TACO TUESDAY: Roll Over, Roberto, and Tell Aliberto's the News

THE PLACE:  ROBERTO'S TACO SHOPS

THE VIBE:  Very friendly service, clean, lots of families, lots of Mexicans enjoying the food

THE PRICE:  Cheap, cheap, cheap - $6 combo's

LOCAL WALLY REPORT CARD:  A

I've been told by my wife to never, ever use the word "foodie" again to describe myself, but is there a better way to describe my love affair with good food?  And while friends know I love a rare ribeye from Fleming's or gourmet at George's at the Cove, my better friends know I can't resist Roberto's Taco Shop.

I never understood the backlash against Roberto's.  Maybe it's because it's so popular it's become fodder for the food snobs, but can you seriously find a better $4.25 breakfast than the omelette plate?  Filled with gooey cheese, topped with a nice ranchero sauce, rice and beans, some chips, and a giant fresh flour tortilla (you can get corn but why, oh why?).  You don't need a hangover to enjoy this breakfast, but if you have one it's a solid cure.  Proven and approved.

Of course, you're in San Diego, California and that means you must have a California Burrito.  This photo doesn't do it justice (sorry, I ate so much of it before I remembered to take the photo, a huge problem I have).  Carne asada with guac and french fries, it is so delicious that you would slap your doctor right then and there if he were sitting next to you and telling you to put the burrito down because your cholesterol is too high.  WHACK BAM BOOM, the doc is out of the house!  The spicy tangy meat with the goodness of fresh fries, the creaminess of the guac, the soft fresh tortilla, there is no better burrito combination.  Chipotle?  Make me laugh!

The $6 combos are a good deal.  This one is my surf and turf, a beef taco with a fish taco.  Now to prove that I don't own part of Roberto's I will tell you that you can get a better fish taco elsewhere and that the beef taco, while respectable, is just good.  I do love their rice and beans, however. 

The guac looks fake in this photo but that's because I took this with my phone.  It's the real deal.

And now the big test.  The rolled tacos.  I've been searching for the best rolled tacos in San Diego and while I'm not ready to say it's Roberto's, they're certainly the best I've tasted so far.  With just a handful of ingredients, everything must be perfect to create a good rolled taco.  Fresh oil, zesty toppings, seasoned meat, it all comes together at Roberto's.  The perfect crunch - not too crunchy, but not soft and chewy like some.  The meat rings out with the proper flavor.  Yes, you can actually taste the meat.  And the toppings of Mexican cheese and real guacamole finish it off.  Delicious?  You bet.

And look, no iceberg lettuce!  No diced tomatos!  No cheddar cheese!  

I'm going to keep looking for better rolled tacos but for now the bar is set pretty high with Roberto's.  You know a place for me to try? Email me at wally@localwally.com and I'll check it out.

Wally is back from vacation and ready to eat and explore San Diego!  Read more at Local Wally's Guide to San Diego!

WHAT'S UP WEDNESDAY: Finding the Freshest Veggies at Chino Farm in Rancho Santa Fe

Rode my scooter to Chino Farms

THE PLACE:  Chino Farms

6123 Calzada Del Bosque
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
(858) 756-3184

THE VIBE:  Chefs, local foodies, and farmers

THE COST:  Expensive and cash only

San Diego has a lot more farming going on than you might think.  Chino's Farm is the famous vegetable stand that all the best chefs in San Diego and beyond know about.  It's mentioned in Anthony Bourdain's latest book, Wolfgang Puck and Alice Waters all swear by it, chefs line up early to get the best and most unusual fresh produce in the morning.

Which is why you shouldn't drop by until later.  Much later, say noon.  Those who walk away from Chino Farms saying things like these are the Vegetable Nazi's or how unhelpful they are came at the wrong time.  Let's put it this way, you're standing in front gawking at the squash and George's at the Cove's chef is waiting behind you.  You're like the guy who got into the express "10 items or less" line at the supermarket with a cart filled to the top with groceries. So seriously, come later and they'll treat non-chefs like you and me nice.

The produce is incredibly fresh and beautiful.  And expensive.  Look, I'm just warning you to bring lots of cash as it's pretty easy to blow through $30 without thinking.  And like the markets in Paris, you don't grab and squish and sniff the produce, you point to what you want and they'll help you out.

So take the scenic drive into Rancho Santa Fe, into farm country, and visit the Vegetable Store that has made veggies into an art.  Chino Farms doesn't claim to grow the best vegetables, only the best they can produce.  And that seems good enough for the chefs and food lovers who religiously flock to this place.
 

Wally's on vacation for the next week or so but will return soon with more Tacos, food blogs, stories and pics from around San Diego.  Until then, visit my site at Local Wally's Guide to San Diego.

TACO TUESDAY: Searching for the Best Mexican Food in San Diego @ Fidel's Little Mexico

THE PLACE:  Fidel's Little Mexico

749 Genevieve Street
Solana Beach, CA 92075-2035
(858) 755-5292

THE VIBE:  Friendly family run Mex restaurant, authentic, good for families, some tourists but mostly locals.

THE COST:  Inexpensive

LOCAL WALLY REPORT CARD:  A

Fidel's has been around a long time.  Located in Eden Gardens, the restaurant that once was a barber shop catered to the migrant farm workers who worked in Rancho Santa Fe but lived in Solana Beach.  The restaurant was once the home of the owner, which explains the tables in hallways and squeezed into tiny rooms.  Hey, I like this!

Now I'm going to tell you one more time, if you're going to places like El Torito or Chevy's, stop it!  Unless you're there because it's your brother in law's kid's 12th birthday party and you have to be there, take the road less traveled and go authentic.

Casa de Bandini's Beef Taco

Here's the test.  A beef taco and beans.  Casa de Bandini flunked this test with their bland meat filling and hotel quality sides. See that taco above?  That's the gringo taco that barely rated a C- in my taste test.  What's that?  Cheddar cheese?  And those beans look straight from a can, don't they?

Fidel's Beef Taco

Now the Fidel's beef taco.  It already looks more authentic and it only takes one bite to confirm, this taco rules.  Savory flavorful filling, the perfect crispiness of the shell, the saltiness of the real Mexican cheese, the real deal.  And the beans are fantastic, a large portion with just the right texture and zestiness, they're begging you to dip a chip into it. I ordered a la carte, the taco $4.90 and the beans $2.20, making this a delicious and filling meal for a bit over $7.  What's next?

Mmmm, look at those beans!

What is that?  It's a Chile Relleno ($6.10).  Make that a perfect Chile Relleno, a fluffy egg battered chile filled with cheese and topped with sauce, none better. Most restaurants fail miserably with their chile rellenos, either making them flatter than a flounder or going Bobby Flay by making them too healthy.  No, this isn't health food but it's so darn delicious you'll forget that it's vegetarian.  Well, maybe there's lard somewhere on that plate but don't ask, don't tell, that's my motto.

With Mexican food this good and this close, there's no reason to go to those fake corporate restaurants.  Do yourself a favor and check out Fidel's.

Wally eats San Diego so you don't waste calories on bad meals!  Find more restaurant reviews at Local Wally's Guide to San Diego!

 

SUNNY SUNDAYS: Crazy birds and baby elephants

Didn't Snow White have this same problem?  This is at the San Diego Wild Animal Park.

Hey, that tickles!

Thanks for visiting my blog!  Come back next TACO TUESDAY as I explore the taco shops and Mexican food around San Diego!

What?  You want more Wally?  Visit Local Wally's Guide to San Diego or Local Wally's Guide to Napa Valley!

FOODIE FRIDAYS: Beer and Burgers at Encinitas Ale House

THE PLACE:  ENCINITAS ALE HOUSE

1044 South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024 

(760) 943-7180

THE VIBE:  Attractive young people at the bar sipping beer, lots of locals, friendly bartenders

LOCAL WALLY REPORT CARD:  B

A new restaurant opened in Encinitas recently in a tiny spot that's been getting some good local buzz.  No, not another Italian restaurant, thank God.  A Beer house!  Boasting of  "locally world famous" burgers!!  OK, let's go!

I used to drink a lot of beer in my poor days of youth.  That means a lot of Meiserbrau, Keystone, and when I would splurge, yes, Michelob.  But you won't find any of those beers here.  The list is longer than Lindsay Lohan's arrest record but luckily you can order a 4 beer sampler - I let the waitress decide for me what to get after telling her a few beers I do like that aren't sold in 12 packs for $6.99.

The beers are around $7 to $10 for a pint so go easy or you'll get Petco Park beer remorse when the bill comes. Time to eat.

Lots of good stuff on the menu, from crab cakes to fish and chips to burgers - lots of burgers!  I decided to go with the Colorado Lamb burger and my wife got the cheeseburger.

The lamb burger ($14) arrived so hot that I thought they loaded a stick of plutonium in it.  Seriously so hot that the bun was steaming and it was too hot to even pick up!  Alas, the fries were just warm, which is a pet peeve of mine, and they were fairly skimpy with the quantity of fries.  Hey, it's one thing to give me cold fries but at least give me a lot of them!  Anyway, a bite into the lamb burger and it was good, though underseasoned and a bit underwhelming. Ground lamb with goat cheese and yogurt dill sauce, I guess I should have read the description better.  Seriously, go try the pre-packaged lamb burgers sold at Henry's and you'll see why I was a bit disappointed in the overall flavor.  Henry's lamb burger goes POW in your mouth, this one was a bit bland.

Next up, the cheeseburger ($9).  Like the lamb, super hot and huge with again luke warm fries, but at least this time they filled the plate with them.  Way better than the lamb burger, way way better, though it too needed some salt and pepper to kick it up.  Thick and juicy, you know a good burger when you taste it and this one fit the bill once seasoned.

So here's the verdict.  Beer is A+.  You want to kick back and have a cold one, no better place in Encinitas.  The cheeseburger gets a B+ (would have gotten an A if it were seasoned properly), the lamb burger a B- (not enough flavors, just a giant hunk of ground lamb with goat cheese), the fries a C because they were not hot, overall score a B.  Recommended?  Sure, why not?  Just go basic burger and split it, and do the trick where you ask for no salt on the fries so they cook them fresh (and you discreetly salt them once they arrive).  That's my plan for next time, anyway!

Wally's got your back!  Visit Local Wally's Guide to San Diego for more local tips!

WHAT'S UP WEDNESDAY: Is Seaport Village a Tourist Trap?

THE PLACE:  Seaport Village

THE VIBE:  I'm guessing 99% tourists based on the number of cameras

LOCAL WALLY SAN DIEGO SCORE:  B+

The Lost in Space robot is frantically waving his arms and screaming "Danger Will Robinson, Tourist Trap Ahead!" as you approach Seaport Village. A Disneyland-esque take on Cape Cod, cute stores filled with funny hats, hot sauces and t-shirts, this can't be any good, right?

Shunned by locals, Seaport Village has nonetheless remained one of the most popular tourist destinations since it opened in 1980, taking over a spot that was once a burial ground for those who died of scurvy on a 1782 Spanish Expedition. One could only imagine the scene if those same sailors arrived today - CAPTAIN TO SAILORS: "Those with scurvy line up here, everyone else, ice cream!!" 

 
Seaport Village detractors have long called it a tourist trap, a Fake Cod sea village filled with trinket and t-shirt shops. Of course, these are the same people who loved Fisherman's Wharf on their last trip to San Francisco and who have photos of themselves standing at the banyon tree in Lahaina from their trip to Maui. People who are hard on Seaport Village miss the point. Yes it's touristy, but hey, that's why tourists like it! If they would walk the village with an open mind, with a vacation mind set, they just might understand why it's so popular. And look, a real wooden authentic Merry-Go-Round with some real history.  No fiberglass plastic junk here.

So check this out - Seaport Village sits right on the bay next to the giant Marriott hotel and down the street from the USS Midway. Cobblestone pathways, the boardwalk along the bay, you pick a sun drenched San Diego day and it's pretty darn pleasant down there. There's even a Roy's of Hawaii restaurant at the Marriott with marina views, nice, nice, nice!

There's 55 shops filled with everything from t-shirts to hot sauces, but really the shops are just a backdrop for the overall experience. It's all about being outside walking around a pleasant "village" and if you find a cool shop or two along the way, nice. Vintage merry-go-round, live music, and plenty of opportunities for casual dining abound. Take a walk along the boardwalk to see the gorgeous view of the bay, the sleek sailboats and the million dollar yachts all against the background of Coronado Island.

Think about it, does this sound like a tourist trap?  Go on, join the tourists and discover a part of San Diego that you've been avoiding. I won't tell anyone.

Discover more about my hometown at Local Wally's Guide to San Diego!
Come back to the blog on Friday for my latest foodie find!

TACO TUESDAY: Jorges Mexicatessen is famous for soup, but can they make tacos?

THE PLACE:  Jorge's Mexicatessen

267 N El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA  (760) 942-6909

THE VIBE:  Lots of families, people lining up for soup

THE COST:  $6 bucks gets you 3 street tacos, rice and beans

LOCAL WALLY OVERALL RATING:  B+

Jorge's Mexicatessen is your basic hole-in-the-wall Mexican taco shop sandwiched in with the dry cleaners and barber shop.  But what sets them apart is the Mexican Chicken Soup.  Chunks of shredded chicken mixed with avocado and Mexican rice, and spicy spicy spicy!  Muy bueno!  If you ever find yourself thinking you're catching a cold, if you ever just want to warm up on a cool coastal day, get this soup.  Outstanding and worth the trip alone.  

But today was unseasonably warm on the coast for the Summer of 2010.  Yes, the June Gloom actually burned off (come on, it's already August!) by 11 and it was in the 70's so blazing hot soup was out.  I decided to give their street tacos a go.

For around $6 you can get 3 tacos, rice and beans - or cabbage salad.  For those of you unfamiliar with street tacos, these are smaller 3/4 size.  The carne asada was terrific, nice and zesty, seasoned up nice with a good sear on the meat.  Cabbage salad almost made it all look healthy and the beans were obviously homemade.  Very nice.

The carnitas was a bit of a disappointment.  You know how you're waiting for the food to arrive and you're brain is anticipating what will soon be on your tastebuds?  Ahh, crispy succulent carnitas.  Well, what arrived was closer to pork tacos than carnitas, the meat tender and tasty but not crispy on the edges.  How I wish they would have just tossed it into the deep fryer just for a second. And one more minor complaint - really, how much do the beans really cost?  The beans were nearly painted on the plate.  This isn't The French Laundry where you're only supposed to get a bite, I want more beans!!

Great service and a friendly staff, I'll overlook the soft carnitas and rationed beans because I still love this place for the soup.  But my search continues for the best taco shop and Mexican food in San Diego.

GET MORE WALLY!  Local Wally's Guide to San Diego

Check out the SAN DIEGO DAILY DEAL!!

SUNNY SUNDAYS: Fudgesicles and Beer

Nothing like a Fudgesicle on the beach...

and an icy cold beer! 

FOODIE FRIDAYS: Saurkraut Pizza at Besta-Wan Pizza, Cardiff, CA

BESTA-WAN PIZZA HOUSE

148 Aberdeen Drive Cardiff By Sea, CA 92007-1822 - (760) 753-6707

What kind of name is Besta-Wan?  This is just my theory that I stumbled upon after a couple of beers and a lengthy discussion, but if you put on your deepest fake Italian accent and say something like "Mama Mia, this pizza is the besta one I have ever had", well, I think that must be where the name came from.  Put that one in Wikipedia, I'm pretty sure about it.  

Anyway, Best-Wan is a local joint filled with locals and surfers and a few tourists now and then who are brave enough to check it out.  With music that reminds me of my college days spinning and dogs on the patio, Austin Powers posters and paper lanterns hanging from the rafters, it's definitely laid back and fun.  Wait - dogs on the patio?  Yes, you can bring your pooch as well as he's well behaved.  Some dogs have been banned.  Wish they would do that with some kids, but that's another blog.

The beer list is extensive with tons of unexpected beers on tap.  A pint is $5, a pitcher $19, and if you are nice and look confused they will even bring you out a sample in a tiny cup.  And look!  You can get a "Man Mosa" if you're a tattoo sort of guy who loves champagne cocktails but would rather drink them from a manly pint glass over a traditional champagne flute.  They know their audience here.

Here is my ice cold Stone Pale Ale.  But now it's pizza time and look, there's a pizza called the Kraut-za that has sauerkraut, pepperoni's, sausage, and tons of cheese.  Oh stop it, wipe that look of disgust off your face and let's stay open minded.

The pizza arrives and it looks pretty standard.  I mean, if I didn't tell you this was a sauerkraut pizza you wouldn't even know.  The $13 small pizza easily feeds 2 very hungry guys, or 3 normal appetites.  Costco pizza?  Forgetaboutit!

Trying to get the first piece out is a challenge with all the cheese hanging onto the others for dear life.  Now you can see the genius here.  The sauerkraut is on the bottom forming a foundation of crunch and tang with the traditional pizza toppings riding the wave.  

See the kraut?  But was it good?  Oh yeah baby, it was so good!  It's not what you think it's going to be.  Kraut fans are going to love it for sure but non-kraut fans will be surprised how good this combination tastes.  The crust was a perfect thickness, not too doughy but not stupidly thin, the sauce tangy, the meats spicy, tons of cheese, and yes, the kraut added the crowning touch.  I'd get it again.  And again.

If lately pizza has been a little flat, a bit unexciting, maybe it's because you've sunken into the Generic Pizza Zone. If this is you, you've got to get out there and do the local thing, get away from the chains and franchises and grab some pizza made by someone who puts a little personality into it.  And who makes the best one? You know.  Go ahead, say it in your best fake Italian accent.

Want more Wally?  Go to Local Wally's Guide to San Diego!

Come back Sunday for a random pic or story around San Diego.

WHAT'S UP WEDNESDAY: Swimming with Sharks

It's like the scene from JAWS where the Great White is pulling down barrels and then comes around and attacks the boat. For an instant you think you've made a grave mistake and everyone is going to die! Well, almost, except this time the boat is a kayak and the shark is a harmless Leopard Shark in the shallow waters off La Jolla. You're going to need a bigger boat?  Not likely!

'These spotted sharks are definitely not maneaters - heck, they're not even aggressive. Snorkel or kayak the waters south of La Jolla Shores near The Marine Room restaurant and you'll likely see scores of sharks in the shallow waters during the Summer months. You can even wade out into the surf and sometimes see them.  Think of how impressed your friends on Facebook will be when you post you swam with sharks! 

Want to take a tour?  Get discount tickets here!

There's more local tips to San Diego at Local Wally's Guide to San Diego!
And don't forget the San Diego Daily Deal!!

COME BACK ON FRIDAY FOR FOODIE FRIDAYS AND A GREAT RESTAURANT REVIEW!

TACO TUESDAY: A million dollar view with a $1.75 taco at Bull Taco Cardiff

THE PLACE:  Bull Taco, San Elijo Campgrounds,

2050 South Coast Highway 101

Encinitas, CA 92007

760.436.6601

THE VIBE: Tourists and campers mixed with surfers and locals dining on picnic tables that overlook the ocean.

THE COST:  $6 gets you two tacos, chips and salsa

OVERALL LOCAL WALLY RATING:  A-

You'd think that the concession stand in the San Elijo State Campgrounds - the one right on the beach in Cardiff - would have, well, you know, hot dogs and popcorn.  Hand it to three surfer guys who decided to take it over and change it up a bit with gourmet tacos.  Gourmet tacos?  That's right, and no one does it better than Bull Taco.  Let's see what's on the menu.

Besides the traditional carne asada and chicken, you can go way upscale with duck, lobster, abalone, even foie gras!  The tacos range from $1.75 for the basics to $10 for the super deluxe.  Today they had pork belly tacos, and who can resist a pork belly taco?  OK, I'll have one of those.

After an excruciating long wait (I'm hungry!) the taco is finally ready and man oh man, was it good.  Pork belly is like bacon without the smoke and the crispy saltiness of the pork made it taste like the best carnitas to hit my taste buds in a long time.  I want more so I head back to the counter.  But wait, didn't someone mention the view?

Seriously, is there a better view from a taco shop anywhere in San Diego?  Up the street are fancy restaurants with valet parking that don't have a view as good as this one.

Waiting for a taco for 30 minutes is almost bearable with a view like this.  Now I'm not kidding about the wait.  Bull Taco is so popular that it does take that long for the food to arrive so take my advice and order plenty the first time.  Did I just hear my name?

Mmmmm, duck taco.  Now to be honest, it tasted a lot like the pork belly but who's complaining?  Rich and fatty and delicious.  Let's do one more.

I could not resist a taco filled with lobster, bacon, and chorizo!  The lobster was moist, the bacon and chorizo a nice foil to the seafood.  At $5 a bit pricey and if not twice as good as a pork belly taco ($2.50), I'm glad I tried it.

Bull Taco has other things besides street tacos on its menu, like giant tortas and burritos, baked oysters, even a dish made with carne asada, cheddar, jalapenos, sour cream, house made salsa, onions, cilantro, house made guacamole, and....tater tots.  It's all pretty fantastic and the setting so perfect San Diego that I not only recommend, I insist that you take the detour and seek Bull Taco out.  It's that good.

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Want More?  Visit Local Wally's Guide to San Diego for a compete restaurant and attraction guide!  Follow me on Twitter for daily deals and tips and get updates on Facebook!
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Bull Taco also has an actual restaurant location in Oceanside at 1813 South Coast Highway that has a nice local vibe and the same great food, though no view.

Thanks to fellow blogger Dennis K who unknowingly let me "borrow" the last two images.  I was so hungry I ate them before I snapped the photos, which is a big problem I have.