Tropical Fruit Paradise- a fruiteria on Friars Road

Hi.  You've found mmm-yoso!!! the blog about food.  Kirk and ed(from Yuma) are doing chores and other things and Cathy is blogging today.

Well, it's time for a new calendar and maybe some new habits, or at least a resolve to develop new habits.  I feel so fortunate we live in Southern California and have access to fresh produce daily, and that so many fruiterias are in our large County.  Many are in East County and I suppose are pretty ubiquitous, since I've posted only of one other fruiteria, merely dropping in to grab a beverage,  salad or sandwich when I'm on the run; Fruiterias do not only sell fruit salads and smoothie drinks, but regular salads, sandwiches and sometimes mariscos.  A fruiteria location opened last year on East Friars Road, where it crosses Mission Gorge Road-across from the Black Angus.  I had been meaning to stop here, but was always in the wrong lane and on my way home to Santee.  The other day, I made Tropical Fruit Paradise a destination.

If you miss the driveway from Friars, you can turn at the signal light (Riverdale) and drive up behind the building then into the parking lot in front of the strip mall.  

The bright and clean interior has menu suggestions everywhere when you walk in. I suppose some people only buy a packaged beverage and/or piece of fresh fruit...

The beverage selection include shakes (licuados) made with milk, juice blends (jugos), freezes/smoothies and you can make your own with up to three choices for either $3.50 (small) or $4.00 (large), with an add protein shot for 99¢. fresh fruit and vegetables are good to have at any time of the year, not just as a 'resolution'. 

Sandwiches on torta, salads and wraps are also part of the menu.  While we were eating, several people came in to pick up some large phoned in orders.

The Mister ordered a "Cubana" sandwich($6.99), which ended up larger than the photograph on the wall. 

Not at all a Cuban Sandwich, a Cubana includes (perfectly lightly breaded) milaneza, grilled chicken, grilled ham, grilled chorizo, a freshly cooked egg, American and Jack cheeses on the toasted torta bread, topped with mayonnaise, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, onion and jalapeño made this sandwich well worth the price (and I am glad we decided to share; this was huge and a super good sandwich).   

I wanted to try a pico de gallo salad (small, $4.99) and I must say this was absolutely the tastiest, freshest, nicest pico I have ever had.  The jicama, cucumbers, oranges and watermelon were covered in fresh lime juice and the chili seasoning was really the perfect amount and really complimented every item in the container.  Let's just say I have a new food obsession for January and possibly the New Year. I wish everyone resolve a positive and fun change for 2012.  

Tropical Fruit Paradise 10387 Friars Road San Diego 92120 (619) 584-4786

Comments

[Carol]

I noticed they serve mangoneada. Wonder how those taste in comparison to a chamango. The pico de gallo salad looks so good! Never seen one like that before.

[Cathy]

Good eyes, Carol. The description of the mangoneada was mango with orange juice and chamoy. Plus, there is a sort of 'lollipop' of chamoy on a stick that goes into the beverage, along with a straw. I will try one soon...as a comparison, you know. I've been trying to mimic this pico de gallo at home the last few days, not using watermelon makes a difference, but it is still really good. I've found a new spice condiment with the lemon/red pepper/salt I used to ignore in the Mexican markets...

[ed (from Yuma)]

You always find interesting places. That all looks so good. And what a contrast between the torta and the pico de gallo salad.

[Cathy]

Thanks, ed; we tend to drive and stop at places that look interesting...or open. I was wondering if anyone might notice the 'health' difference in our menu choices. Each was excellent individually and together, with the sharing of the sandwich, made for a more or less balanced meal.

[Carol]

I eagerly await your comparison assessment between the two!