As the days pass and the seasons change our rotation adjusts as well. This one has been great during the cooler temps and I'm sure that four visits over the last six weekends does indicate a place is currently on our rotation.
While the Missus has been sticking with the Cabeza en su Jugo which was love at first bite for Her. I've been trying out a couple of other items on the menu......and Jesus, the Manager hasn't steered me wrong.
And yes, just like I mentioned in my previous post; the upside down items are done on purpose.....it's not a mistake.
On one of my visits; I thought I'd try some tacos; I definitely wanted to try the lengua, Jesus suggested the tripas, and the other really friendly guy suggested the longanisa.
The lengua really delivered the deep beefy flavor I thought it would. It was melt-in-your-mouth tender and moist.
But, man...it was the tripas that I really loved.....the toothsome exterior, tender interior, and mild offal flavor. It was delici-yoso!!! The cilantro and onions added pungency and the mildly spicy salsa didn't interfere with the beefiness of these tacos.
The longanisa was fine if not very special. The tortillas, heated on the griddle while I waited held up well (no cracks or tears) and added the deep "corniness" to the tres tacos. I really enjoyed these tacos; the best I'd had since our last visit to CDMX.
As I left with the Missus's soup and my tacos, Jesus told me "try the alambres next time". Which is exactly what I did.
I selected lengua and tripas (of course) for my alambres. My goodness, the combination of textures, the meats had been caramelized on the comal giving it some crispness; loved the "chlorophyllic " and mild bitterness of the bell peppers and the griddled onions added a mild pungent-sweetness. The light amount of cheese kept things in place and of course bacon......yes, bacon....say no more! I'm going to have this again for sure.
So, even though the Missus is currently obsessed with the Cabeza en su Jugo.....
As the weather turns warmer; I'm sure I'll get Her to switch to the Alambres.
As with all my visits; Jesus is so warm and friendly.....and understands our tastes and preferences. And we really appreciate it!
De Cabeza
1043 Broadway
Chula Vista, CA 91911
(619) 349-2505
Hours:
Daily 8am - 8pm
The alambres sounds great! Love lengua too. Never had tripas before.
Random, I saw a Golden Chopsticks banner that said "Coming Soon" in the same plaza as Target Mira Mesa.
Posted by: Elle | Sunday, 11 April 2021 at 09:00 PM
sounds like a nice addition to your rotation.
Posted by: kat | Sunday, 11 April 2021 at 09:21 PM
Sounds like it should be in everyone’s rotation!!! Thanks!
Posted by: RedDevil | Sunday, 11 April 2021 at 10:58 PM
That's interesting Elle - I need to check it out!
It is Kat!
We do love the food from De Cabeza RD! Hope all is well.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 12 April 2021 at 06:16 AM
I've never had alambres, and it looks delicious. I too saw the Golden Chopsticks banner in Mira Mesa, and that will be an interesting addition to the area (assuming it's affiliated with the National City restaurant). Even though Royal Mandarin is my favorite for salt & pepper wings, it would be nice to have an option nearby.
Posted by: Sandy | Monday, 12 April 2021 at 10:17 AM
I gotta go check it out Sandy.....that would a nice addition indeed!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 12 April 2021 at 10:34 AM
Thanks for posting this. De Cabeza is an awesome place! Have you tried the green chorizo tacos there? They are pretty tasty!
About a block or two north De Cabeza on Broadway there is a taco truck called Tortas Ahogadas El Tio Pepe. They sell pretty good tortas ahogadas and really tasty carnitas tacos. Also, their birria de res tacos are pretty tasty.
Thank you!
Posted by: Ivan | Monday, 19 April 2021 at 06:48 PM
Thanks for taking the time out to comment Ivan, it's been a while! I tried the green chorizo at Al Pastor. Jesus told me it is the same recipe as when they were making it there.
Thanks for the tip on Tortas Ahogadas El Tio Pepe! I used to go to El Gallito Tortas Ahogadas every once in a while:
https://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2014/08/sunday-sandwiches-el-gallito-tortas-ahogadas-revisited.html
Have you been there? And if so, how does it compare? I haven't been exploring the South Bay much since Covid came along; but hope to soon.
Thanks again for visiting and commenting - hope all is well!
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 20 April 2021 at 11:39 AM
Oh! You can choose your meat for the alambres? How cool! I'm so there!
Posted by: Janfrederick | Wednesday, 21 April 2021 at 09:15 AM
Yessir you can Jan! And you should ask about various specials that might not be on the menu (i.e. huitlacoche). Enjoy!
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 21 April 2021 at 09:18 AM
Kirk,
Thanks for the good wishes!
I have been there several times and tried several of their items.
The torta ahogadas here are pretty good. If I were compare them to El Gallito, I would say that El Tio Pepes carnitas are better but with respect to the sauce and bread , I would give it to El Gallito.
Anything I have tried with carnitas is really good at El Tio Pepe. Usually, they give you a choice between surtido ( mixed meat like skin and leg meat) or maciza( usually pork leg only). I find the surtido to be tastier
Thanks again!
Posted by: Ivan | Thursday, 22 July 2021 at 01:32 PM
Thanks for all the info. I'll definitely check them out Ivan!
Posted by: Kirk | Sunday, 25 July 2021 at 06:04 PM