San Diego

It was a HOT weekend but luckily this year's Latin Food Festival (LFF) was within reach of the ocean breezes and a gorgeous view! Embarcadero Marina Park North provided a great spot for LFF, which was held on September 13 between 11-3pm. We purchased our second ticket and invited readers and friends to join us!

After picking up wristbands at the entrance, we headed into the event. The main area had two rows of tents, one with food vendors and the other with drink vendors. Since we hadn't eaten any breakfast, we decided to start with food first! Drinking on an empty stomach is *risky* business!

Our first stop was the Smoke Fusion Catering booth. What's a Latin festival without some tacos, right? These carnitas tacos were only the beginning of that trend...

As we were driving through Mira Mesa last Monday, we noticed the familiar shape of food trucks by the Epicenter, a local youth center.  We immediately u-turned, found ourselves a parking spot nearby and headed toward the enticing scents.

We asked someone what was going on and were informed that recently, several participating food trucks set up shop here every Monday evening and donated 10% of their profits to the youth center. Very charitable! There were about 7 food trucks that night but we decided to dine from the Devilicious food truck, who were on the second season of The Great Food Truck Race. They were also at the Del Mar Food Truck event this year but we didn't try them at that time.

After my less-than-perfect experience at Barona's Seafood Plaza, I am happy to say that their Italian Cucina was wonderful!  The atmosphere is much different than Seafood Plaza.  At the Italian Cucina, there is a warm, friendlier feeling.

One of Barona Resort & Casino's newest eateries is Seafood Plaza.  It is across from the food court and down the escalators.  This area has been remodeled.  It used to be a bingo hall.  There are two other restaurants: Italian Cucina and the soon-to-be new Barona Oaks Steakhouse.  I like this area because it was definitely more quiet than the rest of the casino.

Corner Grill is one of the cheaper alternatives at Harrah's Rincon.  They offer burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, pizzas, and salads as well as appetizers, pastries, and desserts.  They are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The San Luis Rey Cafe used to be next to Fortunes, but it has been moved next to the pool, where Cabana Cove was.  It's a little bit nicer in the new location because there's a view, but the decor is still Cabana Cove.  It makes me think that they're remodeling and will be moving the Cafe back to the old spot.  I asked an employee about it, but he didn't know anything...

Anyway, there are a lot of different items on the menu: appetizers, salads, soups, tacos, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, pasta, BBQ, steaks, fried rice, breakfast, and dessert!