Masa Assassin's Profile
Smash Burger La Jolla
Just got the deets in an email this is from an attached press release
AN DIEGANS WILL SAVOR ‘BETTER BURGERS’ AT SMASHBURGER BEGINNING MARCH 24, 2010
‘Better Burger’ Restaurant Heats up Corner of Prospect St. and Girard Ave. in La Jolla
San Diego, Calif.—(February 24, 2010)—Smashburger, a fast-casual “better burger” restaurant will open its first San Diego location on Wednesday, March 24, 2010. The restaurant will open at 1000 Prospect St. and bring 100-percent Certified Angus Beef, an array of sides and delicious shakes to local residents. This is the first of seven San Diego Smashburger locations.
San Diego Smashburgers will feature a customized local menu created with regional flavors and tastes in mind. The San Diego menu includes:
• The signature San Diego Smashburger featuring fresh avocado, fresh cilantro and onions, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and chipotle mayo on a torta roll, served with a wedge of lime.
• The Pacific Coast Wedge salad featuring a large wedge of crisp lettuce, topped with grilled chicken, fresh cilantro and onions, fresh diced tomatoes and grated cheddar cheese, with spicy chipotle dressing, served with a wedge of lime.
• Regional microbrews from San Diego-based breweries.
• Wine from California-based wineries.
Named for the cooking method used to create the perfect burger, Smashburgers are a one-third or half-pound ball of 100-percent Certified Angus Beef—fresh, not frozen, smashed on a flat grill to sear in the juicy flavor. To further the “better burger” experience, Smashburgers are served on a toasted artisan bun and topped with a selection of real cheeses, the freshest produce, and top-quality condiments.
Smashburger is known for its savory burgers, but the restaurant also serves up delicious Smashchicken sandwiches, Smashdogs, and Smashsalads, with sides like veggie frites, rosemary and garlic–seasoned Smashfries and sweet potato Smashfries. Burger lovers can pair their meals with beer, wine, Häagen-Dazs shakes, and root-beer floats.
“Smashburger is what San Diego burger lovers have been waiting for,” says Smashburger Founder Tom Ryan. “We are excited to bring the La Jolla community our ‘better burgers’.”
“We look forward to becoming San Diego’s favorite burger place,” says San Diego Smashburger co-owner David Whisenhunt. “Our combination of great food, excellent service and convenient location will win rave reviews from San Diegans.”
Awesome Baja-Style Fish Tacos, thank you Alex! (San Diego)
OOPS I meant kikos on 35th and El Cajon
Awesome Baja-Style Fish Tacos, thank you Alex! (San Diego)
Here is the Link to the original post. regarding El Pescador.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/524846
On a side note the owner of Kikos on 35th and University is related to the Owner of Mariscos German. Most of thier tacos are very similar and menus almost identical however I give the edge to German.
Churros El Tigre and La Fachada- SD
Hi geeky, unfortunately the churro cart is gone and I doubt he will be back in September but it may be possible. He has been forced to get some costly equipment. I’m glad you at least got to enjoy La Fachada, and if the churro guy gets back up and running I will pass on the info to you.
Cemitas in San DIego/ North County?
Cant wait to try that place KR, the tortas Kirk wrote about also look good.
Quick Cross-Border Foray (for food and wine)
Nice Ringo! I don't think you could have planned a better day. Nice choices on the Cruz and J.C. Bravo. I just picked those exact bottles at La Contra in Ensenada, I will have to check out Salinas. Thanks for the report.
puerto nuevo lobster in chula vista
Is it ....
Lobster House La Guerita
396 Broadway between G St & Park Way
Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 691-1012
Fiesta oaxaqueña opens restaurant (Escondido)
I saw the add in El Latino "Coming soon new location" and wondered what the location spot was going to be. This Sounds great. Thanks for the report Maestra.
KR its good to see you around
Panaderia El Chocorrol - Clairemont (SD), Fridays
Sounds great, thanks for the report I hope to check it out soon.
Tasty bites in El Cajon (hummus, shawarma, and Neveria Tocumbo II)
Great report, I love Neveria Tocumbo. IMO The best spot for Michoacan Style cold treats in San Diego. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/558044?tag=search_results;results_list
I'm surprised not more people know about that place. Great Ice Cream and Great Service.
http://masaassassin.blogspot.com
Quick help! Valle de Guadalupe visit tomorrow and only allowed 1 L per person of wine for 2 people!!
Very good choices of Restaurants you have picked out. In order to schedule your picks you should note that most are closed Monday and Tuesday Here are the hours.
Laja
Open Wednesday 1:30 a 3:30 p.m
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 1:30 a 8:30 p.m
Manzanilla
Open Wednesday to Saturday 1pm to 1am
Muelle Tres
Wednesday to Sunday from 1 pm. to 6 pm
Some places I also recommend you check out
Restaurante Del Parque
Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Sundays they are opened from 1pm to 6pm
La Guerrerense (Street Cart Specializing in Ceviche) 10am-4 pm Everyday with exception of Tuesday
Tacos El Fenix (Fish Shrimp Taco Stand)
7am - 9pm 7 days a week
I would suggest Muelle Tres for lunch and Manzanilla for late dinner on Wednesday. You definitely don't want to miss those.
I don't have much time for more detail you can search the boards for all of these places, have fun.
http://masaassassin.blogspot.com
Lamb From Aqui Es Texcoco soon to be available on University Ave
avagax thanks for the correction. Yes its very close to Super Cocina and a stones throw away from Mariscos German.
DougOlis- I doubt they will have a full Menu, I've been told it will be an express version.
Lamb From Aqui Es Texcoco soon to be available on University Ave
I was doing some recon around 25th and University Ave today and noticed a sign that almost made me crash.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mrstranger/food/aquuies.jpg
Aqui Es Texcoco coming soon!
After further inquiry, I've come to find out they will have an express version available in the store soon. The goods will be provided by Aqui Es Texcoco Chula Vista, and take out will be available.
This is very good news for fans of Aqui Es Texcoco. Details still need to be ironed out, I will report back when its in full effect.
http://masaassassin.blogspot.com/
Favorite Mexican Breakfast in SD?
You just made me hungry Beach Chick, I will try and return the favor :P
Menuderia Don Vicente is my favorite breakfast place (KR turned me on to this place).I get the menudo of course. In addition to Menudo, They have Green Pozole, Birria, Machaca, Chilaquiles, Chorizo con Huevos, Huevos Rancheros and much more.
Red Menudo
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mrstranger/food/menudored1-1.jpg
Green Pozole
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mrstranger/food/pozoleverde.jpg
Sides
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mrstranger/food/accumenudo-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mrstranger/food/costillos-1.jpg
Chilaquiles
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mrstranger/food/chmenudo.jpg
The tortillas here mmmmmmmmmmm look at the masa
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mrstranger/food/masa.jpg
Menuderia Don Vicente
2637 Highland Ave
at 28th St
National City, CA 91950
(619) 336-0455
Also Super Cocina of course
Provecho!
http://masaassassin.blogspot.com/
San Diego Mariscos (Talmadge/City Heights)
When I looked at the Menu on the truck I immediately felt it was in some way affiliated with Mariscos German. It turns out I was somewhat correct on the similarities, after striking up conversation with the owners son, it turns out the owner of Kikos Mariscos is the brother of the owner of Mariscos German. Apparently they are not affiliated and he assured me they use different recipes. The only difference in the menu is Kiko has A La Diabla tacos, more burrito choices, and no cayo taco.
Kikos Menu
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mrstranger/food/kikosmenu.jpg
Kikos Gobernador
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mrstranger/food/gob.jpg
Germans Gobernadors
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mrstranger/Mariscos%20German/TacoGobernardor.jpg
After comparing a few Menu Items, Id have to give German the edge (at this time). A few pluses for kikos is the service was awesome, and they have more seating available.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mrstranger/food/kikosstreet.jpg
I tried much more items then shown and I will provide more details when I get time. They also have a Viagra Cocktail which is their specialty, but was unavailible at the time.
http://masaassassin.blogspot.com/
Ensenada Baja Mexico "Gastronomic Adventures 2009"
Great Report thanks for reporting back. Yeah its hard to know what to expect at Viento, much depends on what they have on hand that day. I had a nice breakfast their 2 weeks ago. Two things that still stand out for me are the black mole tamale, and I have an odd craving for the crushed chili with Gusanos de Maguey, The view as you stated is hard to match on a nice day.
What can I say about Muelle Tres, great taste and value. That's a great idea about the tasting menu. I went back after this report and love the place even more. I had a few more dishes including the Tiradito de Pescado, I added the details of my most recent visit on my baja blog. Thanks again for reporting back.
http://masaassassin.blogspot.com/
San Diego Mariscos (Talmadge/City Heights)
I've been meaning to check it out, perhaps this weekend
Food trucks in SD...where are they?
El Pescador http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/524846
Although they have restaurants the best trucks are El Paisa and La Fachada
Aqui es Texcoco Now Open / Chula Recon
One of my favorite spots, I love the costillo. I always thank Alex for turning me on to this place. Next time your in town drop a line, I have some cubans and baja wine waiting.
Valle de Guadalupe Ensenada Questions
You definitely won’t be disappointed. I just got back from a fabulous weekend in the valley. Steve Dryden from Baja Times showed me around and we hit about 5 places in 1 day and had I had dinner at Laja. I will report on the trip soon. Micapy, Steve Dryden is also available for formal wine tours if you would like a guide http://www.bajawineandtours.com/ the best way to contact him is thru email.
Ringo great report. You definitely need to check out Vinedos Malagon, that is the first place Steve took us (by appointment). I really enjoyed the wine and ended purchasing a few bottles. Nathan Malagon is a very cool guy.
*Tijuana's newest culinary gem* - Erizo Cebicheria
Erizo Cebicheria
Those familiar with Tijuana establishments Guiseppi's, Casa Plascencia, Villa Saverio's and Chula Vistas Romesco will be pleased to know of the newest addition to Familia Plasencia "Erizo Cebicheria".
Erizo has been opened for just one week and is located in the affluent neighborhood of Chapultepec. Open daily from 11-7 Erizo is a perfect spot for a casual lunch, especially for you ceviche lovers. I would describe the Menu as Baja Peruvian fusion. Many of the ceviches are Peruvian influenced which explains the spelling "cebiche" in the their name. Some ceviches can be ordered as tostadas, and the specialty's by the plate. Highlights of my recent visit included...
Mesquite grilled Oysters in butter ponzu/chili serrano
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mrstranger/baja/oysters.jpg
Chili Gurreos stuffed with Crab and Shrimp (Toritos) with soy, citrus , and serrano
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mrstranger/baja/toritos.jpg
Green shrimp ceviche tostada . Chile serrano, chili habanero, cilantro, avocado, and red onions
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mrstranger/baja/TostadaVerde.jpg
Shrimp calamari dried mango ceviche tostatda. Toasted coconut chili habenero, cocunut milk, tamarindo, penut, and scallions. This is listed as a plate on the Menu but they were kind enough to let us sample a tostada
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mrstranger/baja/shrimpcal.jpg
Some very exciting dishes indeed. I usually pick a stand out but everything I had here was perfect. The exotic combination of the shrimp calamari ceviche is unlike any other flavor combo Ive had, simply amazing! If that's not enough to excite you, perhaps you need a shot of Leche De Tigre (Tigers Milk), a favorite amongst Peruvians for hangover cure. It certainly packs a punch of vigor.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mrstranger/baja/lechedetigre.jpg
To complement the exciting menu they offer a selection of premium local beers and wine. The decor is clean and simple and the kitchen is open. Some menu items are written on a chalkboard
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mrstranger/baja/erizochalkboard.jpg and they also have an extensive paper menu. The service is what you expect at Villa Saverios (exceptional )and the value is hard to match.
Erizo cebicheria has moved up to my top spot for lunch in Tijuana. I just cant wait until my next visit to sample more, this is definitely a concept that works for me. I will post more menu offerings and photos as time permits.
Provecho!
Erizo Cebicheria Located in the same center as Caffe Saverios and walking distance (3 Blocks) from Villa Saverios
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mrstranger/baja/erizooutside.jpg
Ave Sonora No 3808-11 Major Cross street Blvd Agua Caliente
Tel 686-1564
Al Pastor San Diego
In order of preference
Tacos El Paisa - Truck with spit and Indoor Spit
3069 National Ave
(between 30th St & 31st St)
San Diego,
La Fachada truck with spit
20 25th St
San Diego
Tacos El Gordo Indoor Spit
1940 Highland Avenue
(between 19th St & 20th St)
National City
All have been reviewed here
Some Eye Candy
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mrstranger/food/AdobadaTacosElGordo.jpg
Some Taquero with skills in Oceanside
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEjeVBDXmUs
Valle de Guadalupe Ensenada Questions
I'm looking to continue my adventures in Ensenada. Valle de Guadalupe is one area I have limited knowledge of but would love to learn more. Question for those familiar with the area.
If you only went for a day what are the "Dont Miss"wineries? How would you tour?
Thanks
Ensenada Baja Mexico "Gastronomic Adventures 2009"
Perdon Jefe :P I could not resist.
I wanted some Chapulines but unfortunately they were not available, she was expecting a shipment any minute. I did sample some incredible blackbean paste with avocado leaves. Next adventure Valle de Guadalupe.....
Ensenada Baja Mexico "Gastronomic Adventures 2009"
Oaxaca in Ensenada______________________________________
Having been intrigued by the the talk of a new Oaxacan restaurant in Ensenada I decided to make the journey from San Diego to Ensenada on another beautiful January morning.
Oaxaca at Viento, is located in El Sauzal Ensenada, three miles south of the last toll station (San Miguel) on Scenic Hwy 1. Once you pass El TraileroTaqueria look for the El Viento Billboard. El Viento is a coastal development that is basically in the conceptual phase.
At the end of the long wooden corridor you are suddenly embraced by breathtaking views and Oaxacan hospitality. The husband and wife owners, Laura and Salavador, were more than willing to discuss their passion. Utilizing products shipped directly from Oaxaca, the menu is ever-changing. Laura and Salvador's goal is to introduce Oaxacan regional cuisine combined with local seafood to form a fusion between Baja California and Oaxaca.
The menu, which is not in print, is based on what they receive from their fresh Oaxacan shipment. I did not get to sample the Baja-Oaxaca fusion but I did get a taste of Oaxaca. The menu items of the day included
Mole Negro Tamale
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mrstranger/food/Ensenada2009395.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mrstranger/food/Tamale2.jpg
Chiliquiles con Tasajo
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mrstranger/food/Tasajo.jpg
Blanda con Mole Negro y Queso Fresco
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mrstranger/food/Blando.jpg
Estofado de pollo
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mrstranger/food/EstofadodePollo2.jpg
Chessecake with Oaxacan Chocolate
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mrstranger/food/Chessecake.jpg
Mezcal con salsita Gusanos de maguey
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mrstranger/food/Mezcal.jpg
Oaxcan Cafe de Olla
The Mole Negro Tamale with its perfect masa, balanced with the sweet and spicy Mole Negro, was worth the trip alone. The Oaxacan coffee and hot chocolate are also not to be missed.
While enjoying some Mezcal I was delighted to try the accompanying Maguey worms. Gusanos de maguey (chinicuiles) are edible worms that live in the maguey and agave plants. They are considered a delicacy and are often crushed in a spicy red salsita which is the wonderful concoction I was served.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mrstranger/food/Mezcal.jpg
Mezcal not your thing? They have access to a large variety of Baja wines from the wine cellar at Viento. For those interested El Viento has a wine club on Friday nights. www.tanino.com.mx
Come taste Oaxaca in a beautiful coastal setting. Opened Wednesday -Sunday I'm not sure of their hours but Saturday they are open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
The video of the wonderful coastal setting*********************************************
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9bzi7LO6rg
Some San Diego Mexican Notes
Churros El Tigre on University is no longer available. I went by a few times the last few weeks and no one in site. The guy that runs the auto shop El Tigre was located, is baffled. He said so many people are stopping by wondering what happened. Even the auto shop guy misses the churros.
Perhaps with all the coverage on boards and youtube he made enough to retire ha-ha. I asked him if it was ok to give him coverage and he said yes he was licensed so I doubt he was shut down.
Oh well I hope he makes it back.
Your Avatar..does it sum up who you are?
Yes.
Mine is Mr. Blonde from Reservoir Dogs, we share some personality traits.
Ensenada Baja Mexico "Gastronomic Adventures 2009"
Gracias Bigotes! I had two places I still had on my list El Paisa for tacos, and the old Oaxacan place. Somebody at Del Parque was talking about a different Oaxacan place, but we forgot to get the info. I look forward to your report.
