Back at the beginning of the month, I noticed that Fusion Eats had closed. After reading this post on Eater, I realized this location was going to be an outlet of White Rice. As I was driving past this weekend, I noticed that the sign was up for "White Rice Morena" so I decided to drop by.
Of course, the issue with this strip mall off of Linda Vista is the crazy parking....finding something that is only 10 minute versus 20 minute, versus and actual parking spot. No wonder places don't last here. Anyway, I found parking and walked on over. The place was empty with no hours posted, so I asked the really nice young ladies if they were open. And received a very friendly "yes, welcome, come on in" almost in unison.
Other than the posted menu, strategically placed plants, and some art the looks of the place was quite austere. Which is why I wasn't sure it was even open.
My first instinct was to go with the dish I had enjoyed the most during my visits to the Adams Avenue location, the Tocino Manok. But instead, I decided to try out the Lechon Kawali ($15) and at the last minute added a side of sisig (not on the menu $10). The cheerful young lady took my order and it was a short 15 minute wait for my order.
Arriving home, I quickly unpacked things and immediately went for the item I found the most problematic on my previous visits; the rice. Sadly, it was basically the same; hard and dry.
As for the rest? Well, the egg was a bit overcooked, but passable. I really like the pickled veggies, which have a nice sour-mildly sweet-salty balance. And the lechon was quite good, the skin which had a nice bubbly-fried appearance was a pleasant crisp to crunchy, the flesh tender and porky. Not bad.
As for the Sisig? Well, last time it was hard and rubbery.
While this version was still chopped too coarse for my liking and I thought it could use more chilies, the texture was fine, as was the amount of sourness. I think I'll stay with the lechon and try the Tocino Manok if I return. Now if "White Rice" could get their namesake item straightened out....
I do think that White Rice is an upgrade over Fusion Eats and can see them doing quite well with the USD folks. Hope it works out.
White Rice Morena
5299 Linda Vista Road
San Diego, CA 92110
Current Hours:
Mon - Fri 11am - 8pm
Sat - Sun 10am - 8pm
That's too bad they make hard and dry rice. That's what I got when I visited their Liberty Station location.
Posted by: Soo | Monday, 24 July 2023 at 03:13 PM
Yep, the rice is still the same Soo!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 24 July 2023 at 04:11 PM
I wonder if my friends who liked Fusion Eats know this place is open now
Posted by: Som Tommy | Tuesday, 25 July 2023 at 02:39 PM
Hopefully they'll enjoy this place just as much ST!
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 25 July 2023 at 05:47 PM
At least the rice is consistent across all locations!
Posted by: Junichi | Wednesday, 26 July 2023 at 09:54 AM
Lol Junichi
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 26 July 2023 at 10:01 AM