Las Pinches Tortas (El Cajon)

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Kirk is still busy at work and Cathy is sharing another food adventure.

For the most part, The Mister and I don't plan any of our food stops unless a gift card is involved.  On this day, we were (once again) driving about aimlessly, took the 2nd Street exit from the 8, continued South until 2nd turned into Jamacha (at Main) and continued for a few more blocks.  A bunch of cars were stuck at the signal light at Washington and we were backed up quite a bit. Looking West, both The Mister and I noticed this signage at the same time.  I pulled into the Laundromat anchored mall.  This is what it looks like from Jamacha; a large parking lot.

It turns out this family owned and run restaurant opened in June.  I can sort of see how we missed it.  I can also say we will be eating here often.  
 We walked in, grabbed a menu (thumbnails at the bottom of this post) and a seat before ordering. The kitchen area has an open window, the self-seating area is quite large. 
You order and pay straight ahead when walking in; I only noticed the signage at the order counter after we had decided what we wanted and had to turn around to discuss changing our initial choices.  Finally, I ordered, paid, got our beverages and looked at the condiment area.  The food is brought out to your table. 
 The Lunch Special of 1/2 torta and soup ($9.95).  This was a smart decision, because apparently the full size torta is huge.  This is a 1/2 size ahogada (drowned) torta. The bread is from Guadalajara.  The meat is (wonderful flavored meaty and crisped) carnitas.  There's a smear of flavorful black beans. The sauce, made with chile de arbol and tomatoes, is spicy and made here.  

All of the salsas are made here.  There are many salsas on the condiment bar and for each food item.   
The soup is a 'proper' tortilla soup.  **No chicken pieces** in it; just a good flavored chicken broth with garlic, onion, tomatoes, chile de arbol (so, it's spicy).  It's thickened with tortillas and topped with fried strips of tortilla, cheese and sour cream.  Hearty. 
 The counter also had a photo of a special of Chile en Nogada ($14.95).  This item is usually prepared around Mexican Independence Day (September 16), (the dish is meant to be the colors of the flag of Mexico, and the red pomegranates need to be in season).  It's a poblano chili, stuffed with picadillo and topped with a walnut based white sauce and pomegranates.  Sweet, savory, a bit salty, crunchy, soft...everything that describes a great melding of flavors and texture in each bite.
 Chile en Nogada is meant to be served at room temperature.  It was the best version I've had so far in my short life.

There are so many sauces, so many different torta breads, a great variety.  Despite the name (I know it's dirty), Las Pinches is sure to be part of our 'regular rotation'. Unexpectedly a great find.

Las Pinches Tortas 558 Jamacha Road El Cajon 92019 (619)593-0576 Open Mon-Fri 10-9, Sat 9-9, Sun 9-8

 

Comments

[RedDevil]

Tortas ahogadas so good but so messy! Chile en Nogada—yum! Thanks for the review.

[kat]

look forward to seeing what else you try!

[Soo]

I like how you find places to eat.

[caninecologne]

I would like to try that Chile en Nogada as well. It's a beautiful looking dish with complex flavors.

[Cathy]

It was only a half torta, RD...so a bit more space on the plate, a little less 'spillage'. The chile en Nogada was great! This was a completely unexpected find.

There are plans from the breakfast menu, Kat!

Since The Mister and I have lived so many places, we know every neighborhood has a favorite place for the locals and random driving is the only way to find some spots. It's fun and really rewarding a lot of the time.

Kind of rare to find, cc...although when looking at the Costco Mexico Instagram page, they apparently sell a three pack (of course) in the refrigerated/Costco packed deli section.