Tag Archives: Chula Vista

Carnitas Las Michoacanas

Carnitas Las Michoacanas in Chula Vista

This past weekend was full of rain, and when it rains it only opens up my appetite more. You start to crave comfort food, and just that all around feeling of warmth. San Diego hasn’t seen 3 consecutive days of rain in awhile, but it really was a great way to end winter. I say great, in hopes that there won’t be any more consecutive days of rain this year.

We headed out on Sunday in the rain (and hail), in search of great little spot to eat. I seriously had dreams about carnitas all weekend. Why yes, I do dream about food, quite frequently actually. Often when we set out on our little food missions, we just drive aimlessly until something catches our eye. This time I had been telling Antonio since early on that carnitas were on my mind. I just love Sundays and seeing everyone enjoying time and of course a big meal with their families. Eating Carnitas is a wonderful way to live out that experience.

We pulled up to Carnitas Las Michoacanas, and before we even opened the door I could tell that this was the kind of place we were looking for. A cozy little eatery full of wood tables, and of course the sweet aromas of pork. Their menu offers other items besides carnitas, but that’s what we were there for right?

We ordered a pound of carnitas, which was accompanied by fresh warm corn tortillas, and rice and beans. The waitress said it was enough for 2 people, but I felt like it could have really fed a family of 4. Family style meals are honestly a favorite of mine. I love being able to create tacos with as much or little contents inside, and really being able to add your own personality to it. The carnitas were so moist and full of flavor. Their housemade salsas were so fresh and delicious, but really all the carnitas needed was a squirt of lime and some onion and cilantro. The meat shines through on its own, even through the flavor of the corn tortillas. I told Antonio that I would love Sundays to be our day for carnitas. It’s little restaurants like these, that really help you appreciate the dish even more.
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TJ Oyster Bar

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TJ Oyster Bar in Bonita

When you discover the little eateries with quality food, it is so rewarding. Most people might not get as excited as we do, but come on we do spend most of our time eating. You might assume that being so close to the border, we would have amazing Mexican food everywhere. That really isn’t entirely true. There are some great places here in San Diego, but if I had a choice, I would much rather cross the border. TJ Oyster Bar in Bonita is a great little spot, that not only offers quality food, but the prices are also very reasonable.

As we approached TJ Oyster Bar, we already noticed the line out the door. The place is small, and of course has limited seating. We have stood and eaten tacos, probably more times that we have actually sat down, so to me it wasn’t an issue. Looking around I noticed, that the majority of people had a fish taco (or two) on their plates. Speaking of plates, there is something about their food being served on Dixie plates, that made it just that much more of an experience. A good experience, in that you all of a sudden feel like you are at family get together.
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Giovanni visits the Local Pumpkin Patch

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I have been talking about wanting to carve pumpkins for weeks now. The first signs of any pumpkins that I see, I tend to get maybe a little too excited. This year Giovanni was old enough to actually appreciate his surroundings a bit. He had so much fun “walking” along the pumpkins, and pointing out the rides, pumpkins, and well pretty much anything that caught his attention. We didn’t go home with any pumpkins that day, but it was a wonderful time seeing him so intrigued. We are actually headed to the last “U-pick” tomorrow morning at Suzie’s Farm. This will be our first time going to a local farm to get pumpkins, and I couldn’t be more excited.

Devilicious & Chubby’s Food Truck

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When I first saw that there were going to be two new trucks at the Eastlake Food Truck Gathering, I knew we had to go try out the food. Many of you have most likely heard of Devilicious not only from being from San Diego, but also competing on the Great Food Truck Race on Food Network. Chubby’s was the other truck that was going to be a new addition at the food truck gathering line-iup. Walking up to the event you can already tell how much more well known it is becoming. The first couple of times we had been, there were lines, but definitely none like we saw this night. I love that there is such a great event happening in this part of town. Wednesday’s are actually something to look forward to now in my book.

Devilicious Food Truck

If you were standing anywhere in close proximity to the Devilicious Food Truck you inhale the intoxicating smell of caramelized onions and butter. I could actually hear people walking by saying, “Wow! What is that amazing smell?” We knew that we had to order their Butter Poached Lobster Grilled Cheese. I really loved the addition of caramelized onions on a grilled cheese. Those alone are two wonderful ingredients, and then comes buttery lobster on a sandwich. You really can’t go wrong. The sandwich came with a side salad, which I enjoyed very much. It added a light feeling to the overall meal, even if you were eating all of that butter, lobster and cheese. The greens were drizzled with a simple balsamic vinegar dressing, that also added a delightful bite. If you want some comfort food and to perhaps let yourself indulge a bit, order this sandwich the next time you are at the Devilicious Food Truck.

@Deviliciousfood

Chubby’s Food Truck

The first item I saw on Chubby’s menu were the burgers. They pride themselves on using 100& Angus beef, so why not go ahead and order a burger. I ordered the Paradise burger. The meat was incredibly juicy, and actually pink in the middle which I loved! The slightly toasted Ciabatta bun was a nice twist to the traditional sesame seed bun. The burger was topped with a “Paradise” salsa that added a nice fruity and tropical touch to the overall meal. I loved the quality of meat and ingredients of this burger. I would definitely recommend that you try out the food from Chubby’s Food Truck. You don’t have to order a hamburger. They also offer wraps and different types of Mexican food as well.

@ChubbysFoodTruk

Tortas Ahogadas “El Gallito”

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Tortas El Gallito - Chula Vista

“Street Food” is definitely becoming much more well known and popular these days. I know that a lot of us grew up eating food from either street vendors or food trucks, but until now no one had really started making such a big deal. It was just somewhere to eat delicious food, that you kept going back for. El Gallito is officially on my list of favorites. You pull into a parking lot , and at first you are like “Hmm..Tortas being sold next to a Toys R Us..how good can they be?!” Oh, believe me you are in for a real treat! Tortas Ahogadas, otherwise known as a “Drowned Sandwich” are what they are known for. Traditionally a Torta is made with a soft and slightly toasted Bolillo. These Tortas on the other hand have to made with a thicker and crunchier version in order to withstand the sauce. You can order a mild or spicy version. We opted for the spicy one. Now, I am going to say this isn’t the easiest sandwich to eat especially if you are on the go, but every bite has you still wanting more, no matter how messy you get. The inside is filled with very well seasoned and incredibly juicy pork. The pork was delicious enough to eat on its own, but the bead and sauces make the whole dish complete. They all compliment each other so perfectly.

I love the addition of the pickled onions over the top. They add such a beautiful contrast of color, as well as texture and a surprisingly mild note to the tomato and chile based sauces. I am already waiting for the next time we head over to El Gallito.It could very well turn into one of those “cravings”, especially knowing that it is so close to us.

The next time you are in the area, make your way over to El Gallito for a Torta Ahogada. Take a few “messy” moments to sit down and really enjoy this drowned sandwich.

Tortas El Gallito - Chula Vista

Romesco Baja Med Bistro

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My husband and I have been telling each other for honestly over a year now that we need to eat at Romesco. It’s very close by, and I really don’t know what took us so long. We decided to have lunch there on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The service was excellent, and the food was everything that I hoped it would be, and more. We decided on ordering a few of their well known tapas.

Romesco Baja Med Bistro - Sourdough Baguette

I am not one to sit here and rave about bread, because most of the time I don’t like to fill up on it while waiting for the main courses to arrive, but this bread definitely deserved some attention of its own. It was so fresh! The outside had the perfect crispy crust, and the inside was soft and almost delicate. My son was also a complete fan of it. The olive oil and balsamic vinegar that come along side to dip it in, rounded out the whole “bread: experience quite nicely.

Beef Filet Mignon Carpaccio

Romesco Baja Med Bistro - Filet Mignon Carpaccio
Beef Carpaccio is one of my all time favorites. I haven’t had the pleasure of enjoying a plate of carpaccio in a long time, but this one made up for all of the time missed. This thinly sliced raw Filet Mignon was topped with shaved Parmiggiano, Baby Arugula, Balsamic Vinegar, and fried capers. I have to say this was my first time having fried capers, and I instantly fell in love. They add a bit of a crunch to the briny beauties, that is oh so tasty. I could have sat there and eaten every last bit, which I basically did, but I had to save some room for what came next.

Jamon Serrano & Cheddar Cheese Croquettes

Romesco Baja Med Bistro - Jamon Serrano and Cheddar Cheese Croquettes
The Jamon Serrano and Cheddar Cheese croquettes were little bites full of salty, creamy, and a light crunch. They were delicious and very easy to eat every last bit, if I didn’t control myself.

Calamari Fritti

Romesco Baja Med Bistro - Calamari Fritti
Their calamari was surprisingly light. I love when the breading doesn’t take over the meaty piece of calamari. It was served with a spicy tomato sauce, and their homemade tartar sauce.

Pulpo Asado a las Brasas

Romesco Baja Med Bistro - Pulpo Asado a las Brasa
I have had a craving for grilled octopus ever since I had that amazing tostada at the Festival de la Brasa. This little dish satisfied that craving perfectly. I just can not get over the gorgeous texture and flavors of grilled octopus.

Cazuelita de Cachete de Res

Romesco Baja Med Bistro - Cazuelita de Cachete de Res
Romesco Baja Med Bistro - Taco de Cachete de Res
Before we even arrived at the restaurant I told my husband that Beef Cheek tacos were definitely going to be on the table. I have to say that I think these are one of my all time favorite tacos. We had a little taste of them at the LA Street Food Festival, and ever since then I have been waiting to meet them again. The meat is incredibly moist and juicy. You don’t even need to add the condiments, but they do enhance the whole taco experience.

There is no doubt about it, we will be returning to Romesco Baja Med Bistro. There are so many items on their menu that I can’t wait to try. They also have a lot of specials during the week, and even offers on Yelp. If you are in the area, I highly suggest that you stop by Romesco for an outstanding meal and service. They also offer a great wine list, with a great selection of Baja wines. Unfortunately we didn’t have any wine this time around, but there will be a next time.

Romesco Baja Med Bistro
4346 Bonita RD
Bonita, CA 91902
(619)475-8627

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Eastlake Food Truck Gathering

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A couple of weeks ago some friends of ours mentioned that there was a little food truck gathering in our neighborhood. We couldn’t make it at the time, but this week when my husband told me they were back, we weren’t going to miss it. I was especially excited because there were trucks that were going to be there, that we didn’t get a chance to try at the Del Mar Food Truck Festival.

Mangia Mangia Food Truck

Mangia Mangia Food Truck

Mangia Mangia Food Truck Spicy Snails
The Mangia Mangia truck was our first stop, and it set a wonderful tone for the rest of the evening. I ordered the Spicy Snails. I know there are a lot of people out there that even get scared of the word snail, but you really shouldn’t, these were absolutely delicious. They had a nice texture, and not chewy at all. Nothing is worse than a tough and chewy snail right?! The word spicy was in the title, and these little guys held up to that expectation. It was a “good” spicy. I know that some people might think, well what does a “good” spicy necessarily mean? It wasn’t that knocks your socks off, can’t even finish this dish spicy. It was the perfect addition of kick to the overall dish. The snails were surrounded by a creamy Risotto that was cooked just right. I was more than happy that this was my dish that started off the night.

Mangia Mangia Food Truck Bone Marrow
A friend of ours ordered the Bone Marrow. This was yet again another tasty dish from the Mangia Mangia truck. Bone Marrow is one of my husbands favorites, yes, besides hamburgers. He actually closed his eyes when he took his first bite. That’s when you know something is good. It was like biting into this amazingly rich and velvety delight. I will definitely be returning back to the Mangia Mangia truck the next time that we catch them. If it was up to me, I would try each and every thing that their menu has to offer.

@mangiamangia

Super Q Food Truck

Super Q Food Truck San Diego

Super Q Food Truck 3 Cheese Brisket Melt
The Super Q food truck was next in line. I can honestly admit that I don’t have a ton of experience with bbq. We have eaten at a couple of places, but it is always a type of food that I have wanted to try more often. We ordered the Super Q Beef Brisket Melt. This melt consisted of juicy brisket, 3 cheese mac and cheese, caramelized onions, and cheddar cheese. All of this in between two toasted slices of Sourdough bread. Doest that not make your mouth water just thinking about it? Putting Mac and Cheese inside of a sandwich might not be an every day move, but it sure was a smart one. It added that extra texture, and just in case it needed it, more cheesiness. Come hungry when you visit the Super Q Food Truck, you will not be disappointed.

@superqfoodtruck

Asian Persuasion

Asian Persuasion Food Truck San Diego
Asian Persuasion San Diego
You guys knew that we couldn’t attend anything food related without ordering some kind of hamburgers right? We ordered the Bangkok Sliders from Asian Persuasion. These handsome little guys are packed with flavor. Every bite you just get more and more flavors and textures to explore. These took sliders to a whole new level for me. One of my favorite parts was that the bun was Hawaiian bread. The slightly sweet and pillowy bun enveloped a juicy little patty full of beautiful flavor profiles. You get a kick of spice, sweetness, and even a bit of tang. Light and crunchy Won Ton Chips accompany these little beauties. If you are into hamburgers, and want to experience a different side, you must try the Bangkok sliders.

@asianfoodtruck

TGS Bistrotruck

TGS Bistrotruck San Diego

You would think that we would be too full to continue by this point, but no, we were on a mission. Hey, it was my birthday eve after all. We ordered the Spicy Pork Tacos from The Gathering Spot Bistrotruck. They were the perfect size, and the first thing I noticed was how colorful they were. These pork tacos had a lot going on, but it all worked together nicely. Yes, that is pineapple you see.. The sweetness paired well with the slight sourness of the pickled onions, and the spiciness of the Tomatillo salsa. These were great little tacos, and I loved that the corn tortillas tasted so fresh. The quality of a tortilla can really make a world of a difference. In this case, it rounded out the whole taco and made it a lovely eating experience.

@tgsbistrotruck

Sweet Treats

Sweet Treats Truck San Diego

You can’t have all of this savory goodness, without ending on a sweet note. Cannoli, you are one of my all time favorite desserts. I remember as a kid my Dad and I used to try them whenever they were offered on the menu. I have tasted the good, the bad, and of course the mediocre cannoli. I saw the crushed pistachio, and automatically got excited. These were delicious. They were not too sweet, and had a delightful creamy interior.

Sweet Treats Truck San Diego
The Red Velvet Cake was nice as well. Unfortunately for it, I had the Cannoli right before, and I was a bit full from the whole evening.