Years ago, while driving down Main Street in Chula Vista, I noticed a shop in one of those ubiquitous strip malls. What grabbed me was the large "Birria" sign. Recently, I happened to be in the area, and drove by to see if the place was still there. And it was......with even more lettering!
Is there anything that's not on the menu??? They even say they serve Menudo Blanco!
This being about 930 in the morning, I peered into the dining area..... where not a soul was stirring!
Not knowing if the place was empty, I saw two women behind the counter, and asked with some hesitation, "abierto?" The two woman cracked up, and said "Si" in unison, and one of them walked me to a table and handed me a menu.
A few seconds later, some still sizzling tortilla chips hit the table:
Along with two salsas, one of which was pleasantly spicy and tart.
On his visit, I was really interested in only one item, the Birria de Chivo (spicy stewed goat - $9.25), which arrived soon after ordering.
The Birria was very mild in flavor, and wasn't very spicy or herbaceous at all. It was very rich though, mildly gamey, and quite filling. I should have asked for that little shaker of oregano that these places always have hanging around.
Of course the Birria arrived with all the usual accompaniments. The tortillas were routine, but nice and hot. Onions, cilantro, and lime are a must. The beans were terribly bland though.
The Birria was so rich, that I couldn't finish it off, so I hesitantly asked the young lady, "para lleva por favor....." To which she replied laughingly, "muy bueno Espaniol." I'm sure that the two women found me amusing. I ended up having the rest of the Birria with rice later that night.
Not the best Birria I've ever had, but the menu at Los Tokados is very extensive, and I might return one day. So if you're a regular customer, I'd like to know what you recommend.
Mariscos y Birria Los Tokados
2638 Main St.
Chula Vista, CA 91911
Hours - Daily 9am - 8pm
not knowing what birria was, I anticipated a post about beer :0
Posted by: kat | Wednesday, 16 September 2009 at 12:15 AM
You know, they probably don't have too many Asian looking gents coming in and having goat stew for breakfast. No wonder they found you amusing.
Posted by: ed (from Yuma) | Wednesday, 16 September 2009 at 06:56 AM
Hi Kay - LOL! The first thing that came to mind was goat flavor "beeru".... ;o)
Hi Ed - And an Asian who totally butchers Spanish at that! ;o)
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 16 September 2009 at 08:18 AM
Looks good too bad it was just ok.
Then again it's a seafood and goat place. Maybe they should focus in on a particular item. IMO
Posted by: nhbilly | Wednesday, 16 September 2009 at 12:23 PM
Hi Billy - That could be correct..... man do tey serve everything in the world.
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 16 September 2009 at 02:38 PM
Birria at 9:30 in the morning? Either they got up very early to make it or it's left over???
Posted by: Andy (美國土子) | Wednesday, 16 September 2009 at 07:32 PM
Second though.. Mariscos y Birria = Mexican Surf and Turf
I once went to a Birriaria in Pomona where I live after waiting what seemed to be 15-20 mins to spoon simmer stew into a togo container, I decided the lady was busy melting frozen birria in a pot before spooning it into the to go container.
Posted by: Andy (美國土子) | Wednesday, 16 September 2009 at 07:35 PM
Hey Andy - Don't you know that stews sometimes taste better the next day??? ;o) But those tortillas were pretty fresh.
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 16 September 2009 at 08:45 PM
LOL it's probably true that it does taste better the next day. Maybe cause:
A. You're not to tired.
B. Everything finally cooked out.
C. You're starving.
D. All the above.
;-)
Posted by: nhbilly | Thursday, 17 September 2009 at 05:27 AM
awww, and it started off so well with the sizzling chips. those tortillas look good and although rudimentary, you were able to communicate with the servers - that's impressive!
Posted by: foodhoe | Thursday, 17 September 2009 at 01:23 PM
Hi Billy - Add also, the flavors have chance to develop.....
Hi FH - If you call single words in very, very, very bad and embarassing Spanish communicate..... ;o) I should be able to do more, considering I live in San Diego!
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 18 September 2009 at 08:19 AM
I love birria kirk, Im in the same boat as you it has to have some kick to it. Wow that menu on the window is crazy everything from menudo to raspados haha. Hey when it starts getting cooler you and the missus should try our birria recipe I think you would like it.
Posted by: Masa Assassin | Friday, 25 September 2009 at 11:50 PM
Hi MA - I did bookmark your recipe....and will indeed try it out when things get a bit cooler!
Posted by: Kirk | Saturday, 26 September 2009 at 08:38 AM