Week 15 - JV's

JV'S Mexican Food

Morena Blvd.

Eater #1 - Beef taco, Beans, Horchata

The beans at JVs are pretty damn good... and hot. The taco was huge, the lettuce, cheese and tomatoes were nice, but the beef was just OK. Not a bad joint overall.

damn it was a perfect day to sit outside and eat tacos. 

Eater #5 - Super salad

JVS Mexican Food is a little taco shop in the corner of a tiny strip mall. I got a "Super Salad." It had large pieces of pollo asada on top of shredded lettuce and tomatoes. On top of the pollo was guacamole, sour cream and cheese. It was so good and just the right size. I would love to go back there on a perfect day like today. 

Eater #6 - Quesadilla

This quesadilla was just simple. Nothing special about it. But it was the best simple quesadilla I have ever had. It was the perfect hangover quesadilla. The tortilla was crispy and a little flaky and it had the perfect amount of cheese on it. Not an inch thick and not very greasy at all. The only thing I would add is a side of sour cream. I will be sure to go get this quesadilla the next time I am hungover. Maybe November 2nd.

Week 14 - Ranchos Cocina

Ranchos Cocina
Ocean Beach on Sunset Cliffs

Eater #1 Civiche tostada, beans, Negra Modelo

I was suprised at how big the place was on the inside. The place looked killer, There was a section of the wall dedicated to "Fridas". The salsa that came with the chips was a little scooby, but I ate it anyways. Once the waiter brought the tray with all of our food I knew that I was in the right place (actually after I got my beer I was in the right place) from the smell. The civiche was damn good - the fish was nice and firm, after a splash of tapatio it was so good. Lots of lemon juice. The beans at Rancho Cocina are the real deal - I know that they specialize in vegitarian dishes, but these tasted like there was lard in them (the right way to make re-frys).

Eater #2 - Huevos rancheros

Vegans cook good meat

Huevos rancheros muy bueno

Next time sit on deck.

Eater #3 - MIA, somewhere in a book

Eater #4 - Potato rolled tacos

One word? Yum. This taco shop seemed quaint with the burlap ceiling tiles and vine stenciled archways. Yet it opened into a massive dining area with covered patio, all wonderfully decorated. The space allowed diners to eat without being bumped by other guests or over hearing needless conversations. Something that is hard to avoid in OB. The menu is expansive and we've decided to give this place more attention as the year continues. I ate the potato taquitos, and LOVED them. Three taquitos covered in guacamole, sour cream, cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce. We all know size matters, and you won't be disappointed here. The tacos and burritos were huge and yummy, especially for the price. The staff was gracious, attentive, and courteous. I can't wait for our next visit here!

Eater #5 - MIA (pending?)

Eater #6 - Vegan Burrito

Decor and environment was nice. Lots to look at. There is a lot on the menu to choose from. I had the vegan burrito, which had black beans, rice, guac, and lettuce on a wheat tortilla. It was huge. I only ate 1/4 of it. It came with some sort of shredded veggies on the side. I think they were more for looks though. I didn't eat them. The chips were good, but the salsa was too hot for me. It took too long to get our food and to pay the bill, but maybe that was because they had to do 6 separate bills. I would go there again.

Eater #7 - Pineapple tamale and eggplant enchilada

Atmosphere: It's decor consisted of a mix-match of everything from mirrors, to chairs, to their bowls, to the wall color. The decorator knew it wasn't going to match but this is way it's supposed to be. Laid back, fun colors, polite and attentive staff, and there's a hint of Mexican culture mixed with everything in their very large dining area.

Food: The chips were crisp and the salsa delicious. Spicy, chunks of tomato, taste of hot pepper ... lots of flavor. The menu contained an abundance of choices. Starting with your basic taco ... all the way to the vegan enchilada. It truly is a vegetarian's Mexican food restaurant dream. I ordered the pineapple tamale and eggplant enchilada. Portions sizes are large, so you're getting your money's worth here. The pineapple tamale contained the sweetness of pineapple juice mixed with masa and topped with warm pineapple. Add a little salsa ... and the mixture of flavors was a perfect combination. The vegan enchilada contained diced up chunks of flavorful seasoned eggplant all wrapped up in a wheat tortilla, topped with melted white cheese. Pure Yumminess!!!

When are we going back???

Pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/TacoFriday/Week14#

Week 13 - Clayton’s Mexican Take-Out

Clayton’s Mexican Take-Out
Coronado - on Orange at 10th

Eater #1 - Shredded Beef Taco, Nachos
The place was tiny - just a little more than a walkup and order. I was impressed by the look of the produce, one of the cooks carried a load of fresh cilantro and onions through from a side door... and the smell of the cooking carne asada was pretty damn good. The tacos were OK, greasy and the beef was a wet lump in the bottom of the shell, but the lettuce and tomatoes were nice. The nachos were simply cheddar and chips, exactly what I wanted.
Good salsa - the red was pretty thick & spicy and the green was perfect - a little spice and alot of tomatillo flavor.

The fact that they only take a card if you spend $7 or more was a pain in the ass.
I'll probably go back, but only if I find myself starving after messing around with my kids at East Park.

Eater #2 - MIA

Eater #5 - Carne asada taco, rice.

Mexican Take Out was a cute little "to go" taco shop. It was in the middle of beautiful Coronado and since it's not a sit down restaurant, you are forced to eat at the park, on a bench or at the beach & enjoy the scenery. The carne asada taco was huge and full of flavor. The side of rice was the smallest side of rice I've ever seen, but it was good. I would definitely eat there again if I was in the area, but I wouldn't go out of my way to eat there again.

Eater #7 Chicken rolled tacos and guacamole

Atmosphere: Place your order at the door, take a step to the left and your food will be handed to you ... well, maybe 5-10 minutes later. It's purely a take-out joint, so don't plan on eating and dining ... but there's a park down a few blocks.

Food: For how long it took to make the tacos, I'm not sure I was completely impressed. But they were rolled tacos ... how impressed should I be? They were topped with chopped tomatoes, cheese, lettuce, and guacamole. The cheese was not melted. And the tomatoes might as well not have been on the tacos. Filled w/ shredded chicken ... but it wasn't overflowing. Guacamole was ok.

But the hot sauce was probably the tastiest part of the whole meal.

Pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/TacoFriday/Week13

Week 12 - Las Cuatro Milpas

Las Cuatro Milpas
Barrio Logan - Near Chicano Park.

Eater #1 - Taco, rolled tacos and a tortilla (plus a couple of stolen bites off eater #4's beans)

My buddy Mike would bring us takeout from Las Cuatro Milpas every once in a while. It’s been a few years now since I worked with him, and I had forgotten how damn good the tortillas and beans are there. This is the real shit man – tortillas and beans made with lard and love the way my mom and grandma used to make ‘em.

I had never eaten in the restaurant, though. There was a line – but while waiting you get to peek in the window and get a pre-view of what’s cooking. The self-service water from the little sink in the back was a nice touch.

The rolled tacos were nice and fat, slathered in Mexican cream and cotija cheese, the salsa was really spicy and flavorful… but I can’t get over the tortillas. Thick, hot and oh so good… I could have just had those for lunch, maybe with a little butter.

It was worth the wait.

Eater #2 - 3 Pork tacos, rice and beans, tortillas

Taco Friday Haiku
Three pork tacos beans
Could not eat all beans, tacos yes
Tasty the food was.

Eater #3 - MIA in the OC

Eater #4 - Chicken taco, rice and beans, tortillas

LOVE the atmosphere and the smiling faces. I stepped a bit out of my comfort zone as I stepped into this run-down establishment hidden in Barrio Logan. Actually we had to wait in the line that stretched from the entrance down the sidewalk first. I instantly felt at ease when the woman behind the counter greeted me with a smile and took my order. Even though there was a language barrier, I ordered my chicken taco, rice & beans, and diet coke without a hitch. The chicken was yummy and moist, the rice very authentic and the servings were huge and wonderfully priced. BEST tortillas I've ever had. I'd go back again, worth the wait.

Eater #5 - Rice and brans, tortillas

Las Cuatro Milpas is a great Mexican Food Restaurant. The location is in a rough area of town, but the staff was friendly and eager to get you to your table with yummy food. I ordered a side of beans and rice. The beans were tasty, but the rice was a little dry. I loved the 'home made' tortillas.

Pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/TacoFriday/Week12

Week 11 - Alambres

Alambres - Gaslamp, San Diego.

Eater #1 - 3 Carnitas Tacos, rice and beans.

The Mexican music blaring from the crappy, tinny speakers was the only bad thing that I have to say. The finely chopped carnitas was excellent, flavorful and well presented. Good beans, too (I’m a sucker for good beans).
Nice place, I’ll defiantly go back… but maybe not on a Friday.

Eater #2 - Al Pastor Burrito

This place was great. I was glad the place wasn't packed with tourists on such a nice day in paradise. Instead I got to enjoy my period of gustation in peace. The "huge" pastor burrito, though not huge, was huge in taste. I rate it the second best pastor this side of the border. I wish I got beer and my only gripe is trying to find parking downtown. Mahalo. God save the Queen.

Eater #3 - Pastor Tacos - Dos Equis

tacos al pastor: GOOD - The meat is laid out on a three tortillas and you put it together yourself with the cilantro, onion, beans, and rice that are served on the plate. The al pastor was great!!
Beans: GOOD
Rice: eh, okay.
Beer: GOOD - $3.50 for a Dos Equis, for downtown thats pretty good.

Eater #5 - Ensalada Alambres

Alambres is a great place to eat and relax. The Ensalada Alambres was excellent! The salad was made up of crispy romaine lettuce with Feta Cheese, Strawberries, Apples & delicious house dressing. The prices were pretty reasonable and there were a lot of different items to choose from on the menu. I probably wouldn't go back on a Friday, but I would definitely go back.

Pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/TacoFriday/Week11

Week 10 - Don Lucio's Taco Shop II‎

Don Lucio's Taco Shop II‎
Mira Mesa

Eater #1 - Horchata and a Beef Taco
Too sick to eat - bailed home. The Horchata was rancid. The joint was funky. The only reason we went there was to bring lunch to Eater #6's casa - she is down after having Hip Dysplasia surgery.

Eater #2 - some kinda combo
Shitty soggy rolled tacos and the beans must have been imported from the Fumunda region of Mexico. The best thing about them is they had a credit card machine.

Eater #4 - Chicken Taco - Mexican Coke
Soggy fall apart chicken taco. No real veggies, more soggy. Long wait, scary decor...BUT they did sell coke in a bottle.

Eater #5 - Chicken Taco, beans and Rice
I thought the Pollo Asado Taco was pretty bland. The beans were awful, but the rice was pretty good. I liked that they had a credit card machine. The place was kinda dingy and smelly. The lady overcharged my credit card for my taco, but later gave me $1.25 cash.

Eater #6 - Some kinda taco, Mexican Coke
my taco tasted good, but was mushy. Where is this place so I know not to go there. ;)

No Pictures. Unless Eater #6 agrees to posting pix of her scar!

Week 9

El Sol
North Park

Eater #1 – Shrimp Taco and Carnitas Taco, Horchata
El Sol is a little hole in the wall on University near Florida. You wouldn’t expect the damn good tacos that are to be had by looking at the outside of the building. The shrimp taco was stuffed with nice big shrimp, cheese, onions and bell peppers – all seasoned with black pepper and other spices – it was really rich, and I loved it. The carnitas were pretty good, the pork was a little tough, not soft and stringy like I like it, but the quacamole was perfect – good guacamole goes a long way. The waiter was a nice guy, but the service was a little slow – but what do you expect when the food is that well prepared? Another nice touch was the “real” plates, glasses and silverware. El Sol could have easily been a paper plate and plastic fork kinda joint.

I’m going back, I’ll bet that the pollo kills.

Eater #2 - m i a

Eater #4 - m i a

Pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/TacoFriday/Week9