639664 Sun Jul 26 22:50:52 -0700 2009 2 3 California 0 4893011 (Formatted with All Pictures here: http://exilekiss.blogspot.com/2009/07/from-ocean-to-mobile-taco-truck-intense.html I've heard about the famous, highly-lauded Marlyn (Marlin) Tacos of the Mariscos German taco truck for quite some time. But it was always a tad too far of a drive for me. So when Jotaru dragged me along to visit some friends in the San Diego area, this was the first destination to pop up on my itinerary. :) Thanks kare_raisu and so many other SD Hounds, I was prepped and ready to try their most famous offerings. Mariscos German now encompasses multiple taco trucks and a standalone restaurant, but the truck at University & 35th Street seems to be the most lauded. According to our server, Mariscos German buys whatever they need for the day, fresh from the local fish market before heading out to their destination, ensuring fresh seafood (and it shows). Arriving on a weekday afternoon, the Mariscos German truck is packed, with a steady line of people showing up throughout our meal (with no letup in sight). We start with their Taco de Cayo (Scallop Taco). Local Bay Scallops are sauteed with Bell Peppers, Celery, Onions and Cilantro. The Bay Scallops are bright, fresh and still juicy, impressive for a venue most would associate with simple, fast food. All customers are also provided with a cup of their Seafood Consomme made with Shrimp Heads, Cabbage and Celery. It's a focused, peppery, spicy, piping hot cup of soup, slightly briny and delicious. The next dish, however was the one I was most looking forward to: Taco de Marlyn (Marlin Taco). I've read so much about them that I was wondering if it would live up to the anticipation, but after the first bite I understood the greatness. (^_^) The Marlin is perfectly cooked through, still moist and tender. But it's the texture and flavor that are most surprising: Intense, smoky, meaty... both of my guests thought it was pork at first. This is the first time I've had Marlin this spot-on in every facet. When combined with the Bell Peppers, Onions, Celery and Monterey Jack Cheese, it makes for a great combination. Outstanding. :) Finally, we finish up with Taco de Gobernador, which turns out to be a Shrimp Taco, sauteed in the same style as the Marlyn and Cayo Tacos with Monterey Jack Cheese. While the Shrimp tasted pretty fresh, they were uncleaned, which was a little off-putting to one of my guests. Otherwise it tasted pretty straightforward for a Shrimp Taco. The other slightly disappointing aspect is that all of the Tacos we tried were cooked with the same complementary ingredients (Bell Peppers, Celery, Onions) resulting in a similar flavor profile at times (but the texture and type of protein still stood out). On our way out we notice a massive plate of what looks like everything of the sea, which turns out to be their Tostada Loca, a fried Tortilla bowl filled with every type of seafood offered at Mariscos German, definitely something to order next time. :) Each of their tacos are priced at $3.75, and we averaged about ~$11 per person. Mariscos German offers up an enjoyable selection of seafood, with their Marlin Tacos being the standout. It's not a destination eatery, but I'm still dreaming about their Marlin and wish that I had a Mariscos German taco truck in my neighborhood. Perhaps one day. :) *** Rating: 7.9 (out of 10.0) *** Mariscos German At the corner of University Avenue & 35th Street San Diego, CA 92104 Hours: 7 Days A Week, 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Sun Jul 26 22:50:53 -0700 2009 113442 exilekiss 1 4893679 Attaching Chow Place link. Mon Jul 27 08:28:30 -0700 2009 4893011 113442 exilekiss 1 4894244 See? It's the San Diego Hype Machine in action. The German family must have pushed their advertising and publicity really hard to create this expanding business. And their food is so ordinary. <<<< this is sarcasm. Mon Jul 27 11:01:59 -0700 2009 4893011 44523 Fake Name