Celebrating Latin Food in San Diego

The San Diego foodie scene has been fast expanding over the last few years.  We’ve gained enough national recognition from outlets such as Forbes magazine and the New York Times, that people are stopping by our town, not just for beaches but for the culinary scene.  Our authentic Mexican cuisine is the best in the nation, and this weekend we have the largest Latin food festival in the world taking place just south of Mission Bay.

Happening next to Seaport Village at the Embarcadero Marina Park, the Latin Food Fest is the ultimate foodie festival for fans of Latin food, wine, and spirits.  This celebration includes all Latin American countries, not just Mexico, so there will plenty of exotic tastings from all over the Americas.  Wander the festival while listening to lively Cuban music and noshing on the best culinary creations from awarded local executive chefs as well as celebrity chefs.  Cooking demos will teach you how to take some of this magic home, and signed cookbooks will be available to purchase for those who want to get serious about learning the art of preparing Latin food.

By attending you’ll also be helping out Camp Able, a foundation based on helping adults and children with disabilities enjoy beach activities like sailing, swimming and canoeing.  Proceeds will be given to help this San Diego-baed charity, who want our disabled community to enjoy the same fun on the water that others might take for granted.  Tomorrow, Saturday, August 13th’s "Grande Tasting" is for adults 21 and over, while Sunday’s event is for all ages (both days run from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM).  General admission is split into two categories for Saturday: $50 (all inclusive food wine and spirits tasting) and $25 for “Designated Drivers”.  Sunday’s prices are $40 for general admission, $25 for “Designated Drivers,” $10 for kids, or $75 for a “Family Pack” (two adults and three children).  

In honor of the Latin Food Fest, and for those who can’t make this spicy and delicious event, we’ve rounded up our favorite taco trucks in San Diego. 

Tacos la Mezcla is a well known spot for San Diego locals, and surprisingly their most popular item is a mix of Korean barbecue and the traditional taco.  The Korean Asada taco is marinated meat grilled in the “Bulgogi” style over open flames and marinated with a mix of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and countless other seasonings.  It’s addictive and has fans checking into their Facebook and Twitter pages to find exactly where they are parked (usually around Fall Brewery, just north east of Balboa Park).

Located just east of Mission Bay is Kikos Place Seafood Lunch Truck, an unassuming taco truck parked in a liquor store parking lot.  Fancy this is not, but you will find some of the best fish tacos you’ve ever tasted.  Big portions, low prices and incredibly fresh ingredients make this truck extremely habit-forming.  San Diego natives have been known to drive here from all over the city just for their authentic Baja-style fish tacos.  For those who don’t want fish, their shrimp, octopus, or carne asada tacos are all crowd pleasers as well.

Bring your cash when you visit Mariscos Mi Gusto Es food truck as they don’t accept anything else, but rest assured you won’t be spending much.  With incredibly low prices, ( fish tacos start at $1.50 each), its easy to fill up on tacos for under $5 at this downtown favorite.  This truck is no-frills but has a friendly staff who will help you decide on the perfect order, as the menu is written in Spanish.  With a name that means “My Taste is Seafood,” it’s no surprise that they consistently churn out perfect tacos made from grilled fish (marlin is a popular choice) and shrimp.

Whether you stop by the Latin Food Fest or drive around sampling our favorite taco trucks, call Mission Bay Vacation Rentals to book a centrally located summer rental.  After a day exploring some of our best cuisine, you'll be happy to relax near Mission Beach letting everything digest.  But, we should warn you, once you've had some of these tacos, you might form a few serious addictions.   

When Life Gives You Lemons . . . Head to San Diego

Lemons might not be the first thing (or second thing) you think of when talking about San Diego, but our town actually has some historical ties to this bright yellow fruit.  When the Sweetwater Dam was completed in 1888, bringing in much needed water, the combination of our sunny skies and rich soil, led to massive lemon groves, especially in Chula Vista.  Believe it or not, today San Diego has plenty of lemony activities to try out.  

Did you know San Diego actually has a suburb named Lemon Grove?  It only makes sense that the largest lemon statue in the world is located here.  At over 3,000 pounds, 10 feet long and 6 feet wide, this impressive citrusy work of art has been on display for close to 90 years.  Located on the corner of Main Street and Broadway, originally created to be a parade float, the statue was plastered in 1930 to become a more permanent outdoor fixture in the community.  The base is engraved with San Diego's motto since 1925, "Best Climate on Earth," another reason why we deserve the title "America's Finest City."  

At one point Chula Vista was the largest grower of lemons in the world.  Whether or not this is true today doesn't stop the community from planning the popular Chula Vista Lemon Festival, a local favorite for over 20 years.  This Sunday, August 7th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, stop by the free event for live music, crafts, hundreds of vendor booths, and of course, plenty of lemon-flavored drinks and eats.  You won't want to miss the lemon pie eating contest at noon and the largest lemon and lemon peel contest at 2:30 PM.  The Festival Fun Zone will make the kids happy, and the Craft Beer Garden will put a smile on the adults' faces.  Some of the craft beers served will be lemon-infused, and all beers will be priced at $5.  

We've raved about the desserts at Extraordinary Desserts before, and when it comes to lemony confections, we have to say, this place is the best.  All the sweets here look more like works of art than food and they never compromise on taste.  There are two locations, one in Little Italy and one near Balboa Park, and both are amazing.  You can start with their custardy lemon bars, a perfect mix of sweet and tart, or the lemon meringue tartlets, a perfect bite (or two) of lemon curd covering in their signature meringue.  The Lemon Ricotta Cake is a light and creamy torte made up of lemon whipped cream layered between ricotta cakes that have been moistened with lemon juice and fresh blueberries and blackberries.  The piece de resistance is their famous lemon meringue pie.  Imagine four layers of lemon soaked ricotta pound cake and lemon curd all enveloped in toasted whipped meringue.  You might need repeat visits to fully experience all the lemony dessert heaven served here.  

For the best lemonade in town head over to one of two locations of the newly opened California-chain named Lemonade.  This place looks like a cafeteria from the future, serving a seasonal menu that has health-conscience choices along with decadent options like white truffle mac and cheese and Nutella cheesecake.  The only complaint you might have is that there are too many delicious choices, including their wide selection of homemade lemonades.  The "Old-fashioned" never disappoints but there are also more exotic flavors like "Cucumber Mint" and "Blood Orange."  We recommend asking for a sample before choosing which flavor to indulge in.  

Talk about making lemonade out of lemons!  We've got plenty to eat, drink, and do thanks to that sour citrus fruit.  Plan a refreshing holiday starting with booking a beach house or bayside retreat from Mission Bay Vacation Rentals, then follow our guide to find some sweet lemony treats.

Night Shift in San Diego

A southerner once visited San Diego and remarked, 'Your weather is perfect, even the outside is air conditioned.'  This really is the ideal town for outdoor fun, especially in the summer and the best part is the entertainment doesn't end with the setting sun.  Last week we highlighted where to go to catch a movie outside, this week we've decided to give you the scoop on some other nighttime activities you can only do in our town.    

Balboa Park is taking advantage of the season's weather and extending their hours every Friday until 8:00 PM with their "Balboa Park After Dark" nights.  There are nine museums who are extending their hours (the Museum of Man will stay open until 8:30 PM), and The San Diego Museum of Art is offering a special $5 admission fee for later entries.  While the Museum of Photographic Arts (or MOPA) won't be open later on Friday, they are offering extended hours on Thursday for those who can't make it on Friday.  The appeal doesn't stop there, the Park will also offer some of the city's finest food trucks and free music to liven the mood.  Check out their WEBSITE to find out which trucks and live music will be there each week.  These longer hours will run until September 2nd.  

In honor of its centennial year, the San Diego Zoo is extending their hours to 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM through September 5th.  Their "Nighttime Zoo" is a lively celebration that packs the last few hours of the day with music, dancers, and acrobats.  Albert's Restaurant will also be open later so you can grab a bite before you head out on the open-air deck overlooking the waterfall in the Lost Forest.  The restaurant will also have specialty cocktails created just for the Zoo's 100th birthday.  Music will include everything from traditional mariachis to a brass band to old fashioned rock 'n' roll.  Dr. Zoo will also be there presenting his signature informative and zany shows on zoo creatures.  Around 8:30 a puppetry parade of enormous proportions will close out the night.  

"Flight Night at Draft!" is a creative summertime concept from Draft, Belmont Park's delicious restaurant located on Mission Beach's boardwalk.  As we've mentioned BEFORE, Draft is known for serving over 100 different types of craft beer, and with "Flight Night" they've made a drinking menu where you can sample four different beers on tap.  Every Tuesday the fun begins with their "In-Flight Entertainment" at 6:00 PM with live-music, then "passengers" can select which flight they want to take.  There's "First Class" ($15), "Business" ($12), and "Coach" ($10) where patrons can create their perfect combination of drinks.  Draft even offers "In-Flight Snacks" with specialty pretzels and nuts.  Even if you don't want to test out the beer samples, a meal at Draft is a great way to wind down the day.

Contact Mission Bay Vacation Rentals to start planning a summer vacation where the fun continues into the night.  Take advantage of the season, the climate, and all our city has to offer!  After all, we wouldn't want to take for granted the fascination some visitors have with our "air conditioned" outdoors.

Films Al Fresco

Summer evenings in San Diego are the perfect setting to catch an outdoor movie.  As the sun sets and the temperature dips to the high 60s, its an ideal climate to snuggle up in a blanket and enjoy a favorite flick with the stars shining overhead.  You can catch one of these outdoor film series throughout the week and many are free.

"Summer Movies in the Park" is a film series that began in 2007 as a way to encourage locals to enjoy their neighborhood parks.  The movie nights have grown from four communities around San Diego County to 44 this year.  All movies start at dusk, or about 15 minutes after sunset, and we suggest you go early to lay claim to your area with blankets and chairs.  And, "Summer Movies in the Park" is a great time to grab your favorite Picnic Dinner.  The movie nights run until October 29th and most are on Fridays and Saturdays (with one Thursday night showing).  Check their calendar HERE for details on which films are being shown where and get updates on their Facebook Page.  

The Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens in Point Loma is home to the Liberty Station Movie Nights every Tuesday until August 30th.  The Movie Pavilion opens at 5:00 PM and you can bring chairs and blankets to save your spot.  Their extensive bar opens at 6:00 PM where you can choose from 40 types of craft beer on tap.  Movies are free but we also recommend eating at Stone Brewing, as their menu features an artisanal, natural approach to food and they are the largest restaurant purchaser of small-farm organic produce in San Diego County.  The movie starts at 8:30 PM, and if you do want to eat at the restaurant, Stone Brewing suggests saving your seats first, then see the host and let them know you're planning on seeing the movie and then they'll make sure your meal is over before the film begins.  

Balboa Park has so many picturesque settings that it only makes sense that they also offer a free movie night.  "Film in the Garden" features movies every Monday evening in August at 7:45 PM.  The screen is set up on the Botanical Lawn, east of the San Diego Museum of Art.  Bring your coziest blanket, a picnic meal and arrive early, as these spots get snatched up quickly.  An interesting twist to the traditional movie series, these films are chosen according to different art exhibits at the Museum of Art.  For example, the first film on August 1st, "How to Make an American Quilt," ties in with the "Quilts and Color from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston" exhibit which runs through September 5th.  

For those who can't escape to Italy this summer, you can enjoy a bit of Italian culture thanks to the "Little Italy Summer Film Festival."  Presented by the Little Italy Association and the Cinema Little Italy, the films run every Saturday night until August 27th.  Doors open at the Amici Park Amphitheater at 7:30 PM and the films begin at 8:00 PM.  All movies are chosen from classic Italian cinema and have English subtitles for those who don't parla italiano.  There is a requested $5 donation for entry.  With our climate being very similar to the Mediterranean it will be easy to sit back and pretend you're actually in Italia.  

Our last suggestion for an outdoor movie is actually for adults 21 and over, as it involves a special wine pairing that will match the movie shown that night.  The Athenaeum Music and Arts Library in La Jolla is a charming library with art exhibitions, concerts, lectures, studio art classes and in the summer home to "Flicks on the Bricks."  Every Thursday in August a different film is shown at 7:30 PM, beginning on August 4th.  The movies are screened on the patio of the Athenaeum and appetizers are served that also compliment the wine and a different creative cocktail each week.  Movies are $22 for non-members of the Library.  

Our city was made for spending time outdoors and we have so many lovely and diverse settings to set up camp and enjoy a film.  There's still plenty of time this summer to book a fabulous vacation home with Mission Bay Vacation Rentals and there's still plenty of time to plan an evening or two outside watching an equally fabulous movie al fresco.

Liberty, Equality, Fraternity

On July 14th, 1789, the Bastille prison was stormed, sparking the French Revolution.  Today that day is celebrated with the motto “liberty, equality, fraternity,” and Bastille Day is a day meant to celebrate the diverse culture and brotherhood that exists in France.  In honor of Bastille Day today we’ve decided to round up our favorite picks for French food and a little history about the cuisine culture. 

It might be safe to say that no one does a pastry quite like the French.  Bastille Day actually has historical ties to bread.  When the Bastille was stormed, the mobs were there to free enemies of the crown and to look for bread to feed the starving people.  Afterwards, a new government created “bread of equality” which mixed the rationed wheat flour with rye, making it more accessible.  A lot has changed since the days of the French Revolution and making bread and pastries has now turned into an art.  

The decadent “pain au chocolat” (chocolate croissant) is a staple you can buy is any bakery in France, and for authentic pain au chocolat, or some mini tarts, or maybe a creme brûlée, head to Arelys French Bakery.  Their almond croissants (or “Croissants aux Amandes”) are addictive and rival anything you might buy in France.  Another delightful pastry shop is one we’ve already mentioned, The French Gourmet in Pacific Beach.  This restaurant has some of the best selections of dessert pastries (from eclairs to tarts) in San Diego.  

The thin French pancakes known as crepe originated in the western region of Brittany but quickly spread to be a fast-food staple in France and Belgium.  The Creperie in France can be either a small restaurant or just a food stall in the street; and can be a main meal, dessert, or a snack, depending on the filling.  

For a touch of France in Little Italy, stop by Fabrison’s French Creperie Cafe, a quaint cafe that feels like you’ve stepped into Brittany.  Open from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM during the week and 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday, this place has sweet and savory breakfast crepes, lunch crepes filled with French ingredients such as béchamel sauce, mushrooms, and ham, and a sweet selection of crepes  stuffed with seasonal fruits, imported French chocolate, and lots of powdered sugar.  If you want to bake this treat at home, Fabrison’s also offers crepe-making classes on Thursday.  

In France the bistro is usually a small, casual restaurant, often run by a family that offers a low-key place for a bite.  The loose French translation of  ‘bistro’ is a ‘neighborhood bar’ or ‘pub’ and one you can count on for a hearty meal and friendly service.  

Le Petit Birstrot (the traditional French spelling of ‘bistro’) offers enchanting French food and an outdoor eating area where you can snag a front-row seat to the sun as it sets over the Pacific and downtown La Jolla.  This new restaurant already has a reputation for making both tasty French street food (like baguette sandwiches filled with ham and cheese) as well as innovative twists on the Breton galette (a buckwheat flatbread with a savory filling), which is also a great gluten free option.  They also care about customers and want to know how each experience was, which is a good indicator for a successful neighborhood bar.

The ‘brasserie’ (or brewery in English) is the larger scale French restaurant, open all day and well into the late night.  These  restaurants normally house a boisterous crowd and have larger open dining areas and are known for having a more extensive menu than the bistro.  

For a mix of American and French cuisine, check out Currant American Brasserie located downtown.  This brasserie offers francophile staples like foie gras toast and moules frites (steamed mussels with fries) and American touches like a wedge salad, Pacific oysters.  Be sure and ask about the “Popcorn of the Moment,” which are served the way pommes frites are served in France, in a metal cup and spiraled white paper.  The atmosphere is also a mix of California and Paris;  the French black and white checkered floors and red doors that swing into the kitchen are accented by floral iron accents and silver and crystal chandeliers. 

Wine Bars or ‘bars a vins’ are dotted all over France, especially in bigger cities like Paris, and are known for quieter atmospheres and diverse wine lists.  Their menus are usually accompanied by small pates like cheese and charcuterie (different prepared meats) to enhance and bring out certain notes in the wine.  

Cafe Bleu in Mission Hills does an excellent job at creating a cozy atmosphere that is still elegant.  Touted as a wine bar, with a wonderful selection of wines, Cafe Bleu really stands out for their popular takes on French classics like Beef Bourginon, Coq Au Vin (wine-braised chicken), French Onion Soup, and Steak Tartare.  This wine bar prides itself on turning out authentic French fare that will melt in your mouth, and where you’d be happy to visit even if you don’t drink.  They are also known for a delicious brunch, so we recommend stopping by for dinner and brunch.

The roots of Bastille Day go back to wanting equality for all, the right to liberty, and fraternity or a feeling of friendship and mutual support within a country.  San Diego is a city that honors its diverse roots and happily celebrate this French motto.  Contact Mission Bay Vacation Rentals today to plan a holiday with friends or family which will strengthen these ties and create everlasting memories. 

Picnics + Concerts = A Perfect Summer Evening

With clear skies, perfect weather, and plenty of beautiful lawns, San Diego is the perfect city for a picnic.  It's also the perfect town to catch some toe-tapping tunes for free.   This week on the blog, we've lined up some of the summer's best concert series and where to go to get a delicious picnic-style meal beforehand.  Picnics and harmonious tunes have never been more enjoyable.  





Pioneer Park is unique in that it sits atop a pioneer cemetery that dates back to the 19th century.  Starting today (July 8th) until July 22nd the "Mission Hills Summer Concerts in the Park" will kick off its summer season of free music.  From 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM you can lay out a blanket or chairs and enjoy this community tradition.

Vanoos Grillette in Mission Bay is the local's secret and the perfect place to get a meal-to-go before heading to Mission Hills.  This little gem of a spot makes authentic Mediterranean food as well as American deli sandwiches.  We suggest ordering a pita sandwich or a speciality wrap and a few appetizers, like hummus and grilled pita wedges and spinach cheese pies.  





Tucked away on the north east corner of Balboa Park is charming Bird Park, which has free concerts every other Saturday from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.  The Bird Park Summer Concerts will run on July 9th, 23rd and August 6th.  This series has been going on for over a decade and the park's wide open space draws in hundreds of locals.  

Just north of Balboa Park is a Whole Foods Market on University Avenue, perfect for picking a wide array of food and drinks to go.  Choose from hot prepared food or fresh pre-packaged sandwiches and cheese and fruit boxes.  From healthy greens to decadent baked goods, there's something for everyone here.  





"Point Loma Summer Concerts" free shows are so popular that the series provides free parking and shuttle service (click HERE for details).  Opening night is tonight and the concerts run until August 5th at Point Loma Park, and takes place every Friday from 5:30 to 8:30 PM.  Catering is available on-site but bringing a picnic meal is also encouraged.  

Con Pane Rustic Breads & Cafe in nearby Liberty Station is a great option for picking up that picnic meal.  As you can guess from the name, all bread is made in-house and locals pop in to buy loaves regularly.  The drool-worthy sandwiches are addictive and the bakery treats like scones, brioches and cookies will bring you back, whether there's a free concert nearby or not.  





Last summer we highlighted La Jolla's free concert series, and this year it's still on our list for places to be every Sunday.  A tradition since 1984, stake out your favorite spot in Ellen Browning Scripps Park overlooking La Jolla Cove and enjoy music from from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.  "La Jolla Concerts By the Sea" runs through September 4th and will feature such musical genres as old-fashioned Rock'N'Roll, Blues, and Swing.  

There will be hot dogs and snacks to purchase, but if you feel like adding a few gourmet treats, then stop by Bristol Farms, the high-end grocery market.  The cafe inside the market offers soups, salads, sandwiches to go.  Don't forget to peruse the cakes, cookies and artisan chocolates, for a sweet end to the meal.  





Nestled in University Heights is the Trolley Barn Park, named for the old streetcar barn that housed the neighborhood trolley in the early 1900s.  Every Friday (until August 5th) Trolley Barn Park is also home to free concerts, part of the "University Heights Summer in the Park" series.  The music begins at 6:00 PM and winds down around 8:00 PM.

On your way to University Heights, stop at Bread & Cie to grab some speciality sandwiches and French sweets like macarons and petit fours.  They also have a delectable selection of muffins, pastries, and cinnamon rolls for those with a bigger sweet tooth, as well as sumptuous salads for the healthy eater.  Bread & Cie also has a kid's menu perfect for children with small appetites.





Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park hosts free concerts every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.  The "Twilight in the Park Summer Concerts" provides family-friendly entertainment in a historical setting and goes until September 1st.  Click HERE for more concert details.

Located a few minutes from Balboa Park is Mona Lisa Italian Foods, which might not be an obvious choice for a sack meal, but their deli makes arguably the best Italian subs in the city.  Classic sandwiches are made with imported cheeses and meats for an authentic touch of Italy.  Their market also sells produce (apples, pears, bananas) and snacks to round off the meal.   






Enjoying a meal al fresco while taking in a free concert is the perfect recipe for a lovely evening.  Call Mission Bay Vacation Rentals today to book your summer stay, conveniently located in the center of all the fun.  We've done the planning for you, wicker basket and gingham tablecloth not included.

Lighting Up the Sky

Fireworks and the 4th of July go together like San Diego and sunny skies.  This year you won't be able to look up into the night's sky without seeing a fantastic display of pyrotechnics.  On Monday, July 4th, we've got you covered for where to go and what to see.

For those who might want a little more history in their observance  of America's Independence, head to Historic Old Town for "An 1800s Fourth of July."  From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM Old Town will be hosting a slew of activities that will date back to the early 19th century, back when Old Town was actually the new part of town.  A brass band will begin the festivities followed by patriotic speeches and a flag raising ceremony.  There will be a parade around the plaza and historical crafts, games, and contests that all date back over 200 years.  Join in the egg toss, cow chip throwing (yes, that kind of cow chip!), cherry pit spitting, and a delicious pie eating contest.  Park staff and volunteers will be dressed in period costumes and will be roaming the grounds to answer any questions or explain more about the history of the area.

San Diego usually has the latest in firework innovation and technology, which is yet another reason why our town is simply the best.  Here are four different destinations you can chose to sit back and take in the electrifying light shows:

For those who want to spend the day in lovely La Jolla, you can hang out at the beach and then make your way to Ellen Browning Scripps Park for the celebration which will begin at 8:00 PM.  This picturesque park will get crowded so we suggest arriving early to enjoy the sunset and then hang out for the fireworks, which begin at 9:00 PM.  

Leave it to unique Ocean Beach to coordinate their firework show with music at a local radio station. There will be free parking through out the neighborhood, like at Main Beach Parking Lot and Ocean Beach Pier.  Bring a picnic and a radio and tune into KyXy 96.5 at 9:00 PM to enjoy music to go along with the firework display, which will be shot off the pier.  Check out their website HERE for more details on the fun.  

The Maritime Museum will also be a great place to spend the afternoon exploring the different exhibits and then staying to watch the fireworks aboard one of their ships.  They are offering a picnic dinner from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM ($35 for adults, $18 for children) and if you want to arrive right before the show starts there are discounted tickets for 8:30 PM entry ($10 for adults, $8 for children), so you can enjoy the fireworks while floating on a historic vessel.    

The grand show stopper will be the "Big Bay Boom!" in downtown San Diego, the largest fireworks show in the county.  This is a free event and to accommodate the crowds the Port of San Diego has set up free parking lots with a shuttle service to Harbor Island and Shelter Island.  Fireworks will be lit simultaneously on barges placed in six different locations in San Diego Bay, creating a horseshoe display of booms and exploding lights.  The show starts at 9:00 PM and will last for 17 minutes.  

Mission Bay will be the perfect place to set up camp during the 4th of July, with convenient vacation rentals scattered all over Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and Mission Bay.  If going out on Monday evening is too overwhelming you can always catch a glimpse of some of these shows from the comfort of your vacation rental home.  Either way, this is going to be an exciting year to spend by the sea.