I've often said that things around these parts would not be as delici-yoso without all the recommendations and tips I receive. About three weeks ago; "MichaelW" was nice enough to drop me an email letting me know about a Mariscos Truck that had started doing business in back of the strip mall at 6904 Miramar Road....you know; the one that houses Jersey Mike's, Denny's, Pho Ha Noi, and the Philadelphia Sandwich Company, among others. I was able to run out to check the place out the following week. And yes, there it was.....
The truck has the back corner of the strip mall parking lot, there are signs on the road, and if take the turn north onto Commerce Avenue, you can't miss the signs. Funny, I guess I haven't been to the Sandwich A'Fare in a while. The truck is in the same side of the mall as that shop. There are also three parking spots against the building designated for the truck....I think they've got a nice deal.
It was pretty busy even at 11am when I arrived. A lot of the local guys were lined up waiting to order or waiting for their order.
The menu is nicely varied; from the usual Mariscos Truck suspects; the Gobernador, Fish Tacos, Camarones a la Plancha, Tostadas, Cocteles, and Botanas.
Ordering was pretty easy for me; as Michael had made a recommendation and I went with my usual; the Gobernador. The woman working the window is very nice, though the salsas are limited and things take a while....not necessarily a bad thing as it means items are really made to order. Though one should keep that in mind.
I was handed a consommé while waiting. Strong celery and pepper tones; on my first visit it was quite mild, on my second visit, much stronger in the celery/seafood department.
My order took about 20 minutes or so, but it was worth the wait. While the Gobernador wasn't among the best I've had; not enough peppers and onions; the tortilla was nicely coated with cheese then griddled, thus protecting the tortilla from breakage. The shrimp was plump and tender; this was a bit light in the seasoning department; but not bad at all.
Michael had recommended the Taco de Costa Azul, a nice combination of shrimp, bacon, and some slightly smokey, but not fishy smoked tuna....this trucks version of the usual smoked "marlyn". This was quite good as the crunchy bacon, complemented the shrimp and smoked tuna, which wasn't overly salty. The avocado and squeeze of lime, along with the standard seafood salsa just worked together in harmony. The tortilla; though quite standard held together well with the light coating of melted cheese protecting the integrity of the taco.
I was pleasantly surprised. I also bought two extra tacos for the guys in the office to taste. They all enjoyed them.
In fact, the following week, I returned with Calvin and also ordered some tacos for JeffP to try.
It was right before 11 when we arrived and there were already people there.
I got a bit greedy and ordered tres tacos for me this time.
The best of the bunch was the Machin; shrimp, octopus, and smoked tuna....though it wasn't quite as good as the Costa Azul. The pulpo al ajillo was the weakest of the bunch....not much octopus; what it contained was tender, but quite bland. The camarones al ajillo was decent; the shrimp again decently prepped and cooked, though I expected a bit more of a garlic "punch". The tortillas were left on the griddle too long this time around....though while the crunch was nice; it just tore to pieces when biting into them.
Still, this was better than many other trucks I've eaten at over the years.
Like I mentioned; I really like the woman who works the window here. No nonsense, but also quite nice. It's not a bad choice for lunch in the area....though like I mentioned; you might want to give yourself some time for the folks to prep your food. You can use the time tasting the consommé.
Notice the "Mariscos Rolex" tag on the truck.
Mariscos On Miramar Truck
6904 Miramar Rd - in the back parking lot
San Diego, CA 92121
Hours
Mon - Fri 1030am - 8pm
Saturday 11am - 6pm
Closed on Sundays
Thanks for the recommendation Michael! I owe you some tacos!
Looks solid. Too bad I don't work in that area anymore. I might stop by on a Saturday when I'm checking out beeramar.
Posted by: Junichi | Tuesday, 17 July 2018 at 09:33 AM
This might actually be a decent stop during a beeramar crawl Junichi!
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 17 July 2018 at 09:34 AM
Great find! I have always hoped a mariscos truck would find it's way to the Torrey Pines/UCSD area. This is close pretty close!
Posted by: jack | Tuesday, 17 July 2018 at 10:34 AM
That truck is pretty close to me. :-)
Posted by: Soo | Tuesday, 17 July 2018 at 10:56 AM
And will hopefully br the first of many Jack!
Check them out Soo.....not cheap; but pretty good.
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 17 July 2018 at 11:50 AM
These things are popping up everywhere. There's one by my office at Mission Center Rd/Court in MV and Oscar's just opened up another spot near Petco Park (pretty good additional option compared to Lolitas which I love).
Posted by: Loren | Tuesday, 17 July 2018 at 01:47 PM
I think that's great Loren. More options for everyone! I remember when folks were terrified of Mariscos trucks!
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 17 July 2018 at 02:02 PM
nice!
Posted by: kat | Tuesday, 17 July 2018 at 03:06 PM
Oh this one is so much closer to me! Can't wait to check it out.
Posted by: Kirbie | Tuesday, 17 July 2018 at 05:35 PM
It was better than I thoguht it would be Kat!
Give them a shot Kirbie. Not the best; but not bad at all.
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 18 July 2018 at 06:56 AM
Gobernador Tacos Please! Noticed lines are getting too long. Will have to go off hours now
Posted by: MichaelW | Wednesday, 18 July 2018 at 09:16 PM
Hi Michael - First off; thanks for the recommendation. I think the best strategy is to get there by 1045; otherwise the wait gets long....though I haven't been on the weekend. Word is getting out and hopefully the increased business means more options in the future! Thanks again!
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 19 July 2018 at 06:47 AM