Mucha Fruta -Neveria/Fruiteria/Cocteleria (City Heights)

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!! on this warm summer day.  Kirk is (again) busy with work, errands and stuff while Ed(from Yuma) is (still) busy being retired and exploring Yuma and other places while enjoying life.  Cathy is (once more) writing a post.

One day not long ago, The Mister and I were driving down University Avenue and noticed this signage, located in between Tu Thanh which Kirk has posted about twice now.The business on the other side used to be (another) Ali Baba, but now is City Heights Cafe.The menu is pretty much standard.  There is a sign in the window for churros with cajeta (caramel made with goat milk) for $1.25 as well as large plantains for $1.50 with but those are fried and aren't being made in the these days of heat.  The glass case you see in the above photo shows some of the Thrifty brand ice cream flavors available.The wall opposite has photos of some of the menu items.The glassed in refrigerator displays most of the fresh fruit available that day.One day I was craving a coctele and ordered the shrimp version ($7.75).  Only one size and this was plenty.  The large shrimp are cooked in the lime/tomato juice to which is added cucumber, onion, cilantro and slices of avocado. There were at least 12 (and I think 15) large shrimp in this cocktail, which was more than enough.Another version of chamango (small, $4) was tried here.  Since mangos are in season and available fresh (instead of being frozen), the drink wasn't as cold or icy, it was merely tasty and wonderful.One other visit had me craving the shrimp again, so I ordered a tosti-ceviche ($4.50).  It was a great ceviche (again with large shrimp) on top of spicy lime Tostitos (which are only sold in Mexico).  It is $2 more than a plain tostada and the melding of flavors is good/unique, but I can now go on with my life and order a regular ceviche tostada next time.Pretty much any visit to a Fruiteria includes a fruit salad (small, $4.25) and our visits here are no exception.  Papaya, banana, mango, cantaloupe, watermelon, strawberries and apples along with cottage cheese, granola and honey made this hearty meal a good (and refreshing) choice.The tortas here are wonderful.  The fresh bread and plenty of quality ingredients have simple sandwiches being a fancy meal for us to share.  Above, a Lomo torta($5.25).  Plenty of beef tenderloin, a thin layer of good beans and cheese, Romaine and avocado on the fresh, toasted torta bread.  It's great.Then there's the ice creams.  Usually we share a two scoop cup ($1.25) but one day, The Mister thought we should share a banana split ($3.95).  Who am I to argue.  Best part, you choose the ice cream flavors and don't need any sauce to disturb those flavors.  Our usual ice cream choices: pistachio, butter pecan and cherry. A perfect snack on these hot days.

I hope your week is going well!

Mucha Fruta 4804 University Avenue (Between Estrella and 48th) San Diego 92105 (619) 282-0282 open 8-8 Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat and 8-7 on Wednesday, 9-7 on Sunday  

 
Go ahead, click on it; the photo will go upright.  I still don't know what I've done to make my camera phone go goofy. 

Comments

[Masa Assassin]

Im so craving a torta de lomo now. This last time I read about tortas on this blog I went on a torta binge. Ms. Masa would love the Fruit Salad and Bannana Split, nice find!

[Nhbilly]

Awesome little gem.

[Cathy]

I get into 'torta mode' for weeks at a time, too, MA. Mucha Fruta was really a drive by surprise and I'm so glad we stopped here.
It is, Bill. I really am looking forward to their home made churros.

[caninecologne]

The best places are in the 'hood...away from hipsters.

[Cathy]

Yes, cc. Locals were in and out when we've been here. Also saw one of the ladies carrying an order across the street to the hair salon. I think that's how neighborhoods should be. Plus, this place has a very high quality of product.