Brrrr, it was a pretty cold weekend! The first day of Spring (March 20th this year) brought in some cold, wet, and windy weather. I really needed something to warm me up, and I think I knew the spot. On my visit to Pho 888, I noticed this sign:
No, it wasn't the Mobile Auto Glass shop that caught my attention, but the colorful little shop in the same strip mall.
As I entered, the wonderful and intoxicating smells of Birria filled the air. The menu was small, with just three basic items Birria de Res, Birria de Chivo, and Menudo. The sign also says "Estilo Jalisco"......."Jalisco style." It is said that the Mexican State of Jalisco is the birthplace of birria. This made ordering easy.....Birria de Chivo of course($8). Well not that easy, the two really nice ladies working the place didn't speak English. They understood "Birria de Chivo", but then asked me a few (probably) basic questions, which was answered through pointing and nodding. The hardest one was when I was told to have a seat, and pay after my meal...... Finally, they called upon the very nice, tall gentleman in the back, who explained everything to me.
I took a seat on one of the stools, and soon enough, all the accouterments arrived.
Finely minced onion, chopped cilantro, lime, a "muy picante" salsa, and a shaker of oregano. Some pretty decent corn tortillas, nice and warm, were dropped off as well.
And soon enough a steaming plate of Birria de Chivo arrived....the brime of the plate spilling over at the edges. It smelled heavenly. I did notice the beans were also totally immersed in the broth along with the meat.
I knew instantly that I was going to enjoy this. Rich and hearty, with a wonderful gamey flavor, a hint of smokiness, with onions and the upfront heat of the salsa to cut the richness this was a perfect remedy for a cold day. For my tastebuds, no lime or salt was needed.
I even enjoyed the beans!
This was one hearty meal. And unlike some of the Birria de Chivo I've had in the last year, this one didn't fall short. Watch out for the sneaky bones though. It could have been the perfect dish at the perfect time, but I really enjoyed this. Also, not having been to Jalisco, I couldn't tell you if this was the real deal or not. But it sure hit the spot. It's just a matter of time before Masa Assassin eats here, and I'm looking forward to hearing his opinion.
Not much English spoken, but everyone is very nice and helpful. Only a few items on the menu. Generous portion sizes. I can only tell you that after this meal, I was ready to tackle my first really big chore of the weekend......a nice nap!
Birrieria Don Rafa
631 Broadway
Chula Vista, CA 91910
this looks so good.... DROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL.
Posted by: clayfu | Tuesday, 24 March 2009 at 11:22 PM
looks delicious, sometimes it is the hidden places that are true gems.
Posted by: kat | Tuesday, 24 March 2009 at 11:34 PM
Great Write-up Kirk, thank you. I almost went here last week. When I was enjoying a bowl of green pozole at El Borrego I noticed the add for this place inside the El Latino paper. The "Birrio De Chivo" in the add caught my eye. Its hard to come by good Chivo in these parts.
Your pictures are killing me. The meal looks so good and hearty, I feel like driving their now. You have great taste so I'm sure its going to the real deal.
Posted by: Masa Assassin | Wednesday, 25 March 2009 at 05:37 AM
Oh man that makes me miss my favorite Peruvian dish - seco norteno.
Posted by: nhbilly | Wednesday, 25 March 2009 at 07:51 AM
Hooo mama does that look good!
Posted by: Janfrederick | Wednesday, 25 March 2009 at 08:18 AM
Wow, I LOVE authentic-looking Mexican food where the juice is stuck to the side of the plate. YUMMY!
Posted by: Cookie | Wednesday, 25 March 2009 at 12:54 PM
goldilocks never had it better. Nice find.
Posted by: RONW | Wednesday, 25 March 2009 at 06:58 PM
Hey Clayfu - Check this place out if you're in the neighborhood.
Hi Kat - Yes, you never know what you'll find....
Hi MA - Too bad you didn't have a chance to check them out yet. Love to hear what you thought.
Hi Billy - Now this is something you can find in your neck of the woods.
Hi Jan - It really hit the spot.
Hi Cookie - Then you'll love this place. ;o)
Hi RONW - I'm thinking about returning ASAP.....
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 25 March 2009 at 07:08 PM
wow, that really sounds good. I love chunky meats in a delicious spicy sauce... and those tortillas look delicious too.
Posted by: foodhoe | Thursday, 26 March 2009 at 03:37 PM
Hi FH - This was better than expected.
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 26 March 2009 at 09:23 PM
What a gem. I tried this place based on the reviews here a couple of months ago and the ladies there spoke very good english and directed me accordingly. Great tasting food with incredible flavors.
Posted by: dale | Thursday, 17 September 2009 at 12:48 PM
Hi Dale - It's been a few months since I've been here. I'm glad they are doing well!
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 17 September 2009 at 10:21 PM