Tacos German truck in OB is closing

[Manta raya]

Feh! It's my favorite eatery in all of OB. They claim the city is making them close; does anybody know anything about this or if we can avert it?

[Shannon]

Well, looks like the truck is gone, and for good. I've been waiting for it to magically reappear... doesn't look good. The hot dog stand and tamale stand on Newport have apparently been ripped out too. Lame.

[DiningDiva]

Wasn't all that impressed with the tamale stand, but I had to give them props for effort.

[Shannon]

I never ate the hot dogs or the tamales... but they added a bit of "visual flavor" to Newport Street. And certainly there is a market in OB for street food.

[DiningDiva]

I'd agree with you about OB being the perfect location for street food, and I do agree that both vendors added some panache to Newport. Sorry to hear they had to leave

[cstr]

An unfortunate loss for OB, I really enjoyed hanging for lunch and having some great fish tacos.

[MrKrispy]

Has anyone spoke to them and asked if the issues the City has are fixable? Can they re-locate to an area that is suitable?

I don't see the issue with bathrooms for the employees, there are bathrooms in the lifeguard towers 2 minutes away :)

[DiningDiva]

It's not a public health issue. The bathrooms in Apple Market are 30 seconds away. It's appears to be a zoning issue, which is a lot harder to fix than a health department issue.

[cubano]

I finally got a look at the city's letter today. It boils down to permit issues.

The biggest two issues seem to be that Apple Tree didn't go through the city to get any building or signage permits for their three additional structures: the florist, coffee shop and the taco truck.

Apple Tree is fighting the issue. If Apple Tree loses, the deadline for the taco truck is July 1, with the others to close in the weeks after.

I've already written a letter of complaint to our councilman, Kevin Faulconer. If anybody else wants to, here's his contact info again:

[e-mail]
http://twitter.com/kevin_faulconer

[DiningDiva]

I believe you when you relate what you read in the letter. But that coffee shop has been there for years and it's not been a problem. Why now?

[cubano]

The coffee shop's been there for years, but it never draws the crowds that Mariscos' does. When nearby restaurant owners saw all the people standing in line at Mariscos, they figured they'd cut the competition by complaining about technicalities. And when they complained, the florist and coffee shop were caught in the same net.

Restaurants didn't complain about the pre-Mariscos hot dog cart because nobody stood in line for the hot dogs.

But oh, my Mixta Tostada was good today. I ate it as if it were my last meal...

[cstr]

Figures, probably the suckiest resto's complained. Hope Apple Tree can get through this and save the truck.

[jturtle]

I just called Kevin Faulconer to voice my displeasure over this. The number is [phone].

[palmtree38]

So if it closes which truck will you then be travelling to???
University?

Do you know if you can walk to gm. University from the zoo????

[jturtle]

That would be way too far but those more adept at the bus routes could probably give you a pretty good way to get there via bus!

[Katherine H]

Yep, too far to walk, but the 7 bus will take you directly there from the zoo.

[cstr]

I like the Marisco's truck on Industrial in the Toys R us lot, IMO the best of the Marisco's trucks. I do hope the OB truck can stay, great location.

[palmtree38]

Isnt the one on industrial in Chula Vista???? if so OB truck and CV are at least 3o min drive apart if not more will you make that hike ???

[LaurenZ]

Tried the truck on Industrial last week. It doesn't hold a candle to Marisco's German trucks.

[Captain Jack]

I disagree. The biggest gap is in the deep fried fish tacos. MG deep fried fish tacos are meh. Mariscos Pescador's deep fried fish tacos are fantastic, maybe the best in San Diego. The only downside is Mariscos Pescedor's location, which is a haul for me.

[Josh]

Yeah, another disagreement here. With some items, like the ceviche, I agree with you, but the fried fish tacos are not even comparable. El Pescador totally kills German on this one.

[cstr]

Yes it's in CV right off the 5 and I gladly make the trek for that truck, anytime.

[Island]

Ok I've been reading and hearing about these trucks long enough. It's time to get my butt to some for a taste test, but the more I read the more confused I am about who's who and where.

I want a fish and a shrimp taco. Nothing else.

With those menu items in mind should I try German Truck 3 on University in Normal Heights or El Pescador on Industrial in CV? Those are the 2 main players for fish taco trucks, yes?
I take it those are 2 different companies? I thought so, but from reading Yelp reviews it sounds like they both do a Gobernador and I thought that was a German truck speciality?? I must try one of those so want to make sure I'm heading to the right destination.

Also either going tomorrow (Fri) or Sat. Which day do you think will be less crowded and what time of day do you think would be best to catch a lull? Thanks.

[cstr]

For both fish and shrimp I'd go to the Marisco's El Pescador on Industrial in CV. The shrimp is called the Goubenator, it's really tasty, also if they have mixed seafood tostada it's great done ceviche style. I bring a couple of folding chairs and a cooler with my fav bev inside. Enjoy, and get back to the thread with your feedback.

[Josh]

Gobernador is a standard mariscos item. There's another good truck on Imperial and 22nd called Beyer. They have some unique items not found at the German or El Pescador truck, and is worth a visit.

Personally, I think the gobernador and fried fish tacos are best at El Pescador. At German I like the ceviche tostadas and the marlin tacos. At the Beyer truck, the 7 Chilies is delicious, just make sure you can handle very spicy food.

[Island]

cstr and Josh. Thanks. CV it is. May have to make 2 stops. Husband heard 7 chilies and spicy and he wants it, even though we have no idea what "it" is!

[Josh]

That 2nd truck is in Logan Heights, across from the Farmer's Market building.

[Island]

Thanks. I don't know CV, but discovered it wasnt't in that area when I mapquested that intersection. Josh what's a 7 chilies?

[Josh]

It's a spicy sauce they cook the fish in, your choice of seafood. It's made with 7 different peppers. It's good, but it's hot. If you find habanero too hot, it's not for you.

[MrKrispy]

what do you recommend at the OB truck (if they are still there this weekend)??? I have a hankerin for some non-styrofoam-cheese-tacos haha

[Josh]

Haven't eaten at the OB truck, but if it's the same stuff as North Park, I'd go with Marlin taco and tostada mixta. That's my go-to combo. Make sure to try the fresh habanero salsa in the squeeze bottle. It's bright orange.

[cstr]

Big 2nd for the tostada mixta, the fish taco and the carne asada. Their broth is killer with chunks of fish in it. I've been there almost every week since they came to Apple Tree.

[Nick0771]

I had the carne asada at the OB Mariscos German truck and was completely let down. Real tough carne that was almost more fat than meat. And I know carne asada can be tough..but this was on another level.. : (

-----
Mariscos German
3515 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104

[Nick0771]

Well, the Ocean Beach Mariscos German truck is still there as of today, July 2. As are the other two businesses. All appear to be operating as usual. Didn't get a chance to go ask them questions though..

[palmtree38]

Well I want to go to the top dog Truck myself lugging 5 of us down and out of town. A drive from Little Italy to CV or a drive to University.. Would university be 15 min or more ? If its only a 10 min difference maybe we could go to CV instead as it seems that most on here are voting for CV

[DiningDiva]

From Little Italy to the taco truck in Chula Vista is at least 30 mintues and mostly freeway driving.

From Little Italy to the taco truck on University is probably 15 minutes and mostly surface streets.

Your time may vary depending upon how well you know the city and how fast you want to drive. I have a lead foot and could probably make the taco truck in CV quicker than 30 mintues, and the MG truck on Uni in less than 15, but I know my way around the city really well.

From Little Italy to Blue Water Grill for fish tacos is probably 3 minutes, 5 if you get all the stoplights

From Little Italy to OB is about 10 minutes or less depending upon traffic and the traffic lights. Parking - especially on the weekends - is a bitch

[Josh]

30 minutes seems like a pretty long estimate to me. I used to drive to CV from Banker's Hill every day and it only took me about 20 minutes.

[palmtree38]

I had blue water grill on my list for a seafood night. It seems to get good reviews.

If the truck is still in OB when we come in september and 10 min away this would be even closer then university to little italy for us..

[Captain Jack]

The Mariscos Pescador truck in Chula Vista is a pretty easy run from Little Italy. Once you are on Interstate 5 it is a straight shot on a large, modern freeway. I'm guessing 15 minutes freeway time max. Added benefits are:

Adobada Torta truck is down there.

Aqui es Texcoco would make for a wonderful take out stop. You really should not miss this place, it is outstanding.

Also remember, the MP truck has the best fried fish tacos of all the trucks. I believe they should not be missed.

[Island]

Think the MP truck is there today, when it's a holiday for many of us? I really wanted to get there before the long weekend is over.

[Captain Jack]

My guess would be yes. Much like restuarants, they probably want to take advantage of the holiday crowd business. You could try to blow up the photo Kirk K has on his blog and get the phone number off the truck. It would be a drag to drive down there and find out it is not there.

[Island]

Capt Jack your guess was right; they were open.
Finally got to Pescador in CV today and on the way back decided to stop at the German truck on University for comparison since both are out of the way for us. Husband and I each got a fish taco and split a gobernador since we had no idea how big it would be. Good idea because we had the same at the German truck.

My husband liked the fish equally at both locations, for me I much preferred Pescador, probably because my corn tortilla at German was really greasy, but his was fine.
For the gobernador we both preferred Pescador; felt it had much more flavor. Loved the peppers, onions, celery and fresh cilantro. The shrimp themselves were bigger, plumper at German and if I was eating plain shrimp alone they would win, but overall not as flavorful, fewer veggies. We loved the way the corn tortillas were cooked at Pescador. Also the free broth was more zesty and flavorful with cilantro at Pescador, more watery and loaded with bay leaves at German. Happy that neither of them had cheese on the tacos.

Not too many people at either truck, but it took a lot longer to get food at Pescador. Fish pretty fast, but a long wait for the gobernadors and with no tables we were standing juggling our broth and 2 tacos on 1 plate trying to eat them before they got cold while we waited for the shrimp.
So are they the best fish tacos i ever had? Can't say. I'd need to eat a lot more fish tacos around town before I'd say that. I'd try them both again. Give German chance to redeem that oily tortilla. But even so, considering the distance, I think I'd have to be heading that way rather than make a special trip for either of them.
Need something further N. Taste testing was fun though!

Thanks for the tips. My motto should be I'm eatin what the c-hounds tell me to!

[palmtree38]

Hey ISland thanks for the good input comparison.. Are you the same person on Trip Advisor that asked me for the address of these? If so hey bud... nice to see you on two boards I love.. food and travel what makes a person any happier lol.

[menuinprogress]

When you say that "neither of them had cheese on the tacos", do you mean the fish tacos or the gobernadors? The gobernadors I've had have had a fair bit of cheese on them.

[Island]

No cheese on the fish or gobernadors at either location.

[cstr]

pretty much all there items are made to order, the gobernator is a meal in itself. I think the truck in OB comes close to the Pescador truck, I actually like the broth at the truck in OB better.

[palmtree38]

cstr.. Thanks for letting me know.. We leave in a few mths for our holiday so will check back. If this place is still opened when we come this looks closer a drive from little italy to Ob then it is to University or CV... AT same time we could get my hubby a hodads bacon cheeseburger he wants from watching diners drive ins.

[Neekoman]

Well, they're definitely there right now, as open as can be.

Do they pretty much just excel at fish tacos? Or do they have any quite good non-seafood options? (I don't eat seafood, but would love to try something else if it's recommended..)

[cstr]

The mixed fish tostada is excellent, they also have carne asada, it's not on the menu, you have to ask for it.

[Captain Jack]

I was at the OB Street Fair this weekend and stopped by to talk to the MG employees, and grab a taco (they were quite busy even with all the street fair options). I was told that all three of the parking lot operations are under the gun. If things go as scheduled, the 30th of this month would be their last day

[cstr]

A national day of mourning, for OB, should be declared on the 30th.

[foodiechick]

This is not about the OB Tacos German truck, but I think it adds an interesting perspective to the topic of brick and mortar eateries coexisting with the burgeoning growth of food trucks. It seems that municipal code can be construed many ways, depending on your point of view.

This is today's blogpost buy the former Linkery guys that run MIHO Gastrotruck. They were kicked out of Little Italy and then nearby vicinity today.

http://mihogastrotruck.com/wordonthes...

[DiningDiva]

I agree with many of their points, but not one - that lunch/catering trucks don't pay rent, or some form of equivalent. A lot of them do remit a percentage to a landowner, contractor, or the entity that engages them to provide service.

[cstr]

I think their prespective is a bit skewed, for instance they state, and I'm paraphrasing here, we do pay rent for use of a commercial kitchen, well boys that's not rent it's operating expenses, in their case because they don't have a brick and mortor resto. I do think most trucks pay the landlord, where they park, rent for the space.

[Josh]

I would love to find out which restaurants are lodging complaints so I can boycott those restaurants, and encourage all the people I know to do the same.

Of course, in Little Italy, the only place I patronize there is Burger Lounge. The rest of the places there are justifiably worried - if I served food as overpriced as theirs I'd fear competition too.

[cstr]

I don't think a boycott is appropriate, as long as they're licenced and properly permitted by the city and have an agreement from some land owner to park their vehicle, IMO, it's a new eating establishment, I say welcome to the 'hood, hope your product is worthy of eating and I look forward to patronizing your cuisune. As far as other worried resto's in the area, better improve your game.

[Josh]

No, no. You totally misunderstood me. I meant boycotting the restaurants that complained about the truck. I'm a fan of MIHO, and want to see more trucks out there. I agree with your last point fully, and the anti-competitive complaints by the restaurants bugs me.

[cstr]

No I got it! think about this, those resto's are complaining why? maybe their chow isn't as good as MIHO so they're terrified. I welcome those trucks and hope they cause some spirited competition. As for a boycott, IMO it's unnecessary, take for example Little Italy where most places take your wallet to the cleaners while delivering meh chow, they're potentially in trouble because they've never had to be on their game, now they've got to be worried and just wait till people try the chow from some of these trucks, home-run for the truck owners and people who patronize them. Afterall, if you had a choice of a meh resto or a truck serving great chow, what would you naturally choose? It's a no-brainer!

[Cathy]

The article says "local business owners" complained, not 'restaurants'.

[Josh]

Right. I'm sure Nelson Camera was pretty upset about it.

[stevewag23]

Does Nelson Camera have steak tartare?

[Josh]

Depends on how willing you are to get your hands dirty.

[cstr]

You can bet it's probably not the art supply store or the barber shop. I wouldn't put a lot of stock in a reporter's language, IMO, it say's resto owners.

[Cathy]

When the MiHo truck parks across the street from Linkery, or anywhere in that area on 30th, let me know if anyone complains. Or could it have a permanent spot there and do a regular business, because it is just as good but less expensive that the restaurants (meh or not) in that neighborhood.

-----
Linkery
3794 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104

[DiningDiva]

I don't think you can infer that they're coplaining because they're afraid of the competition because their chow lacks...tho' in the case of some of the restaurants along Newport, that shoe fits. The restaurant industry has taken a beating in the recession (as witnessed by the 500+ posts on the Closed Restaurants in a Down Economy thread on this board) and those that have managed to stay in business are struggling to make ends meet. I totally "get" where the business owners are coming from. They're paying rent, utilities (i.e. water, gas & electric, trash), various and assorted taxes, insurance and perhaps wages to multiple employees. Along comes a food truck that parks in front of their business and in their eyes is not paying taxes, is operating with 1 or 2 employees, isn't paying rent or utilities, so there seems to be an inequity with the food truck infringing on their livelihood and possible business survival.

It's kind of a vicious circle. Yeah, the food trucks are great fun and often (but certainly not always) have better food at lower prices, the consequence is that they may adversely affect viable, but struggling businesses. Unfortunately, when the economy goes south and business slacks off, many operators buy cheaper product to retain their margins. Few rethink their concept(s) or how they run their business. Some businesses are so poorly run they shouldn't survive. Others are pretty well run but rising costs and a shrinking customer base put them on the brink. What none of us really knows is how close to the edge most of those Newport Ave. businesses are really running.

I would hazard a guess that Pizza Port opening in OB just a block off Newport is probably having a greater effect on the Newport businesses than is the MG truck.

The MIHO truck is a whole 'nuther ball game.

[cstr]

Yah but, those trucks don't have 4 tops set up, a roof, ambiance yadda... yadda... yadda, so the chow is priced accordingly. As with your example of Pizza Port, I can see the same on India St. in LI. As the economy goes so do meh resto's, they got away with it for a long time, now it's different and will probably never go back to what the industry was..

[Josh]

The other thing that's bogus about this is the assumption that if you didn't buy food from MIHO, you'd buy it from another vendor on those streets. A total fallacy. The restaurant industry in NYC survives just fine, despite hotdog/kebab carts on almost every street corner.

[cstr]

NYC is a far cry from SD, in NYC street food is on practically every corner, and most is very good, quick and reasonably priced. If the surrounding resto's were meh and over priced (SD has plenty of those to go around) then yes I'd go to another street vendor before entering a meh place, wouldn't you?.

[DiningDiva]

The restaurants on Newport have ambiance? Who knew!

[cstr]

comm'on DD you know what I mean, I should have clarified, sans OB!

[Ewilensky]

It could be any business - Little Italy is a Business Improvement District - all businesses in the area pay a BID fee to help maintain the neighborhood ie: pick up trash, put out tables, devleop signage, security etc... So I can see any business owner who has to pay the fees crying foul about the MIHO truck coming in without paying fees. North Park is the same way, BTW.

I like MIHO and want to see more trucks out there like them. They'll need to find away to work with a business that will allow them to park on their private property and not on public property. Or perhaps BIDs need to come up with a different fee scale for traveling trucks. Perhaps it is MIHO that should approach the BIDs to take initiative. Afterall, these trucks add to the neighborhood and should be welcomed opened arms and empty stomachs.

[Cathy]

Thanks for explaining BIDs, EWilensky. I was about to elaborate and then the phone rang...

The Little Italy BID Board of Directors has 23 people representing the District. Only three are from restaurants. (One is from Nelson Camera.)
http://littleitalysd.com/BoardMinutes.asp

Here is their site. If anything, people should try complaining to them, not City Council. http://littleitalysd.com/splash/index...

[cstr]

LJ also has a business tax for keeping the streets looking nice. I believe you have stated the obivious, these trucks will probably need to be parked on private property and let them flourish while we get nourished with great chow.

[RB Hound]

People here sometimes miss the obvious. Clearly, somebody related to South Beach (maybe even a fan) is complaining, just to spite Josh.

[MrKrispy]

I bet it is Kraft, they noticed their yellow cheese sales have been down in San Diego.

[Alice Q]

Pretty sure it's the same people who have complained (believe it or not) about the Little Italy Mercato competing with them for business. The LI business association has given the Mercato a hard time about having bakery and food vendors, etc. When we wanted to do a bake sale there to raise money for charity this summer, we were denied because the Mercato feared the pushback. For a one weekend bakesale. For charity. That's how aggressive they are. It pisses me off and I think it's wrongheaded besides. I actually went to Little Italy's businesses when I did go to the Mercato (I now generally go to Hillcrest on Sundays) Now I never bother to make the extra stop. Stupid stupid stupid.

[cstr]

Totally selfish, like a bake sale for charity is going to hurt their bottom line, give me a break. Another reason to avoid those places.

[Alice Q]

Thank you! That's exactly what I thought.

[Fake Name]

I agree the bake sale was a foot-shot.

However, the LI merchants have been paying a LOT of money for their BID. They've done well with it, but it ain't cheap. Then along comes Alice with her yummy goodies and BOOM throws a bucket of water on their entire bottom line for a year:

You cursed brat! Look what you've done! I'm melting! melting! Oh, what a world! What a world! Who would have thought a good little girl like [Alice] you could destroy my beautiful [profitability]wickedness? Oooooh, look out! I'm going! Oooooh! Ooooooh!

[Cathy]

Because it would not just be Alice and her goodies for her charity one time only. *Every* charity will want a spot at the Mercado. Every week.

Then someone will sue, saying they were denied a spot when they wanted it. If one charity got a spot twice in a year, why can't they also have a spot...then there will have to be a lottery for spots. With observers to assure that there is no prejudice in allowing or denying a spot....

The BID has to have rules at some point. In this case, the rules are from the beginning.

[Josh]

I'm sure the BID has reasons for their short-sighted pigheadedness. That doesn't mean it's not short-sighted pigheadedness, however.

[Alice Q]

I think it's called greed. ;)

[cstr]

Alice could sue back, she has the creds for that! You do make a point about the flood gates opening but, if that were the norm then would there ever be a bake sale et al for charity?

[Cathy]

There always will be a way for charities to raise money for their causes. It just won't be one day at a table at an already popular, profitable Farmers Market in San Diego.

[Alice Q]

That doesn't actually have anything to do with it. We are still going to have a booth, we just aren't able to sell anything. The Mercato isn't a government agency, and they aren't required to give every charity that wants one a booth.

[phee]

I volunteer with a non-profit group, and we get that all the time - "yes, you can have a booth; no, you can't sell anything." That includes our calendars, baked goods, etc. Street fairs, county fairs, markets - none want you selling your wares. The only ones who usually don't have restrictions are those that are animal related, and even some of those have rules against it.

[stevewag23]

The San Diego Greed Machine.

[Josh]

There's always South Beach.

>:-D

[cstr]

Nice rub Josh!

[Beach Chick]

would you like ranch with that?
; )

[MrKrispy]

I went by yesterday afternoon and the truck wasn't there, but I couldn't remember if they were normally there on Mondays. Bummer.

[cubano]

I drove by this morning (couldn't stop), and the truck was still there. Hopefully, they've settled things with the city.

[Shannon]

Still there today too. And a ton of people in line.

[Manta raya]

They said "the city" and I think it has something to do with permitting. Also, they did not seem too optimistic about getting the issue fixed in a manner that would have them back in OB, so I'm not really sure what's happening. I'll ask again and see if I can get any more information. Such a bummer, if true.

[cstr]

Since when would the city care about fiixing anything, it's up to the owner to fix whatever the city wishes. All the city wants is money.

[palmtree38]

I think I will have to watch this post as looks like the Marisco trucks can change in 3 mths from when we are arriving in SD..

[DiningDiva]

If it's a zoning issue, only the city could fix that.

Isn't there also a free standing coffee kiosk in the Apple Market parking lot? Maybe there's some obscure zoning regulation that prohibits more than 1 mobile vendor in certain locations.

I certainly hope they can find a mutually beneficial resolution.

[cstr]

Similar to the Marisco's and Gorta's trucks in CV. I do hope they get it resolved, OB really needs some authentic fish tacos.

[dustchick]

I don't think the coffee kiosk is mobile.

I'll be very bummed if the MG truck has to move. Does anyone know when it'll be moving? Is it still there?

[cubano]

Kevin Faulconer's office wrote back to me (letter below). When I responded that the problem was mostly a lack of a building permit for a mobile taco truck, he said he'd forwarded my e-mail to Lisa Johnson, the person at the city's "Neighborhood Code Compliance" office who's in charge of the case.

Here's her contact info, in case anybody wants to write her: [e-mail]

She's out of the office until July 8, but she'll have the letters waiting for her.

Here's the e-mail I received from Kevin Faulconer's office:

"Thank you for your email regarding Mariscos German taco truck in OB. It is my understanding that the Mayor's Neighborhood Code Compliance (NCC) department received a complaint about the business operating in a location that is not zoned for such a business.

Council does not have any jurisdiction over NCC or have a chance to weigh in on code violations cases. I have copied the NCC officer handling this case Lisa Johnson, on this email so that she is aware of your concerns.

Lisa, could you let us know if there are any immediate changes that could be made to change zoning, or would it have to go through the regular Development Services process?

Best,

Thyme
_________________________________
Thyme Curtis
Council Representative
Office of Councilmember Kevin Faulconer
City of San Diego - Second District
619.236.7351

[DiningDiva]

Only the council person for OB could have someone on their staff with the first name "Thyme". Perhaps the councilman's intervention will be Justin Time for MG ;-)

[Beach Chick]

That is frigging a riot DD..
You sure put all us 'youngsters' to shame.. ; )
No wonder Bully's East has a stool in your honor..
With wit like that, the XX most interesting man, would only have eyes for you!

[DiningDiva]

It was a slow night and I had too much salad for dinner

[Beach Chick]

Well that blows..

[palmtree38]

Is this the one by Hodad's ?? As I wanted to try it out since the one on University changed owners.

Hey Beach Chick....... nice to see you...

-----
Hodads Restaurant
5010 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107

[Captain Jack]

Yes, this is the one near Hodad's. Mariscos Pescador in CV is outstanding and well worth the drive if you can swing it.

-----
Hodads Restaurant
5010 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107

[Beach Chick]

Hi palmtree!
Have a great time in SD!

www.gaslamp.org

[DiningDiva]

Since OB is in the City of San Diego, that would mean it's SD not OB requesting the change. My guess is that it probably has something to do with the licensing of the truck, either a permit problem or a few health code violations, all of which are not difficult to fix, especially given their track record and experience with operating other trucks.

Every since CalCode went into effect (7/1/2007) things have been really tight for vendors that operate outside of the 4 walls of a brick and mortar building.

[cstr]

I've noticed that most trucks have hand sanitizer bottles and someone is cleaning the shelf and surrounding area outside the truck, where you order, quite often. I hope they can stay.

[DiningDiva]

It goes way deeper than a little hand sanitizer and clean up. The trucks have a whole list of regulations with which they have to comply. 8 chapters in CalCode are devoted to street food vendors.

It could be something as simple as their permit to operate is expired, they failed to renew it in time and can't reopen until their permit is valid

[cubano]

I spent some time today talking with the folks at the taco truck, the adjacent coffee place, and the flower shop. Apparently Mariscos' taco truck was doing such good business that competing restaurants along Newport and other streets complained to the city.

Apparently, the taco truck, florist, coffee shop *and* Apple Tree all received a notice from the city about some zoning violations. They're all protesting. Nobody had a copy of the letter, so I couldn't see exactly what the zoning issues were. Perhaps the lot's only zoned for one business, but I'm just guessing.

Since it's a zoning issue rather than a permit issue, it might be more difficult to fight.

The folks at the taco truck might be moving to North Park, if OB doesn't work out.

[Cathy]

I know one of the zoning restrictions is that food trucks are supposed to move every two hours. They also have to be within walking distance of a toilet and running water (for use by the employees of the truck) whenever they park, no matter the time of day.

I have a friend who bought a used food service truck in March. He has been inspected approximately every 15 days since then and recently vented to me about the strict rules he has had to adhere to.

[MrKrispy]

Do restaurants and small sandwich/taco shops get such scrutiny?

[Cathy]

I know the brick and mortars have to have a bathroom with running hot water and toilet for employees, not necessarily for the public.

I know B&Ms also have to have the doorways to accomodate the handicapped/wheelchairs. If those places do have a public/customer only bathroom, it has to accomodate handicapped. I am unsure if the handicapped stuff is a San Diego or federal law.

[DiningDiva]

Yes, all brick and mortar food facilities are inspected annually, and some more often. It is also true that some places fly under the radar for years because the Dept. of Environmental Health doesn't have enough inspectors to cover every location every year. Inspectors show up unannounced and go over the operation from wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling, front door-to-bathrooms. The more violations they find, the harder the look for more. Inspections rarely take less than 30 minutes and depending upon the condition of the place, can take up to 2 hours. If it's really bad, the inspector has the authority to close the facility on the spot.

In addition to the physcial condition of the facility, the owner/manager/person in charge, will have to show proof that each employee has a current food handlers card issued by the City/County of SD, and that the person in charge has current ServSafe certification.

All food operation in the State of CA fall under CalCode which are the public health and safety rules and regs for the State. They are extensive and detailed.

[DiningDiva]

Hmm...I find it hard to believe that one little taco truck has seriously dented the business of all the restaurants along Newport, there are just too many of them. I suspect it was either 1 or 2 restaurants or some "concerned citizens" that complained and/or raised the issue of zoning. Seeing as how this is a beach community, it will probably be hard to fight.

Some one take Donna Frye some fish tacos and tell her a small operator in her district is being stomped on those pesky City rules and regulations and ask her to intercede

[cubano]

I suspect the complainer is the restaurant right around the corner. I won't name names, but it rhymes with Mubway Mandwiches.

Kevin Faulconer is the council member for Ocean Beach. I don't know if he's a fan of fish tacos, but I'll write him a letter asking why he's allowing precious jobs to be lost in the Ocean Beach area by closing down established businesses in his district.

[DiningDiva]

I think you're right about it being 1 restaurant, tho' my pick was the Greek Village on the corner ;-)

[Manta raya]

Actually, the one I heard rhymes with Riko's, but I suppose in the end, it really doesn't matter. I would like to see a little more public flogging of wussy businesses who think a taco truck is driving them under, though. I just wrote Faulconer to see what the deal is ([e-mail]) and encourage you guys to do the same.

[Captain Jack]

Thanks for the email address. I just wrote to Faulconer asking him to intercede on behalf of all San Diego foodies.

[cstr]

That's very disappointing to hear, a real set back for OB. I hope it's something small, permits etc, and fixable.

[kare_raisu]

Thats really stupid! I just ate their on Wednesday its just as good as the rest. I hope they stay

[cubano]

Did they tell you why the city's making them close? After all, they're parked on private property, not city property. I sure hope they can find a way around this.