Carnitas Uruapan-revisit, but a new location

mmm-yoso!!!  is a place on the interwebs where Kirk, ed (from Yuma) and Cathy share specific recollections of various food experiences with you.  Today, Cathy has something random to share.

The other day I was looking at the photos left on my phone and realized I could write a quick post about one of my 'regular' stops, Carnitas Uruapan, which was one of my first posts when I started helping Kirk, in 2006.  The Mister and I discovered the original restaurant, which has since closed, when we first moved here and had many meals inside that large building.  Alas, the original owner died, the restaurant closed and we were sad.  Not long after, family members re-opened in a smaller location on Spring Street, just North of the 125/94 intersection, next to the Denny's.

I did say smaller.  That "Drive Thru" window has no microphone leading up to it and the menu board under the window is not white from the sun reflecting on it; it's worn down from people leaning on it. 

There are eight tables inside the area where you order.  If you are eating in, your food will be brought to you after you order and pay.

Fresh chips and a red salsa with a good heat and your beverage order are also brought to your table.  There is also a salsa bar (where you can fill your own 'to go' cups with other available salsas; I do like the green)

On a recent chilly day, The Mister ordered the Barbacoa Soup ($6.99). This slightly spicy soup bowl is accompanied with the items shown above: refried beans, onions, cilantro, limes and tortillas. Barbacoa is a method of cooking beef, originally over an open fire, originating the 'barbecue', but the modern interpretation of Barbacoa generally means the meat is steam cooked until tender. This soup- the broth, the meat...without the add ins, is savory, rich, deep flavored.  The meat portion is always generous and tender and makes the meal complete.

I have many, many photos of burritos from here.  It's the meat that makes each item wonderful.  Above is a beef tostada ($2.50)- a layer of beans makes it perfect and carnitas taco ($2.50) delicious carnitas...the name of the restaurant is what they do.

Carnitas Uruapan is known for its carnitas meals- this is a take out meal for one($5.50) - 1/2 pound of carnitas, with rice, beans, tortillas, cilantro, onion and lime. The carnitas here are tender, not crispy and not fatty.  They really do it right. (The one pound meal for two is $11; math).

 

Now.  My little secret 'meal' and craving.  Fresh chicharron.  1/2 pound, $3.50.  You can walk up to the window, order it as part of your meal, or appear to have restraint and order it to go after your meal.

Lovely, fresh fried pieces of pork skin. Really perfect.

I hope everyone is staying dry on this gloomy day.

Carnitas Uruapan 4233 Spring Street La Mesa, Ca 91941 (619) 337-2448

Comments

[MrZ]

I go here a lot! At least once every two weeks. I had no idea about the chicharrons, I will have to get them next time.

[Cathy]

Then you know how very good the food is, MrZ! The chicharrones are on the menu, but I think people gloss over it...or, try to appear to eat healthy. Do try and enjoy!

[MrZ]

You know what, I have stared at that menu at least a dozen times while waiting for my order, and it never registered to me that chicharrons were listed. Also buche! I might have to make a weekend trip to try that out.

[Cathy]

We tend to 'read' things we expect, MrZ...especially a taco shop menu. One trick I learned (from a friend who is an editor) is to read from bottom up/backwards- then you don't 'complete' sentences in your head and catch mistakes (or words like 'chicharrone') easily. The weekend? That's five days away!

[Chuck Chipner]

Wow this all looks so delish! I was wondering if you know of any good mexican restaurants? I am looking to find maybe 5 more that I can try out. Thanks in advance!

[Cathy]

Welcome to our blog, Chuck. There are links in the left column to some of the more than 300 Mexican Restaurants and Taco Shops around the County, which is over 4200 square miles large. If you prefer carnitas, then Uruapan is a favorite...Mexican seafood is usually my preference and Negro Durazo is a favorite along with a few others.