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.   

Let’s Keep It Outdoors, San Diego

Spring is in the air and daylight savings time begins this Sunday.  It’s time for longer days and more fun in the sun.  San Diego might have had a little rain yesterday but the rest of the week is looking to be our typical 70-degree, sunny weather that we know and love.  In honor of those bright rays – we’ve devoted this post to all outdoor fun!

Take a morning stroll along Mission Bay and then end your walk at the no-frills Kono’s Café for a delicious (and not too pricey) breakfast.  Like most amazing breakfast joints, there might be a line around the corner, but just know it’ll be worth it.  You can’t beat their generous portions of bacon and eggs, along with their pancakes and French toast are just melt-in-your-mouth perfection.  Outdoor seating lets you soak up the sun’s vitamin D while you eat.

Walk breakfast off as you meander through Seaport Village, located a few miles south of Mission Bay, and enjoy the 2015 Busker Festival.  On March 7^th and 8^th from noon until 6PM, see the best street performers, not just in San Diego, but in the nation.  Wander down the cobblestone streets and take in the music, dancing and magic (literally).  Entry is free, but the performers will gladly accept tips.   

Food truck mania is sweeping the nation and what better way to enjoy the innovative cuisine than sitting outside?  Here are three of our favorites:

Voted one of the best food trucks in San Diego in 2014, Devilicious has rich and creative fare such as the “All Crab Crab Cake.”  This dish features a decadent crab cake with a fried egg, lettuce and tomato, sandwiched between a sourdough English muffin.  Their “Butter Poached Lobster Grilled Cheese” takes the classic sandwich and ups the ante to 11: Lobster tail, caramelized onion and Roma tomatoes smothered in cheese served on freshly baked artisan sourdough.  For a sinful dessert order the “S’More’s ‘Wich;” nutella, biscoff, marshmallows, chcolate syrup on butter toasted sourdough all come to together for a truly unforgettable dessert.  Check out their website for lunch and dinner locations.

When your food truck’s motto is “Keep Calm and Eat Well,” you’re guaranteed good eats with an Anglophile twist.  God Save the Cuisine is an eclectic mix of British food and international favorites.  Think fish and chips tacos and curried lamb sandwiches.  GDTC is owned by two brothers from southeast England who believe in supporting local business as much as possible.  They work hard to find the best ingredients from local, organic and sustainable farms.  The Calendar section on their site will let you know exactly where to find them, and when in doubt look for the red, British, double-decker bus blasting music from the UK.

For an All-American meal, look no further than Super Q Food Truck.  They claim to have the best BBQ this side of the Mississippi and the long lines along with positive reviews certainly backs that claim up.  This truck offers hickory smoked BBQ merging the different southern styles from North Carolina, Texas and Kansas City.  They say the secret to good meat is a mix of a good rub and a long roast.  Super Q has a signature rub and the meats are smoked for 13 hours to achieve the perfect amount of tenderness.  The meat is topped with Kaminski’s sweet and tangy house-made BBQ sauce for a flavorful and perfectly messy result.

All three of these food trucks will be parked at the Best Coast Beer Fest all day on Saturday, the 7^th.  Not only will this event bring together over 50 of San Diego’s craft breweries, and 14 local chefs, but 100% of the proceeds will go to the Cancer for College charity fund.  Cancer for College recognizes that many struggling with cancer do not have money for higher education after hefty medical bills.  Consequently they provide grants to cancer survivors to assist with the costs to pursue a college education.  Actor Will Ferrell is a long time supporter of this cause and proudly endorses the Festival.  Rumor has it, he might actually be making an appearance at Beer Fest this year.  Standard tickets start at $45, and there is also a Designated Driver Ticket ($20) for those who want in on the fun but don’t want to drink.

Did you know San Diego was voted the second most playful city in America?  With so many al fresco options it’s easy to see why.  Let Mission BayVacation Rentals be your starting off point for an adventurous, fun, and always sunny good time.