When you think about Mexican food what is the first thing that comes to mind? Tacos? Burritos? Carne Asada? Rice and beans? When I first moved to San Diego that was Mexican food to me until I did a little exploring around my neighborhood and discovered that there is so much more. Tortas, mariscos, coctelerias and possibly my favorite the fruteria. These places specialize in all things fruit. Fruit salads, liquados, smoothies, pico de gallo (a salad made of melons, cucumbers and jicama seasoned with chile), escamocha (fruit with sweetened condensed milk, almonds and shredded coconut), usually a few great tortas and sometimes tostadas de ceviche and even Tijuana style hot dogs with bacon and jalapenos.
Patty's Fruitland is my favorite, in fact I am eating one of their wonderful fruit salads right now. Strawberries, honeydew, cantaloupe, pineapple, papaya, mango, watermelon and banana topped with cottage cheese, granola, coconut, raisins, almonds and honey. The guys who own it are so sweet and friendly and the decor is just amazing and they make a mean banana split!
