Excellent #9 combination plate – Beef Chimichanga and Cheese Enchilada – at La Palapa in Lakeside! I truly marveled at the display of food on this plate. Typically a whole chimichanga is a complete meal in itself and requires no further accompaniment. At La Palapa they take it to the next level and pair it with an outstanding cheese enchilada. Always a great time and genuine, wonderful service here. I had to lay down after this one.
Remarkable “Ultimate Burrito” (lunch menu sized) at Nuevo Girl in Ramona! Excellent carne asada, sautéed bell peppers and onions, wrapped in a warm, supple flour tortilla, then blanketed with their delicious red enchilada sauce and melted cheese.
In business since 1971, Casa de Pico is a SoCal institution! Beginning in Old Town San Diego, they eventually moved to La Mesa in 2005. The atmosphere at their Grossmont Center location is simply stunning! Reminiscent of the spirit of their original Old Town location. It’s a fun, festive environment with vivid colors, hand-painted artwork, wrought iron chandeliers, etc. Food is outstanding, too! I enjoyed one of their signature dishes called “Senor Pico”. Beautifully grilled, thin-sliced carne asada with a taco and cheese enchilada.
On my most recent visit I had the Grilled Carnitas Burrito. This dish needs some work. The amount of serrano peppers inside really lit me up. Not very well balanced. Also, the tomatillo verde sauce on top was quite sparse. I even asked for extra. Was not served like a true wet burrito. The carnitas inside was in such huge chunks it kind of became a chore to eat.
Every time we visit we always get the Concha de Guacamole! Such a fun and adorable guacamole appetizer that looks like a bird-like creature, nestled in a crispy flour tortilla bowl. Love their mariachi as well. I believe they’re there every Saturday evening.
Outstanding “Pollo Asado Burrito” at Miguel’s in 4S Ranch! Marinated grilled chicken breast sautéed with salsa fresca, then rolled into a flour tortilla, topped with enchilada sauce, jalapeño white sauce, guacamole & cheese. Such an exciting kaleidoscope of textures and flavors!
Exquisite “Burrito Ranchero” at Casa Machado! Filled with tender, seasoned shredded beef, then blanketed with a rich & flavorful ranchera sauce. The whole thing is further adorned with cheese, guacamole and sour cream. It’s so good, you’re going to cry when you eat it.
No trip to or through Yuma would be complete without visiting my new favorite restaurant there, El Charro Cafe! One of my favorite things to order at any Mexican restaurant is a wet burrito. El Charro makes probably the best one I’ve put in my mouth. This one is called the “Red Saddle”. Smothered with an excellent red chili con carne. They also make a green chili version called… (are you ready for this?)… the “Green Saddle”. This is one of the most stunning dishes I’ve been served in a Mexican restaurant. And for being a San Diego native, that says something. I felt like I had to lay down after eating only half of it.
One of my favorite things to order at OTB is their outstanding “Classic Burrito”! Seasoned ground beef, pico de gallo and cheese rolled up in a flour tortilla smothered with a delicious chile con carne. I always add a few fresh jalapeño slices on top.
Excellent “Miguel’s Trio Burritos” at Miguels’ in 4S Ranch! Three mini burritos with Miguel’s signature sauces. Carnitas with verde, carne asada with red enchilada and shrimp with jalapeño cream.
I celebrated National Tequila Day (July 24) at Mi Guad in Esco! Outstanding “Burrito Loco”; made with shredded beef, along with guacamole, pico de gallo, lettuce, rice, and beans (omitted) inside a large, supple flour tortilla. The whole thing is then blanketed with their excellent house made enchilada sauce, melted cheese and sour cream.
Food Observations 