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.
