Acqua E Farina Grand Opening Event: A Delicious Debut in Downtown Chula Vista!
On Friday, October 11th, downtown Chula Vista welcomed its newest gem, Acqua e Farina grand opening event, with an exciting ribbon-cutting ceremony. Chula Vista Mayor John McCann joined the celebration, officially cutting the ribbon and welcoming this new hotspot warmly. The restaurant’s owner, Alberto Morreale, greeted the crowd and invited everyone inside to sample a few of their fresh, mouth-watering dishes.
Let me tell you, the interior of Acqua e Farina is stunning—it’s the perfect blend of modern elegance and cozy charm. But don’t worry, Farmers Table fans—your favorite brunch spot isn’t going anywhere! The space will now be home to two fantastic dining experiences: Farmers Table will continue to serve up their signature brunch daily, and at 4 PM, the kitchen transitions into Acqua e Farina, dishing out authentic Italian cuisine that’s perfect for dinner.
Guys, take note—this spot is a dream for date nights. Be sure to follow them on Instagram to keep up with their latest offerings. Trust me, you’ll want to stay in the loop on this one!
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For as long as I can remember, there has always been that “Westside Vs. Eastside” rivalry. The 805 splits Chula Vista in half and has always been a competitive split. Back when Eastlake was growing into its own it was always the side that got the most updated projects or new parks. People on the west side would always ask, “Why are they getting all this new stuff? Why is nothing happening on the west side?” It’s funny now cause the Westside is getting all the love with the new Bayfront projects.
Personally, I have never fallen into the East vs. West mentality. We are all Chula Vista, and no freeway or attitude should ever split us. But, with that being said, there are some things that you can find on the Westside that you can’t find on the Eastside.
Now, to be clear, this is not a competition. I have always found it fascinating that certain elements and businesses have not jumped over the 805. I’mnot sure if it’s just cause they don’t want to add a location in Eastlake or that business type just doesn’t work in that area. For whatever reason, this list covers the three things that the Westside has that you will not find on the Eastside. And don’t worry, I will have a reverse list coming soon, so stay tuned.
How is there not a Pan Dulce bakery in Eastlake? If I had the money and knowledge to bake Mexican bread I would open my own.
Number One: Pan Dulce Bakery
If there is one that just blows me away, it’s this one. How is there no pan dulce bakery in Eastlake? I’m part of so many Chula Vista Facebook groups, and this question has been asked many times. “Where can I get good pan dulce in Eastlake?“ Every time and pretty much every answer is, “You can’t.” It’s not like people in Eastlake don’t want a good pan dulce place; theyclearly do if they keep asking for it. Here on the Westside, we have several differentplaces to pick up some delicious pan dulce. My favorite has always been La Concha on E Street, I love this place. How have they not branched out and made a location in Eastlake?
If I knew how to bake Mexican sweet bread and, of course, had the money to open it, I would totally open a pan dulce bakery in Eastlake. You have zero competition right now, and your spot would be the only place selling it. No longer would people have to drive west to get their pan dulce fix; my location would be right there.
If you open on up then give me call. I at least want a free concha for giving you a winning plan.
This is another one that always shocks me doesn’t exist in Eastlake. I know you have Trader Joes, but how about a good Hispanic Market in Eastlake?
Number Two: A Hispanic Market
This is another one that always shocks me. Here on the West Side, we have so many Hispanic markets, each with one item I truly love. One of them is Otay Farms on Main Street, they have the best bolios in all of Chula Vista. Anytime I’m even remotely close to them I have to stop and get some.
How is there no Hispanic Market in Eastlake? Imagine if they built a Northgate in the San Miguel Ranch strip mall. The one that used to have an Albertsons for about a year and now sits there empty. I still don’t understand that. They could easily make a killing in that area.
One thing we love here in the Westside is food trucks. If you take a drive down Broadway, you will see all the food trucks we have. A lot of them have really good food.
Number Three: Food Trucks
Another thing we love here on the Westside is our food trucks. I have made a few videos about my favorite food trucks in Chula Vista. Sadly the one I loved the most has moved away. Tacos El Rummy on Third and L St, that was a great spot. He has since moved on and even has his own restaurant in Jamul, shout out to him.
Now I know some local businesses will have food trucks for a special event at their location. I’m not talking about those. I’m talking about food trucks that are set up at a spot day in and day out. If you drive down Main Street you will see several locations where food trucks are pretty much the restaurant for that spot. I have never seen any food trucks like that east of the 805. If I have missed it, then please let me know. I will be sure to add that to my list pronto.
There you have it—the three things you can find west of the 805 that you will not find east of the 805. I know this list will get some people talking, and that is good;let’s hear it.Let me know if I’m full of it for thinking a pan dulce bakery will make it in Eastlake. I’m ready to hear your feedback.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally posted to our website in April 2006. We have added this article back to our website for historical purposes. Some of the information might be out of date. Please visit the Bonita Library official website below for a current list of activities and amenities.
Our community of Bonita just got even better! On December 8, the Bonita Library opened its doors in a more prominent location, ready to serve Bonita, Sunnyside, Rancho Del Rey, and College Estates. This new library is more than just a place to check out books—it’s a hub for learning, fun, and community events!
A Bigger and Better Space
The new Bonita-Sunnyside Library is now housed in an 8,000-square-foot building. That’s a massive upgrade from its previous home, giving us plenty of room for more books, programs, and community activities. We’ve also got a 2,000-square-foot Community Center next to the library, perfect for all kinds of events and gatherings.
The library is located at 4375 Bonita Road, conveniently next to the Chula Vista Community Golf Course. It’s also part of the larger Bonita Community Center, which includes a Neighborhood Safety Center, the Bonita-Sunnyside Career Center, and the new Bonita Museum and Cultural Center.
One thing I love about the Bonita Library is all the natural light and open spaces. Many times, I will leave my home office and just work at the library.
What’s Inside the Bonita Library?
You’ll find an extensive library collection of books, magazines, DVDs, and more. There’s even a small bookstore where you can buy used books at great prices! The library’s design blends modern and traditional styles, making it both high-tech and cozy. There are 24 high-speed computers with internet access, so whether you’re doing research or just surfing the web, you’re covered.
One of the library’s most remarkable features is the outdoor fireplace and patio. Under the warm Bonita sky, you can enjoy a relaxing evening reading a book, doing homework, or attending one of the many children’s events.
Fun Events for Kids and Teens
The Bonita-Sunnyside Library is a great place for kids of all ages. For the little ones, there’s Preschool Story Time and Crafts every Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. There’s also Pajama Story Time on the second Monday of every month at 6:45 p.m., where kids can come in their PJs and listen to bedtime stories.
For school-age kids, there’s Grandparents and Books, which runs every Tuesday from 3 to 4 p.m., Wednesday from 2 to 3 p.m., and Thursday from 3 to 4 p.m. It’s a special time for grandparents to share their love of reading with their grandchildren.
Teens aren’t left out, either! The Teen Advisory Group meets monthly, where teens can help plan events, suggest new books and movies, and meet other teens in the area. Plus, snacks are always provided!
The Bonita Library is also the only library I have seen that offers visitors the use of a 3D Printer. How cool is that?
Programs for Adults
Adults have plenty of programs to look forward to as well. The library is working to bring back its popular Book Discussions for Adults. If you love diving into a good book and sharing your thoughts with others, this monthly program will be just for you. Additionally, the Friends of the Library group meets every second Tuesday of the month at 9 a.m. to discuss ways to keep our library strong and active in the community.
A Library for Everyone
Did you know that the Bonita Library has access to San Diego County’s library database? This means that with just a library card, you can dive into research on almost any topic. Whether you’re at the library or home, the entire system’s resources are available with just a few clicks.
Remember, many San Diego County libraries offer similar services like internet access, family-friendly events, and spaces for people to come together. Our Bonita-Sunnyside Library is ready to support all community events, from local club meetings to annual Bonitafest planning.
Be sure to also check out the Bonita-Sunnyside Library Friends of the Library website to help support this great cause. Their location is open from 10 AM to 4 PM Monday through Saturday. You can find their website here.
Come Check It Out!
The Bonita-Sunnyside Library is more than just a place to borrow books; it’s a place where our community comes together. Whether you’re attending a children’s event, getting some work done on your laptop, or enjoying a quiet evening on the patio, there’s something for everyone here. Explore the new space, and take advantage of everything this fantastic library offers!
Today is National Taco Day (Officially), and I wanted to put together a video of my three favorite spots to get street style tacos here in Chula Vista. I didn’t add Tacos El Gordo to the list since we all know and love them. I wanted to feature some other locations. I hope you get out there and try them. Let me know in the comments what your favorite spot is. I love that we have so many great places here in Chula vista.
Number Three: Taqueria by El Prieto
Taqueria by El Prieto is a hidden treasure that every taco lover needs to discover! From the moment you walk in, the welcoming staff makes you feel like part of the family. But let’s talk about the food—each bite is a flavor explosion of authentic, rich goodness that takes your taste buds on a journey to Mexico for those street-style tacos we love. The cozy decor adds the perfect touch, making it more than just a meal, but an experience. I’m already counting down the days until my next visit. If you’re craving something truly delicious, this is the spot to hit—highly recommend!
Number Two: Taco Machin Street Style Tacos
I finally gave in after driving by Taco Machin countless times, and wow, am I glad I did! The tacos here are a game-changer—especially the carne asada. It’s a rare find in this area where so many places serve up chewy, fatty meat that just doesn’t cut it. But Taco Machin nailed it! The carne asada is tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. Since that first visit, we’ve become regulars, and let me tell you, they’re always bustling with people, which says a lot.
Everything we’ve ordered has been fantastic—whether it’s the mulitas, quesadillas, or quesatacos. We’ve sampled their carne asada, nopales, birria, and adobada, and they’ve all been spot-on every single time. Consistency is hard to come by these days, but Taco Machin delivers. Seriously, don’t change a thing!
Las Ahumaderas on Broadway in Chula Vista is my top spot for street-style tacos. Be sure to check them out.
Number One: Las Ahumaderas in Chula Vista
How lucky are we to have Ahumaderas from Tijuana right here on this side of the border?! I was so excited to dig in that I finished my food before I even thought about taking pictures! But trust me, even photos wouldn’t do these tacos justice. The quality of the meat is top-notch—I tried both the cabeza and carne asada, and they were cooked to tender perfection.
Their selection of natural aguas frescas is impressive too! My family and I tried all of them, and each one was deliciously refreshing—no complaints from us. My brother-in-law ordered the menudo but wasn’t a fan of the flavor, so I’d say stick to their specialty: the tacos! They even offer family packs, which is a nice touch. You can bet I’ll be a regular at this spot whenever I’m in Chula!
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