La Playita-Mexican Seafood. Excellent.

La Playita has closed

Other posts on La Playita can be found here, here, here and here

mmm-yoso never goes on vacation.  It is a blog, you know.  A blog about food.  Today, Cathy is talking about what she ate.  The other blogger guys are merely reading and enjoying vicariously.

Hello again.  I am back and oh so happy.   The Mister and I just had the most wonderful meal.  In April, Mr. P. told me this place was great when I asked him about it and I merely stored that tidbit of information.

I could kick myself for not going to La Playita sooner.  It is right up the street from Ba Ren, in the same parking lot as the Smart N Final on Clairmont Mesa Boulevard, in the back corner of the parking lot, closer to Limerick Street.

This is pretty much what it looks like inside-3 small tables and 7 stools at the counter...and lots of references to Pancho Villa,  I am unsure why.   You order and they start assembling and cooking.  Basically, it is all seafood except for the corn tortilla quesedilla for $2.50, mentioned on a piece of paper taped on the wall.

We decided to be the token Caucasians and order in that way this first time, so the fish(0r shrimp) taco ($2.50) (also mentioned only on a piece of paper taped to the window and on the wall), was ordered.  They had to fry it- an unusual sound - using the pan fryer and all.  These two are the only fried items you can order.Correction- when it is hot weather out, those are the only two fried items you can order. When it is of a better temperature outdoors, there are several 'specials' on the wall listed that are pan fried and delicious!

Lightly corn meal battered slices of fresh red snapper (which is otherwise used in the ceviche) served on a single tortilla with tomatoes, cilantro, onion and some spicy, creamy orange colored sauce which is also made in store.  Served with a home made hot sauce which is very good.

This is the menu on the wall.  No take out menu and the website isn't quite working. (Click to enlarge.)

The medium Shrimp Cocktail ($7).  We did not count how many large, juicy, sweet tasting shrimp were in here, but at least a dozen.  They were barely cooked (i.e., not mushy) and nicely chilled.  So sweet and quite large.  The nice lady at the counter (mom?) put some what we thought were onions and shrimp juice on the bottom, then the shrimp, then more sauce, which was made of fresh tomatoes and their juice, cucumber slices-not onions!-, cilantro and lime juice.  Perfectly simple and wonderfully refreshing. (The Mister does not like onions at all.)

Then, the reason I came- ceviche.  This is the small ($5) tostada of "House" ceviche- Three sizes available, 4 types to choose from(could have gotten shrimp, imitation krab or the large ($10) size of ceviche tostada called "Super Crazy") and the House one is made with scallops.  Scallops that are raw and only start cooking in the lime juice when you order and the ceviche is assembled.  Fresh.  For you.  When you order. This small size is more expensive than other ceviche tostadas around town, but is definitely double the amount of seafood and tomatoes, cucumber and cilantro than you usually get elsewhere.   No Jalapeño or onions, just fresh, crisp wonderful fresh flavors.  By far the best I have had. 

If you are craving Mexican Seafood, this is the place to try.

La Playita Seafood 5185 Clairmont Mesa Blvd, San Diego 92117 (858) 874-6484 . No hours listed.  Website

Comments

[Craig]

Did anyone try Mariachi's or La Michoacana Fruits & Salads yet? (see above) I haven't been around for a while. I've been busy dealing with a major issue as a result of the Witch Creek fire.

[Cathy]

It is one of those posts buried deep in my camera, Craig. I intended to go back and order more so as to have a better post...Both places are good. I know about after fire priorities; have a friend in North Escondido.

[RightCowLeftCoast]

I know this isn't Escondido, however, if you go to the North County, can you try "Manila Harbor" in San Marcos and tell me what you think? I did a recent search for Filipino food in North County, and outside of "Manila Mesa" Manila Harbor appears to be the only one in the CA-78 corridor.

[Cathy]

I know the San Marcos area, RCLC, and will seek out Manila Harbor, soon.