Taco Tuesday with Susana Trilling at Galaxy Taco

Hooray for Galaxy Taco's Taco Takeover Tuesdays!! I was beyond excited when I heard that Susana Trilling and Chef Sara Polczynski were this week's guest chefs. These awesome ladies made some seriously delicious tacos. The grilled skirt steak and the braised beef short rib were my fave!! I paired them with a margarita (or three!) and finished them off nicely with the churros. What a great night!! 

Taco Tuesday Takeover at Galaxy Taco with Chef Elexia de la Parra

Last night's Taco Tuesday Takeover at Galaxy Taco was a huge success! The tacos turned out super deliciosos!! I was so flattered when Chef Trey and Chef Christine invited me to be their first female guest chef. Flattered and nervous all at once. :) This was my opportunity to share with everyone what I was experiencing in Oaxaca on my Eat.Drink.Cook.Mexico. tours. Two of the tacos were truly inspired by traditional Oaxaca ingredients - mole negro, chapulines, quesillo and hoja santa. For the third we did a Barbacoa de Res taco and topped it with a tomatillo salsa. They were all a hit! Thank you to everyone that came out last night to share in their love for tacos!! Until next time.

Looking to add a bit of Oaxacan flavors to your kitchen? Check out Casa Artelexia for mole and Specialty Produce for chapulines, hoja santa and quesillo.

{Photos: The three close ups of each taco were taken by Carlos Walther-Meade}

Good Eats & Wine Tasting in Valle de Guadalupe

Join us for a full day of eating and drinking in Baja California’s wine country. Our small group provides a social and light-hearted way to savor the best experiences offered in Valle de Guadalupe. We’ll start the day off with a quick taco stop at one of our favorite locations in Tijuana so that you can have a little something yummy in your belly for the drive! Once in Valle we will visit a few of the smaller, more intimate boutique wineries where we'll have our tastings. After we have had our fill of Baja wines we'll head on over to our dear friend's restaurant where they'll have prepared us a gorgeous meal.  During our meal we'll have a chance to chat with the owners and Executive chef.

Ticket price includes your round trip transportation to/from San Diego (we cross in the van - not walking), 1 taco stop, wine tasting at a few of our favorite boutique wineries, and an early dinner at one of Valle's top restaurants. You'll be hosted by father-daughter duo Elexia and Andres de la Parra.

Check out our other trips that we have coming up!

Building a Day of the Dead Altar

Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is celebrated on both November 1^st and 2^nd.  This is time when we celebrate and remember our loved ones that have passed with food, drinks and parties.  It is believed that on November 1^st the souls of children return (because they are quicker) and adults return on the 2^nd.  During this celebration the graves of the deceased are cleaned and altars are built.  Altars can also be made at home if the graves are too far.  Photos are brought out, stories are shared and the memories are kept alive.

Creating an altar is a fun Day of the Dead tradition that anyone can enjoy. There are many elements that go into creating an altar, including various food and objects specific to Day of the Dead, so we've highlighted a few basic items you'll need to create one and their significance:

Marigolds: Marigold flowers (cempasúchil) are used in altars for their scent, which guides the dead back home (supposedly, the scent of marigold flowers is reminiscent of bone, and that is why these particular flowers are used).

Candles: The purpose of creating an altar is both to celebrate the dead and to invite them back home, so lit candles are used to welcome them back.  One candle is put out for every person that you’ve lost and an extra for anyone that may have been forgotten.

Food: Because the dead will be hungry on their long journey home, it's fitting to add a few pieces of food. You'll see fruit, Pan de Muerto and other snacks on many altars. Pan de Muerto, or "bread of the dead", is traditional sweet bread baked especially for Dia De Los Muertos. You can usually find bone shapes and a "teardrop" (for sorrow) on the top of Pan de Muerto, to represent the dead.

Sugar Skulls: Sugar skulls are an iconic memento mori placed on Day of the Dead altars. They represent both life and death, as they are placed on altars, but also given to the living.

Water: Placing water on an altar helps quench the thirst of the dead, after their long journey home.

Papel Picado: Papel picado banners are festively strung across the altars representing wind and the fragility of life.

Photos and Mementos: Photos of the deceased are placed on the altars along with some of their personal and/or favorite items. If honoring your grandfather who loved his tequila, feel free to set out a glass of his favorite tequila for him to enjoy when he returns!  This is where you can get creative in how you remember your loved ones when building your altar. Put out as much or as little as you want.

Although Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday, I feel that all can appreciate its message and take joy in the holiday, tradition and celebration.  

Birthday Party Packages at Casa Artelexia

Looking for a fun and creative setting for your next birthday party?! Book one of our craft parties for you and your friends! We can do as much or as little as you'd like. Invite 15-30 of your closest friends for one of our fun crafts. We provide all materials and instruction while you bring the food and drinks! Pay for the group or have everyone pay their own way.  What's the cost?  Our basic 2-hour package starts at $20-$30 per person depending on the date and time.  Contact us to inquire about your next party!

Day of the Dead Pumpkin Painting at The Mingei Museum

I am super duper excited to have been invited back to the Mingei Museum to host another family day craft!  This Sunday we will be painting Day of the Dead pumpkin minis. Yay!  Bring the whole familia to the Mingei for just $5!!  You'll get to explore the museum's colorful exhibits with an interactive treasure map, get crafty painting sugar skull themed pumpkins and take home some fun prizes!!  Come spend the day at Balboa Park with Casa Artelexia at the Mingei!

October 18th // 12-5PM // $5 per family

"Maize to Tortilla" Class & Lunch // San Diego

Are you ready to dip your hands into the masa and press your own tortillas? Join Eat.Drink.Cook.Mexico. for our first ever "Maize to Tortilla" workshop with Galaxy Taco's chef and owner, Trey Foshee. We'll learn all about Macienda's non-GMO heirloom corn and the necessary tips and tricks to making the perfect tortilla. Lunch and tortilla starter kit included!

Itinerary 

10:30 - 10:45 "Tortilla Talk" with Trey Foshee
10:45 - 11:15 "Maize to Tortilla" class with Christine Rivera. We'll go into the kitchen to learn the process from start to finish, including taking a turn to press our own tortillas.
11:15 - 12:15 Lunch // 2 Tacos and 1 Agua Fresca

Date: October 21st
Time: Workshop starts promptly at 10:30AM
Address: Galaxy Taco 2259 Avenida De La Playa, San Diego, CA 92037

Purchase Tickets 

Lunch at Galaxy Taco // La Jolla, San Diego

The señor and I had the pleasure to try out Trey Foshee's new restaurant, Galaxy Taco, and boy was it tasty!! 

My Top 5 on the Menu: Grilled Elote, Taco de Birria, The Tacolandia (marinated, braised and seared pork shoulder, jalapeno slaw, chicharron), Grilled Octopus Tostada (bean puree, avocado, tomato, burnt orange-habanero salsa) and the Churros with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. Yum!

Haven't been?! Join us for a kitchen tour and Happy Hour on October 15th!!

Day of the Dead Workshops at Casa Artelexia // San Diego

It's that time of year again and we have quite a bit planned for our Day of the Dead season. Here are just a few of the crafty workshops we've set up! More info and tickets available on our site.

Workshop & Wine Wednesday - Day of the Dead Pumpkin Painting
September 30th // 6-8PM // COST: $20 // Ages: 21 and over BYOB

Day of the Dead Celebration at Casa Artelexia
October 3rd // 6-9PM  // COST: $8 // Ages: Family Friendly
Ticket includes entrance, tamales, pan dulce, drinks, Oaxacan chocolate tasting & a goodie bag!

Workshop & Wine Wednesday – Sugar Skull Cross-stitch
October 7th // 6-8PM // COST: $20 // Ages: 21 and over BYOB

Day of the Dead Photo-shoots
October 10th // 9AM – 6PM Please call to schedule your time slot
COST: $75 per person, 2 for $130, 3 for $180, 4 for $220
Ticket includes: Face painting by the super talented Debi's Doodles, 10 5x5 photographs mailed out to you in 7-10 business days, High resolution original files emailed in 2-3 days, props and backdrops, drinks and snacks. 

Day of the Dead Pumpkin Painting
October 10th // 12-2PM // COST: $20 // Ages: 6 and older – 1 Pumpkin per child please

Sugar Skull Planter Painting Workshop
October 17th // 12-2PM // COST: $20 // Ages: 6 and older – 1 Planter per child please

Workshop & Wine Wednesday – Sugar Skull Decorating
October 21st // 6-8PM // COST: $20 // Ages: 21 and over BYOB

Sugar Skull Decorating Workshop
October 24th // 12-2PM // COST: $20 // Ages: 6 and older – 1 Sugar Skull per child please.

3 Meals & A Bar

Thanks Urbanist for including me in your 3 Meals & A Bar feature!!  Here are a few of my San Diego faves listed below.  What are yours?  I'd love to hear!!

See the full article here!

A Mexa-Inspired Calligraphy Workshop

Have you always wanted to learn the art of calligraphy but aren't sure where to start? We have the perfect class for you! Calligrapher, Ashley Phillips, will teach you the basic techniques of modern pointed pen calligraphy. You will learn different strokes, shapes and letterforms, to apply in developing your own unique style. You will receive basic instruction, along with tips and tools to take home and develop your new found craft further.

When: April 11th from 10 - 1pm
Cost: $90 Purchase Tickets 
Includes: Starter kit with all the necessary materials to get you started, instructional booklet, goodie bag, refreshments, margarita flavored Viva Pop and other yummy snacks!

Check out of more Ashley's (@fruitfromherhands) work on Istagram! 

Father’s Day Fun: 5 Things to Do With Dad in San Diego

We’ve helped you find the perfect gift for Father’s Day (our awesome Father’s Day piñatas!), now we’ve come up with a list of places to see and things to do with Dad in San Diego. So whether you live here or are just visiting, we guarantee you’ll both enjoy these activities:

1.     Rock Climbing

When you think of San Diego, rock climbing probably doesn’t come to mind–but there are quite a few awesome indoor rock climbing gyms to choose from here, and it’s a fun and challenging two person sport to try (perfect for you and Dad)! One person belays, or is anchored to the ground holding the rope taut so the climber doesn’t fall, and another climbs, receiving slack from the belayer as they climb. Every gym will show you the ropes (literally!), and will have gear for you to rent.

Try indoor rock climbing at these gyms: Solid Rock Gym in Poway, San Marcos, and Old Town; Mesa Rim Climbing & Fitness Center; Vertical Hold Rock Climbing Gym; Vital Climbing Gym

2.     Stone Brewery, Escondido

There are several craft breweries in San Diego, but Stone Brewery has to be one of the coolest. Located on Citricado Parkway in Escondido, Stone looks like a remote warehouse–nothing out of the ordinary for the industrial neighborhood surrounding it.

But after you’ve walked inside, you’ll find the bistro and brewery tanks in its vast industrial space and a beautiful patio and beer garden outside. There are so many different craft beers, drinks, and delicious food to choose from here, and you can grab a seat inside, around one of the giant fire pits on the patio, or in the garden. Definitely a San Diego hidden gem that will make for a great Father’s Day celebration!

3.     Padres Game

If you’re looking for old-fashioned Father’s Day fun, why not go to a Padres game at PETCO park? Sunday, June 16^th (Father’s Day, if you’ve forgotten), the Padres will be playing the Arizona Diamondbacks at 1:10pm. You can buy your tickets online, head to downtown, grab a few hot dogs, and enjoy the game!

4.     San Diego County Fair

The San Diego County Fair is back again, and as usual, there’s tons to do! Whether it’s admiring the classic cars at one of the fair’s car shows, trying some of those delicious Australian fried potatoes with ranch from their collection of food kiosks, or daring each other to try one of the exciting rides, the fair is sure to be a Father’s Day hit–and with rides like “Zero Gravity” and “Cliff Hanger”, you won’t be disappointed!

And did I mention that Big Bite Bacon Fest is happening on June 16^th? A ticket to this one of a kind festival buys you a chance to sample “unlimited bacon cuisine and craft beer” from different San Diego chefs and restaurants. They call it a “bacon and beer” paradise, but we call it an awesome Father’s Day.

5.     Hiking

Living in San Diego means being able to surf along the coast, off-road in the desert, and hike in the mountains in a single day. That being said, there are so many beautiful trails, lakes and rivers, and natural landscapes around San Diego to explore. Here are just a few places for you and Dad to spend the day hiking:

Torrey Pines State Reserve–If you’re looking for a coastal trail with beautiful views, try hiking through the Torrey Pines State Reserve just north of La Jolla. There are several trails within the reserve to choose from and you can also hike down to the beach for a change of scenery.

Cowles Mountain–If you start your hike up Cowles Mountain before dawn, you’ll reach the top right as the sun is coming up. Cowles Mountain is the highest point in San Diego, meaning a fantastic view of the county from the summit!

pictures: Solid Rock, Stone, Petco, County Fair, Cowles