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2206 Carmel Valley Rd, Del Mar, CA

On the way home from the Del Mar Racetrack, Ben and I spotted Roberto’s and decided to stop in. It was our first time there and Ben had heard good things about it. After parking, we noticed that there was quite a line (there were about 10 people in front of us) and we took that to be a good sign. It took us about 20 minutes to get our order in which should have been a sign to us that this fast food place was not as fast as the Alejandro’s on Mira Mesa (which has two drivethrus).

The food was normally priced. The carne asada I got was about $3.50 or so. It was about 7:00 PM when we sat down to wait for our food and we decided to enjoy the sunset. From our table, we could see the ocean and some of the surrounding marsh land. The view was fantastic! Sadly, that is the only thing that I can say was good about that place. After an hour of waiting for our food, I was cold and very tired, not to mention hungry! I have never waited so long for food before. Once we got our meal, I thought to myself – this better be the best damn carne asada ever! It was not. For some reason, the chef had put almost all of the salsa and guacamole on one end of the burrito and all of the meat on the other side. What the hell? My meal wasn’t even hot when they gave it to us – just lukewarm. After such a long wait and mediocre food, I was in a terrible mood and felt like I had just wasted almost an hour and a half of my life. Ben and I vowed never to return. Needless to say, I do not recommend this place at all!

Taste: 3/10
Presentation: 1/5
Service: 1/5
Total: 5/20

8110 Mira Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92126. (858) 578-1770

It was getting late and I was at my Cliffs of Insanity… it was dark and cold… I had been talking to Michelle for like an hour and decided that it was time to get some food. Late nights have always screamed mexican food since my TWE days, but I wanted to try something different, so I drove around the streets of La Jolla, past my beloved John Muir College, past Tioga Hall… I saw Croutons, but kept driving. I drove through Miramar and ended up in Mira Mesa. I thought about Spices Thai Cafe (coconut ice cream!) and the Sorrento European Bakery (cheesecake on a stick!)… both good, but I kept driving and ended up at Alejandro’s Mexican Food anyway!

There are usually a few people eating in the outside covered seating area. Most customers use one of the two drive thru’s. Yes, two!

I ordered my usual chicken burrito ($2.99).

Sometimes, you want the fillers… rice, cheese, beans,… and sometimes, you just want meat! In this case, it’s all chicken! Lots of chicken… in a yummy sauce with a hint of tomato. And I love the warm flour tortilla  This is a place that you come for the food, not really the atmosphere or the presentation… just good mexican food =)

Taste: 8/10
Service: 3/5
Presentation: 3/5
Total: 14/20

9460 Mira Mesa Blvd. San Diego, CA 92126. (858)-549-3467.

So one day, I’m extremely hungry and with Dennis Tran. What else is there to do other than eat out in Mira Mesa with all of the great small businesses? He tells me about a great burrito thats larger than my forearm for only $5. Unbelievable! I had to see it for myself.

My first encounter with the El Grande was at a restaurant called Cotija’s. Waiting for the burrito to be put together took awhile, but when you see it you’ll immediately know you got your time and money’s worth. The El Grande is not only 14″ long but also has a massive girth. How long I’m not sure; I didn’t bust out a measuring tape. “HOLY CRAP!” was my first impression. It’s composed of two tortillas, beef and potatoe wedges from top to bottom, and a few dashes of lettuce. Becareful how you eat it! Because all of the contents can spill out if you’re not careful.

If someone dares you to finish it on the first try, please reconsider. I only finished about 60% of it. Of course, if you don’t finish you could always wrap it up, stick it in a box and take it back home.

Taste: 8/10
Service: 3/5
Presentation: 3/5
Total: 14/20