Every year, for the last 14 years, the Community of City Heights and the City Heights Community Development Corporation have put on the City Heights International Village Celebration.
For those not familiar with the community of City Heights, it is considered one of, if not the most, racially diverse communities in the United States. It would not be unusual to hear ten or twenty different languages being spoken while walking down University Avenue. Along with the benefits of diversity comes problems. And the International Village Celebration attempts to address these problems. A large portion of the celebration is dedicated to a Health Fair, which offers free screenings, and much helpful information on various health care related subjects. And a Job Fair.
The fair takes place on University Avenue, and stretches all the way from Fairmount to Euclid, which can seem like forever on a hot Saturday afternoon. There are three stages, with entertainment ranging from various dance performances, to local Jazz and R & B groups performing throughout the day. And of course, there are those rides for the kids.
So where's the food? Well we've kind of got that covered as well. There were many temptations, but we decided to minimize our calorie load....well somewhat. The Missus couldn't resist an refreshing Agua de Sandia(Watermelon Drink) from this booth.
They also had Tijuana-Style Hot Dogs going at the same booth. But my nitrite-meter wouldn't allow me to get them.
As I was passing by this booth, something caught my eye.
Here's the close-up:
Let me tell you, it's very hard to resist Al Pastor cut fresh from the Trompo. But, we kept walking....
Until we saw this:
Check out the custom made trailer, and the smoker in the back. As I was snapping a photo, "Ernie"(I'm assuming it was Ernie), waved us in:
For a closer look at his spotless cooking area, and His smoking "gear".
Now "Ernie" told me His style of BBQ is called Louisiana Style BBQ, which I'd never heard of previously. So based on Ernie's hospitality, and basic curiosity, we had to give it a try.
The Missus ordered the Rib Sandwich($7.95):
This was generous plate of 5 smoked ribs, 2 slices of wheat(gads!) bread. Some BBQ sauce, and Potato Salad. The ribs had a mild smoky flavor, with a very light "rub", they were on the chewy side.
The "BBQ" sauce was kind of interesting:
It was a chunky tomato based sauce, with distinctive chunks of onions in it. It slightly tangy, but not very spicy. As a whole, we decided not to use the sauce. The potato salad had a generous amount of egg and herbs in it, and was rather light on the mayo. I liked the salad, but the Missus didn't care for it.
I ordered the Brisket Sandwich($7.95):
Now this was pretty good eats. Nicely smoked(dig the "smoke ring"), tender slices of beef brisket in a roll. No need for sauce, dressing, or whatever. Not the best BBQ brisket I've ever eaten, but it's good for "fair food".
After eating we made our way to the other end of the Fair, at Euclid, and walked back. (Had to burn off that brisket) All the while enjoying watching people of all races, ethnicity, sizes, and shapes, walking side by side. All the while talking about how the City Heights International Village Celebration seems to get better every year.
Kirk, where do you find out about all of these interesting cultural experiences?
Posted by: Ted | Sunday, 04 June 2006 at 08:47 PM
I always wondered what al pastor was! I'm from chicago and then dc/va metro area so my understanding of mexican food if very weak. but what is the difference between al pastor meat and say a gyro?
Posted by: jenni | Sunday, 04 June 2006 at 09:46 PM
Hi Ted - Websites such as - http://www.flexitours.com/sdevents.htm
Help alot. I'm also pretty aware of posters and stuff in the neighborhoods I frequent. Don't miss the Greek Festival next weekend!
Hi Jenni - Well Al Pastor is thinly sliced pork that has been marinated in herbs and seasonings, and is served on a Trompo("top"). Al Pastor literally means "Shepard's Style" - so Shepard's Style Tacos, Burritos, etc. The story goes that this type of spit-grilling meat was brought to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants. Apparently, this type of cooking first originated in Puebla, where there is a large population of Lebanese. I really started learning about these on a quick road trip to Yuma:
http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2005/11/yuma_part_2_tac.html
Posted by: Kirk | Sunday, 04 June 2006 at 10:11 PM
Hi Kirk,
Good to see that you're able to make all of these little fairs in your area. I've missed quite a number of them because of work and I really wanted to catch some of them too. Hopefully I'll be able to go to the Taste of Honolulu this year.
Posted by: Reid | Monday, 05 June 2006 at 02:34 AM
Over the hot weekend, I would have been very happy with trying all of the fruit drinks. They are so refreshing.
Posted by: Jack | Monday, 05 June 2006 at 04:54 PM
Hi Reid - We haven't been able to make quite as many as in the past, but we try our best - I look forward to your report on Taste of Honolulu!
Hey Jack - Boy was it hot!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 05 June 2006 at 08:09 PM
Hiya Kirk, ya know you don't have to respond to this post but I'm gosh darn proud of you! I read the two Recent Posts
"City Heights International Village Celebration
Did you happen to catch mmm-yoso.... "
Posted by: Jean | Monday, 05 June 2006 at 09:09 PM
That fetival surely sounds interesting Kirk, definitely something I'd like to see. Hmmm I think that al pastor would have been tastier but *pat on the back* I think you chose the healthier option :) Also possibly good to try something from another part of the country if you don't plan on going to Louisiana ;)
Posted by: Rachel | Tuesday, 06 June 2006 at 06:02 AM
hi kirk! Sorry it's been so long. So I'll bite, what's a tijuana hot dog?
Posted by: penny | Tuesday, 06 June 2006 at 09:07 AM
Did you ask that place selling the TJ style dogs if there are any taco shops in SD that sell them or can one only get them at streetfairs here?
Posted by: Green Turtle | Tuesday, 06 June 2006 at 10:21 AM
Hi Jean - Well, I try to respond to as much as I can. But all I can say is, thanks that is so very sweet!
Hi Rachel - I've got to say, it was Big Ernie who reeled me in!
Hi Penny - Long time no hear from! It's a bacon wrapped hot dog, on a large bun, with various pickled veggies or other things on top. A double nitrite, double fat, double whammy!
Hi Green Turtle - I've tried to email you, to no avail, with this excerpt from the Reader:
Guayson's Hot Dogs
2941 National Avenue, 619-232-0029. Hector and Becky's hot dog place used to be a cart on 25th Street. Now they have a real shop. Some might mourn the move up, but the essentials haven't changed. What they sell is Tijuana-style hot dogs -- that is, sausages wrapped in bacon. The only difference from what you get on Avenida Revolución: these are bigger, and they're turkey meat, but just as scrumptious. Squishy, rich, flavored with jalepeño, ketchup, mayo, onion, roasted chiles. Also delish: elotes (shucked corn, melted butter, mayo, cheese, hot sauce, lemon). Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; until 2 a.m. Friday and Sunday. Inexpensive. -- E.B. (3/06)
Sound promising???
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 06 June 2006 at 10:34 AM
I need to come down to San Diego! Too bad I can't come to Comic-con and see you all!
Posted by: milgwimper | Tuesday, 06 June 2006 at 06:40 PM
Hi Mills - Comic-con would give you an excuse......
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 07 June 2006 at 08:58 AM
Sorry for the email bounce, you have to manually remove NOSPAM from the address. It's to thwart spammers that use automatic email address harvesters that comb the web. I'll have to check out Guayson's next time I'm in that area. Just wish more of the mom & pop taco shops would have them as they don't seem very hard to make.
Posted by: Green Turtle | Wednesday, 07 June 2006 at 10:26 AM
Hi Green Turtle - Got it! No problems, I just wanted to make sure you knew about that place. Make sure to let me know how you like it!
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 07 June 2006 at 12:12 PM
LOL it definitely would give me an excuse, but I think I rather see you both than comic con! LOL ;P It was realyl fun having you up here, and you are pretty funny in person. :)
Posted by: milgwimper | Saturday, 10 June 2006 at 02:07 PM
'Kirk',
just ran across your comments,...
Comments
Kirk, where do you find out about all of these interesting cultural experiences?
Posted by: Ted | Sunday, 04 June 2006 at 08:47 PM
Hi Ted - Websites such as - http://www.flexitours.com/sdevents.htm
Help alot. I'm also pretty aware of posters and stuff in the neighborhoods I frequent. Don't miss the Greek Festival next weekend!
THANKS! Any suggestions or requests are greatly appreciated! Steve Churchill
Posted by: Steve Churchill | Wednesday, 02 May 2007 at 12:59 AM