This past weekend we took a road trip from Los Angeles to San Diego. Well, I’m not sure if it’s technically a road trip since we go very often to visit family and friends. I lived in San Diego during my college years and that’s where my husband and I met. Every time we go, I like to explore a different part of the city. It’s not a huge place but while living there, I spent most of my weekends at the Gaslamp District and didn’t really appreciate everything else the beautiful city has to offer.
We arrived on Saturday night and we still didn’t have plans. Being that I’m from East L.A, I asked my husband what city he thought was the most similar my city in San Diego. He mentioned Barrio Logan and I got really excited! East L.A is really colorful, cheery and full of culture so I’m always looking for that feeling even when I’m away. However, I was hungry, engorged and practically dressed in pajamas so we decided to come back the next day.
It was such a great idea to go to Barrio Logan on Sunday morning! We spotted a cute coffee shop and gallery called “Por Vida” a taco place called “Salud” and a flea market all in one little block. It was so easy. First, we stopped at Por Vida for some coffee. My hubby had the house coffee and I had a Mazapan Iced Coffee. Mine was delicious! The atmosphere was great as they had music blaring. I loved that they were playing oldies because it took me back to my teenage years.
We then proceeded to the flea marker next door. I found so many cute things! But the best thing I found was a vendor by the name of “Gold Digger Crafts” she sells Mexican inspired accessories for kids. I bought the cutest bibs for Dahlia. I was so excited to have found her and as I was walking away, I mentioned to my husband that I wish I could find a vendor like her to come and sell at our next L.A Mamacita event. I’m a strong believer in speaking to the universe because as he looked at her business card, he noticed the address. El Sereno. OMG!!!
We then headed to Salud for some yummy San Diego style tacos. I’m trying to do the whole vegan diet for this month but I decided that I was going to cheat. I didn’t care at all. I ordered one veggie taco, a carne asada taco and a delicious drink called “Horchata Hooch” none of it disappointed! So so so good! I will definitely be going back and ordering some seafood. Their shrimp cocktails looked mouthwatering.
Some people called me “brave” for venturing into this barrio. I’m from the hood myself so it’s all good. We will definitely be going back to San Diego and plan on exploring Chicano Park.
By the way, come and check out Gold Diggers Crafts at our event on July 30th!!! Follow our Instagram page for more updates.
Have you been to San Diego? What’s your favorite thing to do there?
-Ruby
Alley
Referring to Barrio Logan as “cute and trendy”, is not what the people who have lived there for generations and fought for Chicano rights and have worked hard to make it what it is would appreciate your choice of words. I think you need to learn the history of Barrio Logan and what Chicano Park means to many of us but most importantly the community of Barrio Logan. And whoever said you were brave to go there??? Unless they live there they have no right to insinuate that Barrio Logan is not safe! The same goes for East LA unless you have lived there you have no right to say it is unsafe!
lamamacitablog
Hi “Alley” thank you for your comment. Cute and trendy was used to describe a neighborhood I was looking to explore. When that wasn’t an option I wanted to explore and spend my money on a neighborhood similar to mine which just happens to be East L.A. I was BORN and RAISED and OWN a business and HOME in EAST L.A. It was not me who used the word “brave” to describe my trip. And, yes it was someone who has lived in Barrio Logan all their life who called me brave. I didn’t agree with their comment but being that my blog post was meant to me lighthearted and non-political I chose to keep my post short and sweet.
As stated, I will be going back to explore and learn more about Chicano Park.
Have a great day =)
TheMotherOverload.com
Wow! I’ve never been to Barrio Logan but it’s now on our list! Thank you for sharing. Everything looks mouthwater and super cool.
lamamacitablog
The food was delicious! As a Mexican-American I love finding homes away from my home and this neighborhood just felt that way for me. Everyone was so friendly.
Monse
I like your blog on Barrio Logan it hit home for me In my barrio we have a SALUD its a liquor store i see alot of similarities and potential we can bring to our community here in East Los something different cute & trendy cus hood we already got that…I also like the pics to barrio logan reminds me of my grandma in mexico the mercado vibes on a sunday… something I will love to share with my kids and hopefully not only give them better memories but lifestyle too in east los im sure its possible trendy & cute roots and culture vibes thank you for sharing and being brave to explore share with other mothers and by brave i mean for going out and actually living trying it something We as chicanos can lack of instead we stay comfortable and fight off anyone trying to change the curtains lol
“its just the curtains”
Relax
Monse
lamamacitablog
Right! I loved it so much because it had so much rich culture and it very much reminded me of East L.A! The business owners on the block that I visited are doing an amazing job and I wish I could bottle of the vibe and emotions that it made me feel and bring them over to our side of town.