Cocina Catrina

I first saw the sign a few weeks ago, on my return from New Mexico. 

A posada woman, adorned in day of the dead makeup. 

The graphics were incredible.

Cocina Katrina.

Katrina's Kitchen. Hmmm. I would have to give it a try.

It was out there on East Mission, in the old Ramirez nursery encampment. 

I had seen a lot of parties there over the years and a lot of cars parked there on the weekend but never felt exactly welcome.

Would I be?

I asked some Mexican people about it and my friend Anna said that for a while it was three old mujeres cooking big vats of food the old fashioned way for the gente.

I asked a few friends if they would try it with me but only one manned up, Tony Campbell.

Tony grew up on the res and is the one person you would want at your back in a bad situation.

He said that he ate there once about a year ago and that it was great.

We met at five and I ordered for the both of us.

I can't tell you how nice and welcoming everybody was.  

A family restaurant, we met a very gracious brother and sister.

The parents have a place on Scott Rd.in Menifee.

The food truck was clean and there was ample room to sit.

It is so nice to finally have a birria restaurant in Fallbrook! 

I love quesobirria!

I ordered both a flour and corn tortilla birria taco. 

Tony had a birria taco and a chile relleno. Don't forget you have to dip your taco in the cup of sauce. That is the key to birria. It takes a long time to make the rich and fabulous beef broth.

They also make delicious aguas frescas to drink.

Mine was with cucumber and mint, not sure what Tony had.

The food was terrific and they gifted me a lovely buonelos dessert to take home!

This place  is a bit out of the way but wonderful. Do not be intimidated. They are the nicest people you can imagine.

Do yourself a favor and check it out.

And tell them I sent you.