Extreme Disappointment

I did this one a month or so ago, but I think it's appropriate to add.

Being from Chula Vista, I have had the privilege of being exposed to great mexican food. Since I left CV 5 years ago there have been places that come close to what I have grown to love from home. The noteables from Fresno, Arsenio's which used to be Albertos on Blackstone and Herndon or Alberto's, the one on Cedar and Dakota and to a lesser degree Robertito's. Those places made Fresno that much more tolerable. Another thing that made these places stand out, hours of availability!!! When it's 2 A.M. and you just left ROE or you're leaving a T.I.U. event (Shout's to Ed and Marc) there was nothing better than mexican food on the way home to devour in your drunken hunger. Which brings me to the point of all of this... SAN JOSE HAS LET ME DOWNYou would expect that, with the population of Mexican's in the area, there would be decent mexican spots to hit up during those late nights, or even during the day when you're in a hurry. I know I've only been up here for a year, but that is copius time to find somewhere to quench my thirst. Now, the people up here that I've met know 2 spots basically, La Victoria's, more commonly known as La Vic's, and Iguanas(you may have seen it on an episode of Man vs. Food). Not bad places to eat, La Vic's is a little more authentic, good burritos and enchiladas. My main beef when it comes to the food is with Iguanas. Now one of my favorite things from mexican fast food joints are Carne Asada Fries. Granted, these are more of an Mexican/American love child, however it is a staple in fresno and CV. I had yet to find one in San Jose until this Saturday, I heard from a friend that Iguanas have them, needless to say, I was juiced. Here enlies the disappointment. I should have known right away not to order them when I asked what they put on them: Fries, Carne Asada, Guacamole, Sour Cream and Cheese "SAUCE!!!!" Red flag went up, but I went against my better judgement and reluctantly ordered them. #1 YOU DON'T PUT CHEESE SAUCE ON MEXICAN FOOD!!! Even the nachos, we're not at a baseball game. #2 This was the size on a large cheese fries at your local little league field. When you're in CV, go to Moss and 3rd and visit Los Panchos or(even though they sold out a little) hit up Lolita's. Those are as big as large pizzas FOR THE SAME PRICE! I was so upset I LOST MY APPETITE. Those who know me, know this doesn't happen easily. That's about enough on Iguanas. Now on a grander scale, the biggest problem with mexican food in San Jose.There are no drive through mexican spots! I'm sorry, Taco Bell is good sometimes, but that can't compare to a Carne Asada Burrito after a long night. If anyone knows where I can find good Mexican food with a drive through in San Jose, PLEASE LET ME KNOW! So, all you Fresno and Chula folks. Don't take these luxuries for granted! You have been blessed with mexican that is A) Delicious B) Fairly Priced C) Accessible so take advantage. Please frequent (if you're in Fresno) Robertito's, Alberto's, Arsenio's and any other O's you may find. And while in CV stop by Los Panchos, Asada's, Lolita's, ROBERTO'S and although it does not have a drive through, but the quality makes up for it - Tacos El Gordo. I'm glad I got this off my chest.

Up To Speed

Hey everybody, first off, my name is B.J. Roberson. I grew up in Chula Vista, Ca which I recently discovered was voted as one of the top 10 most boring cities in the US, so props to us. Also, we just won the Little League World Series. Thinking about it, there isn’t much to don in the actual city of Chula Vista, but when the city of San Diego, Mexico and numerous beaches are within 10 minutes away, you don’t realize the lack of things to do. I moved from there when I was 18 and went to college at CSU Fresno (huuuuuge change of scenery). I did my time there, graduated and now reside in the Bay area. I did not realize the challenges associated with food that would come with growing up and moving to different cities within Ca, which is the reason I am starting this blog. I’m not much of a writer, but I thought I’d be fun to try this whole blogging thing out. Starting out, I’m just catching you up to where I am right now, then I will subsequently document my new experiences.

I think that I am a very basic person insomuch as I don’t do or try many things that are out of my comfort zone. Of course this stemmed from how I was brought up, and how I viewed the world. My parents were very supportive of the things I did, and if I didn’t like something, even if it was something they preferred, they wouldn’t force it upon me. This applied to most things that came about in a “typical” kids’ life: school, sports, friends, music etc. What I took from my parents was, (when it came to choices that weren’t vital to my future) if you’re good at something and you like it, stick to it, if you don’t like it, move on. It’s only logical that I applied this to the foods that I ate!

I love to eat, but apparently the dishes that I tend to eat are more on the pedestrian side of the food spectrum. I am definitely the “steak and potatoes” type of eater. I found things that I liked, and did not deviate, basically, if the meal consisted of beef, chicken or pork and a starch I was all for it. Nothing fancy, don’t ruin my spaghetti with mushrooms; there’s no need for bell peppers and olives on my pepperoni pizza; no, I would not like grilled onions on my 3 by 3 and how about you take those tomatoes off as well. This worked out perfectly when I was living at home, but it became problematic when I went to college.

For some reason, it was the thing to do to get into Sushi when you start college. Being new to the city, and pondering the idea of trying to reinvent myself, I thought I’d do it. I was wrong. Took a look at the things used to make the various rolls and only found one constant ingredient that I liked…rice. “Yea, I’ll take the chicken teriyaki, thanks.” It took a couple months before someone convinced me to try a California roll, which is one of the more plain rolls that are available. Not very impressed, I discovered that it would take a little more effort on my part than anticipated to develop a more sophisticated palate. During college, trying sushi was the extent of my new food experiences, when I graduated and moved to the bay area was the when I would have to do some adjusting.

You can’t go 2 blocks without seeing a Thai, Korean, Cambodia, Vietnamese or Indian restaurant. That being said, I figured it was inevitable to eventually have to eat at one of these places, as my new peers were vastly more cultured than I. When the day comes that I try these various cuisines, I will update you on the experience and let you know how this simple, burger and fries eating, guy handled it. Hope you enjoy.