And that song was beautiful...but it is my belief that cooks should not openly handle meat, cheese, and other food items that are not going into the fryer (I think I misspelled that--oh well!), the pot, or an oven. Even if the cook is in tip-top shape. No no no.
I decided I would try El Charro on Avenida de la Playa in La Jolla because it was the closest Mexican food place within walking distance of work. Some old man totaled my Volvo by crashing into it while it was parked. Now, I have to walk everywhere.
Someone from work suggested El Charro, so as soon as I arrived, I really expected a lot. The prices were a lot more expensive than most Mexican restaurants, but that was probably due to the fact that the restaurant was in La Jolla, instead of a neighbourhood like, Linda Vista, or East San Diego. So, a burrito that would cost you $3.00 in Santee costs $6.95.
I ordered my usual fare of carne asada fries. This was first introduced to me by a "stalker" from the past, Big Sean (long story). I immediately fell in love with it, and order it every chance I get--unless, of course, the Mexican food restaurant doesn't make it (like Fins, also of La Jolla).
What bothered me first of all was the fact that they do not accept debit or credit. Everything had to be paid for in cash. I understand some restaurants still do not do this, but most of their competition in La Jolla does. And although there is an ATM inside the restaurant, it charges $1.00. I had to withdraw $20.00, with a $1.00 charge. ICK.
I watched the cook prepare my food--basically, all he did was grab a handful of shredded carne asada that was already pre-cooked, some cheese, fries, sour cream, and guacamole. Now, what also bothered me was the fact that he was using his bare hands. I can understand, again, if the food was going into the oven, a pot, or even a microwave, but it was just going into my to-go box! The fries were hot (coming from the fryer), but he still should have used gloves.
Their selective service also did not sit well with me. By selective service, I mean the cashier only asks certain people if they wanted salsa. The rest of us (me included) had to get our own. Perhaps if I learned Spanish, and called them mija as soon as I entered the restaurant, things would have changed.
As soon as I arrived at my office, I poured my green salsa all over it, and ate. Nothing to write home about, but it was pretty good. I have, however, had better that didn't cost $6.95.
Lesson learned--those hole-in-the-wall places in neighbourhoods that I normally do not frequent are perhaps better than El Charro. I think they're charging for the location.
El Charro
2175 Avenida de la Playa
La Jolla CA 92037
858-459-7900
