguey?

And there will definitely be a next time…the Missus is already craving that mole negro.

El Tejate Restaurante
205 W Mission Ave
Escondido, CA 92025

Open Daily 10am – 8pm

It’s been a while – revisits to Mama’s Bakery & Lebanese Deli and El Borrego for breakfast

October 5, 2012 mmm-yoso Lebanese Restaurants, Mexican Restaurants

Here’s a couple I haven’t done in quite a while….I mean quite a while.

Mama’s Bakery & Lebanese Deli:

Man, I did a post on Mama’s waaaay, waaaay back in August 2005! That would be over seven years ago! I have been back quite a few times since, but really just never thought about doing another post. Of course, in recent years, places like Alforon have over-shadowed Mama’s. I was trying to think of the last time I visited…..well, it was before the wall was painted red.

I also think the main thing I get at Mama’s, the Garlic Chicken Wrap was still under six bucks….it’s now $6.39, which in the current scheme of things is not out of line.

And though I find the wrap a little too thick and “bready” nowadays, when you get one that came fresh off the “sajj” hot with crisp bits, it’s still quite good. I’m finding the chicken, premade, wrapped in foil, and kept in a warming drawer a bit dry and somewhat scarcer too. Still, I love the garlic paste and for some reason the tangy hot sauce, which seems like Louisiana style hot sauce than anything else. The woman who puts these together has been there for it seems like forever and has always been nice to me.

In the end Mama’s is still “good grub” to me. Plus, luck was my side on this day; I scored parking close by……

Mama’s Bakery & Lebanese Deli
4237 Alabama St.
San Diego, CA 92104

El Borrego for Breakfast:

**** As of 12/28/2025 El Borrego has sadly closed

Here’s another one that I last posted on back in May of 2006. I’d been going to El Borrego once in a while since then, usually for something simple like just consomme, tortillas, and coffee for breakfast……who wants a post and photos on that? But our recent revisit to Ranas had me craving Huitlacoche….and just for you CAB, I’ll call it “corn smut” one more time. Anyway, El Borrego has Huitlacoche and even Flor de Calabaza quesadillas on the menu.

So I placed my order, two quesadillas ($2.50 each) and some Mexican Coffee…smooth, just lightly sugared, with hints of cinnamon. Nice way to start the day….

Eventually, my quesadillas made their way to my table…..with the black smudges of the huitlacoche strangely reminding of something, I’m not sure why.

The fillings were a bit less than Ranas, the huitlacoche here was not as well flavored, but still with that mushroom flavor with a mildly sweet finish. Even though the Flor de Calabaza (squash blossom) had less filling, it was less dry and had a bit more cheese and flavor than the version at Ranas.

Overall, a nice breakfast, just about everything on the menu is a la carte, so if you’re not careful, things can add up pretty quickly. Still the nice woman working here, Rodnia, is friendly…oh and that salsa rojo is pretty spicy too.

El Borrego Restaurant
4280 El Cajon Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92115

Ranas, revisited five years later

September 30, 2012 mmm-yoso Mexican Restaurants

**** Ranas has closed

Man, over five years…has it really been that long since we last visited Ranas? I'm not sure why we hadn't returned sooner….we've usually enjoyed our meals there, but the place just seems to slip our minds. Finally, last week I remembered Ranas and we headed out to Casa De Oro…..

Ranas really looks spiffed up, it looks like business has been good over the years, which made us happy. We've always had great service here.

As would be expected, prices have gone up over the years and there seem to be a few items I don't recall seeing on the menu before. There are also Mexican wines and even pulque on the specials board.

Our server, whom I recalled from before…half a decade younger and a few pounds lighter happily sat us outside, it was before this last heatwave hit and the evening air was just pleasant. While we mulled through the menu some chips and salsa were delivered…..

The chips were nice, firm and crisp, the salsa seemed mild but had a little zing that caught you later on.

We started with the Huitlacoche Quesadilla Plate ($10).

Called "black mushrooms" on the menu, which I guess is much better than the common American name…."corn smut". Huitlacoche is basically a fungus that affects corn….bad for the corn, good if you like earthy, woodsy, mushroom like flavors. Here it's sauteed with onions, and I believe there's some Epazote in this…I could make out the unique anise-mint flavor. The huitlacoche also seemed to have a hint of sweetness, something I really couldn't recall from eating it before.

The missus loved the nopales, which had a nice slight sour-green bean-citrus flavor and had been well seasoned.

The Missus also wanted the Flor de Calabaza Quesadilla Plate ($10):

Like the huitlacoche quesadillas this was served in blue corn tortillas….mild in flavor and griddled on the comal to have a bit of chewiness. That worked great on the latter in my opinion, but not so great here as this was pretty dry overall. I did appreciate the fact that it wasn't "over-cheesed" and the Missus enjoyed this, but it was on the dry and bland side for me.

The Pork Entomatado ($10) on the other hand, was definitely not bland, nor dry…..

This was my favorite of all the dishes I'd had at Ranas way back when….and I gotta say, it's still up there. Loved the tangy, tomato-chili sauce (they won't tell me what chilies they use for this), it has a nice smokiness and finished with a back of the throat heat. The pork is tender….but it could be cardboard for all I care. The nopales adds a nice texture and that "green" flavor that compliments the dish. The tortillas were typical store bought corn, but I really enjoyed those beans. The Missus doesn't care for frijoles refrito made from pinto beans, but after some encouragement had a taste and really liked this….there is some "special" flavoring ingredient in this…I'm pretty sure of that.

Overall, the service was very friendly. All the folks eating were having tortas, burritos, and stuff like that….but heck, they looked like they were all having a great time and if that pays the bills, so be it. So long they don't take the dishes we enjoy off the menu.

Ranas
9683 Campo Rd Ste A
Spring Valley, CA 91977

Delicias a la Lena- Oaxacan (El Cajon)

September 15, 2012 Cathy Mexican Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Hello. You have somehow navigated your way to mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Kirk as well as ed(from Yuma) are both busy with those end of Summer things and today Cathy writing and sharing another local wonderful eatery.

Well. I've mentioned before that everyone has a 'favorite' taco shop, close to home and close to work. People tell me about their favorite place and favorite items sold there. There's a long story as to how The Mister and I found Lena's; know we had this adventure on our own. The condensed version is we walked into the Liquor Store next to Kaelin's Mi Pueblo Market that had the words "carne asada" on the door, thinking they made tacos, found out they were selling carne asada in a freezer next to bags of ice cubes, asked the clerk if he knew of a place to buy some good ready to eat food and he directed us here:

Garcias Puebla Mercado. It's been here since 1995(I'll do the math for you: 17 years).We ordered two burritos, each weighed almost two pounds (there was a scale at the checkout). While we were waiting, we looked around the small store, saw many people coming in, picking up hot tortillas out of the wooden box on the floor, noticed ready made carne and chicken asada, signs for carnitas meals on Wednesday as well as barbacoa and birria meal specials on Friday, house made mole, salsas, hot carrots and fascinating other items. When we did go to the front to pay, the nice lady told us for really good food -Oaxacan Style- to go to the shop just across the street, about a half block North. Both the store and the shop are family owned and run.

Now, in this crowded strip mall, at the very North end, there is an orange and yellow striped taco shop; that's *not* where you want to go.

This is where you want to be. Notice the grill out front. Every day around 2 p.m., mesquite grilled chicken is ready.

For $10.99, you get a dozen hot tortillas, rice, black beans (nicely flavored, mostly whole and without lard), a choice of red or green salsa (I do like both; house made and a blend of complex flavors) and quite a large chicken. The chicken has that delightful mesquite smoked flavor, even the next day.

When you go inside the small restaurant, a large 99¢ menu is above the cash register,

as well as the 'regular' menu above the kitchen area. Order, pay and have a seat. The food will be brought out to you. There are five tables, 16 chairs. Small, clean and friendly.

On one of our visits, we ordered two each of the carnitas and carne asada tacos ($1 each). You can see the tacos were quite full with the meat, guacamole, cilantro, onions and Cotija cheese and both the red and green salsas were brought out. The fresh corn tortillas, which are from Garcia's across the street, are thick, layered and so very fresh.
Also, we tried the 'less than $1 menu', choosing a quesedilla and memelita – a small memela, a toasted masa cake , with a choice of red or green sauce) topped with more Cotija cheese.

The quesedilla, though small, was quite filled with melty white cheese- Oaxaca cheese.

One of my favorite items here-from the 'regular' menu, #17, a gordita ($1.99). This is a fresh made masa cake with a few black beans in the mix, fried then cut, filled on the top and bottom with those luscious black beans, a lot of shredded creamy Oxaca cheese, crema, lettuce and tomatoes. Crunchy, fresh, and something I never expected.

On one visit, we ordered a $1.99 memela (this time topped with red sauce; much larger than the 99¢ version, although I don't have a reference point in this photo to show you the sense of scale) and a 99¢ Tlacoyo (an oval shaped baked masa, filled with a layer of black beans, topped with a choice of sauce and Cotija cheese)

You can see the thin layer of beans in this cross section view; this simple 99¢ snack is just perfect. It's larger counterpart on the regular menu, the Tlayuda ($6.99), includes a choice of meats and is more than a meal for me.

We noticed "Tostilocos $2.99" sign in the front window and tried the version here. It's a vegetarian version- no cueritos. Good to satisfy a crunchy, salty, tamarind, spicy chamoy craving. (here's a link to my post about my favorite Tostilocos)

Here's a photo of another gordita ordered; you can see the fried then sliced crispy 'bun'. The other item is another tlacoyo, this time topped with the red sauce.

From the regular menu, #14 Mole negro ($5.99). We have been on the lookout for great home made mole ever since Los Pueblos had closed in May. We found it. Lena told us that it takes three women (all relatives) all day to make the mole used here and sold in the small market across the street. You can taste the variety of spices and so many flavors with every bite. The chicken leg had the smoky mesquite flavor which complimented the sauce. The enchiladas are also topped with this mole.

So many items all made from scratch, just like at home. Another great find in El Cajon.

Lenas is not your average Mexican restaurant, not a taco shop. At all.

Delicias a la Lena 1398 East Main Street (between Sultan Baklava and Kaelin's Market, other side of Main Street) El Cajon 92021 (619)590-1138

Garcias Puebla Mercado 1354 East Main Street 92021 (619)590-1416

Yesenia’s Taco Shop (Kearny Mesa)

August 12, 2012 mmm-yoso Mexican Restaurants, Taco Shops

Right before I left for my trip home, I met my good friend Candice for lunch. I was really swamped and having lunch with someone who's great company like Candice just makes the whole day better. With so much on my mind, I really drew blanks when it came to where we'd grab lunch. Luckily, one of Candice's friends recommended a place I'd driven past dozens of times on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard….a taco shop called Yesenia's.

I gotta say…..this place sure is a bright orange…..

The menu seemed fairly huge and overwhelming, though the young lady behind the counter was very friendly. There were several interesting items on the menu and we ordered a bunch of stuff.

Starting with some Aguachile.

First off, the slices of avocado looked like it was headed South. Not a bad sign, but somewhat ominous if you'll be eating raw shrimp "cooked" in lime. The shrimp indeed tasted a bit fishy, it hadn't gone bad yet, but it seemed headed in that direction. The marinade was very mild with regards to aguachile….I expect bracing citrus tones and a good deal of heat, but this was almost bland. To be perfectly fair, this tasted much better at the end of the meal when the shrimp had been in the marinade for about half an hour.

I really didn't care for the Chicken Mole either.

The chicken was quite dry and the mole lacked the wonderful complex spice tones that I enjoy in a mole poblano.

I liked the beans, though….nicely seasoned.

Things started looking up when we tried the menudo.

As far as I can recall, this was full on tripe and not much else. It was also the least funky menudo that I've ever had. The tripe was well prepared, light crunch, but not tough or hard. I wish the broth had been seasoned more aggressively…..it needed salt, hot sauce, and a good amount of oregano would have helped too. Nice tripe though…….

In my opinion, the last item was the best…….fish rolled tacos, something I'd usually not think of ordering.

It really didn't look like much, but the fish had a nice flavor which came through very clearly. The shell was nice and crisp and the fish moist. Cabbage instead of lettuce is a good choice, it added a mild earthy-bitterness to the whole deal. I'd have this again…….

The funniest little snippet of a conversation we had was when I asked what her friends favorite item here was…..Candice smiled and sheepishly replied, "Carne Asada fries……" Ha! It just cracked me up…… I did tell her that, if her foodie……or in this case beerie (??? what do you call those folks?) buddy really thought this was the best carne asada fries I'd check them out….really.

So…..being a man of my word, I returned after my trip, and stepped into the wonderful orange glow of Yesenia's.

And ordered up something I hadn't had in maybe….I dunno, five years???

Carne Asada fries ($6.55). The carne asada was fairly tough, though decently flavored…perhaps better than your friendly neigborhood 'berto's. The guac was decent, it added some creaminess to the whole deal….I'm still not a real big fan of sour cream on this. I really did like the fries, which were very competently fried……not greasy and crisp. For some reason, this didn't feel like the gut-busting, hollow-leg filling, burp fest that I recall CAFs being. I enjoyed the various salsas here as well…….

This location of Yesenia's gets really busy around noon and after looking over all the breakfast items, I read they open at like 530 in the morning. That said, I'm not sure if I'll return anytime soon…..though I'm now curious, since I've gotten a couple of CAF recommendations over the years……what shop makes the best CAFs???? Just for future reference of course……

Yesenia's Taco Shop
8199 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92111