I have a handful of favorite Mexican restaurants in the area and I visit them pretty regularly. Somewhat recently, I found this place when I was on the go one afternoon and I was totally impressed with their food. It's a small spot that gets most of their business from "to go" orders and I understand why. Some groups and families go there to dine in and every time I have been there it is usually steady, but I think they get so many take out orders because it is difficult to find fresh, delicious and flavorful "to go" food. There are a ton of Mexican restaurants in SoCal and in North County where I live. A ton!!!! There are a great deal of good ones, too. Over the years though, portion sizes have shrunk and it's just undeniably true that many of the smaller cafes and restaurants have had to do so to stay in business when competing with corporate chains. Most of the franchises these days that were not so popular back in the day seem to be currently skimping on freshness, portion size AND quality since their focus is more on quantity and somehow they still get business! I really try my best to support smaller, more local places like this. The service and the food is usually better at a local cafe or restaurant. That's the main reason I blog about everything local. Everything local as far as I'm concerned, is better all around and these local spots need our support to thrive in the economy of Tourism here. Too many people just go to the most convenient place which is usually a corporate chain. Don't get me wrong, I'm not anti-Capitalism. I have had food and purchased products from chains myself, but recently it dawned on me when I realized one day a few months ago that I was actually just being sort of lazy about my choices. I could choose to buy products, food and get services wherever I wanted. I had the realization that I would like some balance where local businesses that have better food, service, products, talent, etcetera get more of the hype! More excitement... More business! This place is proof that the local business is the way to go. I know it seems like it's just Mexican food, but it's not. It's about awareness and actively supporting the small business owner because they are the ones that have created the culture here that so many tourists come here to enjoy., It's off the freeway in Grand Plaza and most people probably drive right by the restaurant. My hope is that this place and places like it gain a stronger following and have a better chance to benefit from the consumers in the area. When I went there, I didn't expect such a great menu and such amazing food. I have been wanting to write about more local cafes and restaurants and I think this place is a good start. I have had burritos and tacos there mostly and I am stuffed afterward and actually I rarely finish my plate. The tacos are huge. The burritos are as well. I am especially impressed that they make their own chips and tortillas right in front of you and they are extremely delicious. Everytime I go there they are making fresh, handmade tortillas. It makes me hungry just thinking about it. I am a taco lover to be sure. Most local Californians are! Actually, I think most local Californians eat Mexican food several times a week. How can you not? It's excellent. I have had all sorts of tacos there, but I believe the grilled shrimp are my favorite. *this image is from their website.
They do catering as well. The next time you're in San Marcos shopping off Las Posas...try this local spot! 760.580.6208
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This photo was taken by local photographer Dominique Labrecque. He is originally from Waimea, Hawaii, but he has lived in SoCal for many years now. He specializes in surfing photography, event photography and portraits. This photo was taken at Carlsbad Beach and it embodies the Southern California lifestyle because surfing is such a huge part of the community here. For access to more of his work online and information about Dominique visit his Facebook page at Dominique Labrecque Photo.
I love supporting local photographers in the area because many of them devote a great deal of time to capturing images of stunning sunsets and the beaches here. I have seen some of the most amazing sunset shots by local photographers in the area and many times they are sharing an experience through their lens that I would never have seen otherwise. Looking at the works of local artists like Dominique allows us all an opportunity to enjoy Southern California's beaches even with our busy schedules. Of course, we all need to take a day off to get away to the beach ourselves, but photography gives us an extra opportunity to enjoy this place we call home. Support your local photographer and buy a print of one of their sunset images. I promise you that it is money well spent. |
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November 2019
Owner, Lead BloggerHello, my name is Karen Vazquez. I have lived in Southern California for over thirty years. I realized about four years ago that it was time for me to give back to this wonderful community by supporting local SoCal businesses, performers, restaurants, spas, boutiques, fitness studios, farmers markets and more. My support shines through here by highlighting these fabulous local SoCal spots. You can also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, PInterest and LinkedIn. I will be featuring many local destinations in the area that have been my personal favorites for years and am currently recruiting guest bloggers to expand the voice of LoSoCal. I have had guest bloggers in the past, but aim to incorporate local SoCal bloggers on a regular basis as a fun, creative and collaborative way to connect with the community here. Essentially, LoSoCal is a community blog, and it is meant to be resource to locals in this area and visitors from around the world. Please like or follow LoSoCal on the social media business pages and tell your contacts about the blog. Thanks for stopping by... ©️2020 LoSoCal and Local SoCal Lifestyle. All rights reserved.
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