Man, it was almost like summer for a couple days there, wasn't it? I don't ever remember it hitting 80 degrees around New Year! The weather put the Missus and I in the mood for some mariscos. And though we thought of heading to La Playita, or even down to Godoy. We simply wanted a couple of tacos and it was well past the time of El Pescador or El Prieto. Then I recalled that FOY (Friend of Yoso) Candice had mentioned that a mariscos place had opened near the border or PB and La Jolla called Oscar's.
Getting there was interesting......when going North on Mission you take a left at Turquoise and the place comes up rather fast. If going this route, you might have to figure out where to take that u-turn. Only street parking is available as far as I could tell. The restaurant is tiny, located right next to a smoke shop...or as the Missus says, it's right next to the "Hoo-kar" (Hookah) store. He-he-he.....
There are literally 6-8 seats in the place and a small counter area outside. The kitchen is bright and shiny and the young man running the place friendly and most helpful. We saw grilled snapper tacos on the greaseboard, but they had run out for the day when we arrived. The menu is compact, with many of the "regulars" you'd see at one of those mariscos trucks.
The Missus started with the Smoked Marlin Taco ($2.75 - tacos de marlyn):
In terms of price, this was cheaper than most trucks, though it wasn't nearly as stuffed. I never got a shot as the Missus polished it off in no time. She told me the fish was spot on in terms of flavor, but there was a bit too much cheese on it. I dunno, She cleaned this out pretty quickly.
I ordered a Fish Taco ($1.99)
Very routine, nicely fried, though a bit on the smaller side. The batter was fine, though I prefer mine a bit more crisp. There were some hidden what tasted like habanero in the pico, though the salsas are served on the side...a pretty nice touch. The tortillas were massed produced, but decent.
The "Fish Stew" (small - $1.50), was probably the weakest item we had. Served in a 8 ounce styrofoam cup that you'll usually get the gratis consomme in at most mariscos joints. There were two shrimp and a small scallop or two along with a not so tasty piece of fish in this.
This caldo was just too weak, tasting mostly of celery and lacking the deep flavor of what you'd get elsewhere.
To finish off, I ordered the Cucaracha ($7), also known as camarones a la cucaracha......cockroach shrimp.
The shrimp were headless, but nicely fried before being put to bed in very bracing, spicy-sour, tomato-chile sauce, which was more like a broth. The shrimp were cooked well, the meat tender, the shells adding a nice crunch...making the sounds that you would get when you step on the unofficial Hawaii state animal. This definitely called for some tortillas since there was so much sauce. I ordered some tortillas....which they nicely never charged me for (though I'm thinking it should some with them). But man, it was too sour and spicy for me....man, my tolerance is getting real low, I think I need to head back to Hunan Chilli King to build my resistance and get maced by my food again. The Missus on the other hand, went through this like a hot knife through butter....though She told me "that sauce is burning a hole in my stomach" on the way home.
While really not quite up to par with our favorite mariscos joints, this place wasn't bad and is a nice addition to the neighborhood. The folks here are very friendly and the prices not bad at all for the area.
mmm, I need to make some taco rice to feed my taco cravings...
Posted by: kat | Monday, 09 January 2012 at 07:44 PM
"Hawaiian state animal" (snicker, snort, chortel!)
The fish taco looks good!
Posted by: Carol | Monday, 09 January 2012 at 09:06 PM
Never had Marlin I might need to try it. I always assumed the meat would be fishy.
Posted by: nhbilly | Tuesday, 10 January 2012 at 11:41 AM
too bad about the consomme. i want to try another marlin taco...
ha ha - I echo Carol's response. I was about to write it then looked up. Har!
Posted by: caninecologne | Tuesday, 10 January 2012 at 03:25 PM
Hi Kat - I hope you do that!
LOL Carol! I've always thought of it that way.
Hi Billy - At mariscos places, they smoke their marlin.
Hi CC - The Missus loves marlyn at most places. To me they are the unofficial state animal...some are so large I want to throw a saddle on 'em! I'm not even going into the huge flying ones....
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 10 January 2012 at 06:48 PM