472040 Sat Dec 22 21:28:06 -0800 2007 2 3 California 0 3231901 The stretch of 500 - 2000 N. Santa Fe Ave in Vista is the immigrant foodprint in this town. Close to the top - at 1450 - is El Puertecito - the place which may hold potential for those of you looking for comida casera - two grandmotherly looking women are running the back both from Apatzingan Michoacan.Everyday there is a different stew and the weekends - the usually suspects m/b/p and Barbacoa de Borrego. Working our way south is La Takiza - which looks strinkingly similar to the El Gordo set up (TJ taco-esque). Across the street is your sweet tooth fix - Dulceria la Colmenese. Then we have La Mixteca Neveria/ Paleteria - which has really interesting flavors and great mexican style snacks. Finally we get toe Mayra's Bakery "100% cien procento Oaxaquena" which may give Ortiz a run for its money. They have some great pan oaqaxueno - I picked up some varities that I have not seen any where - such as the gorgeous "elotes" corn shaped sweet bread, and "grenadas" pomegranates as well as the most beautfiul empanada de calabaza i have thus far seen. It has a white sugar- meringue paint on it with a rose dot. The son was great - I loved talking about the Cuisine of his homeland. They are from San Miguel Tlacotepec in the Western part of Oaxaca. They make different food everyday depending on what the mom cooks. When I inquired about the possiblity of having a Oaxacan dinner with some friends (chowhounds!) he seemed very open and interested in the idea. "Just call." Across the street from Mayra's is a Place that I have been interested in: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/377152 Any Specialist restaurant deserves a look in my book. W/ Mission Rd. (Twin Oaks Exit) The potential central mexican is "Los Volcanes" which offeres huaraches, pambasos, mole verde and rojo. This place intrigues me the most. Next door is "Mr. Taco" which may be worth while for checking out its TJ style al vapor (steamed) Tacos. My favorite tacos in the world. There you have it - my Mexican homework in Vista - and dont forget Los Reyes Tortilleria or Restaurante Ortiz! Sat Dec 22 21:28:06 -0800 2007 14086 kare_raisu 1 3232447 A+ on your homework assignment. How long are you in town or are you back with us? Sun Dec 23 09:08:00 -0800 2007 3231901 69496 septocaine_queen 2 3233519 yay! :) Yep I am back. Sun Dec 23 18:55:30 -0800 2007 3232447 14086 kare_raisu