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Las Ahumaderas – Discovering Chula Vista’s Culinary Gem

If there is one thing Chula Vista has plenty of it’s delicious food choices. We have seen a wave of new places opening up all over. I love to see new restaurants opening and today is one I have been waiting for. Every time I would drive down Broadway I would check to see if Las Ahumaderas was finally opening. Well today I’m happy to say it is here – the grand opening of a Tijuana legend Las Ahumaderas. This famous taco restaurant, known for its mouthwatering offerings, has expanded its horizons to Chula Vista, bridging the culinary gap between the two cities.

Las Ahumaderas Brings A New Spot with Familiar Flavors

Situated at the bustling corner of Broadway and Moss, Las Ahumaderas opened it’s doors on Tuesday to a line of people waiting to order tacos. I stepped into the restaurant and the aromas of classic Tijuana tacos mingled with the excitement of new twists on traditional favorites. The menu is a tempting array of Asada and a tacos, Elote, and even Crepes – a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to both tradition and innovation.

Las Ahumaderas in Chula Vista
Las Ahumaderas in Chula Vista tacos. Photo courtesy of Claudeth C. on Yelp!

The Opening Day: Chula Vista turns out to show their support

The opening day of Las Ahumaderas in Chula Vista was nothing short of a fiesta. The crowd’s enthusiasm was palpable, reflecting the community’s anticipation for this culinary addition. It wasn’t just the locals who were eagerly awaiting the opening; the buzz around this launch had been building for quite some time. I was recently speaking with some friends who couldn’t wait to give them a try once they opened. You can find Las Ahumaderas at 1011 Broadway (Visit their Google Maps Listing). The parking lot is kind of tight so it is best to find street parking.

“This place just opened and it is fantastic! Went with a coworker today for lunch. Authentic tacos, Mexican corn. Fresh. This will be a regular spot!!” Said Sean F. a Yelp! Reviewer after visiting.

Alan on Yelp! also loved the food and customer service, “One of the best California burritos I’ve had in a while. It was amazing! The customer service & presentation was 5 stars! I recommend to come here if you’re looking for decent food!”

If you want to submit your Yelp! review or see what others had to say then be sure to check out their Yelp listing here.

A Legacy Reborn

Behind this new venture is the charismatic Pedro Rodriguez, a man deeply rooted in the taco-making legacy of his family. His narrative is as rich as the flavors he serves. Originating from Tijuana’s famed taco alley, Pedro’s journey is a blend of tradition and entrepreneurial spirit. The restaurant’s name, a nod to its origins, encapsulates the essence of the smoke from the grills that has been a part of his family’s story for decades.

Pedro’s vision for the eatery goes beyond serving delicious food. He emphasizes the importance of an exceptional customer experience. His goal is for every patron to leave with not just a full belly but also a memorable experience. This commitment to customer satisfaction is what sets Las Ahumaderas apart in the bustling culinary landscape of Chula Vista.

A Culinary Landmark

Las Ahumaderas’ presence in Chula Vista is more than just a new dining option; it’s a cultural bridge, a culinary landmark that connects the flavors of Tijuana with the diverse palate of Chula Vista. As I wrapped up my visit, indulging in more tacos than I care to admit, I realized that Las Ahumaderas is not just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of heritage, flavor, and community. If you find yourself in Chula Vista, make sure to stop by 1011 Broadway – your taste buds will thank you!

Las Ahumaderas in Chula Vista will be open every day. Hours are Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4 a.m.

Grove Park in The Village of Montecito is a beautiful Chula Vista Park

The Grove Park in Chula Vista was recently unveiled and it brings another beautiful park to the community. This 7.1-acre park has a multipurpose field, tennis courts, a large picnic area, a large playground, and basketball courts. If you’re looking to host a large get together then you will find plenty of room to roam. They also offer BBQ grills and even a cornhole game area. I was out there yesterday and explored the new park. Families are already getting out and enjoying the new space.

Exploring the Unveiled Beauty of Grove Park in Chula Vista

Welcome to the latest gem in our beautiful city – the Grove Park in Chula Vista! Recently unveiled and creating a buzz in the community, this sprawling 7.1-acre green expanse is a haven for all outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re a sports buff, a picnic lover, or you’re seeking a new playground for your kids, Grove Park has it all. Picture this – a multipurpose field, pristine tennis courts, a spacious picnic area, a large playground for the little ones, and basketball courts for those friendly community matches. But that’s not all! With BBQ grills for the perfect summer cookout and a cornhole game area for some casual fun, Grove Park is set to become your next favorite family destination. Join me as we embark on a virtual tour of this lovely addition to the Chula Vista community.

Visit the Otay Ranch website for more details on the Grove Park

Special features of this new Chula Vista park

Grove Park isn’t just another park in Chula Vista; it has been meticulously crafted to cater to everyone’s outdoor interests. The expansive 7.1-acre landscape boasts a versatile multipurpose field for sports activities or other events.

Tennis enthusiasts will appreciate the pristine courts, while kids will be thrilled with the large playground designed for fun and safety. The park offers an extensive picnic area with BBQ grills for those who love to enjoy a meal under the open sky. Imagine weekend family gatherings with your favorite grilled delights.

Also, the basketball courts serve as an excellent spot for a friendly neighborhood match. More into a casual, fun game? The Cornhole game area is a unique feature that you won’t find in many parks. So, come along, get active, or just relax and revel in the blissful surroundings of Grove Park. It’s not just a park; it’s a community experience!

The Grove Park in Chula Vista has plenty of seating
One thing you will find plenty of is space. The Grove Park has a lot of seating areas to host picnics and more. Just be sure to bring a canopy on sunny days.

My impressions of Grove Park

I recently took a drive to explore the new park in town and let me tell you, it’s beautiful! As soon as you walk into the new park, you’ll be blown away by its vast open space. Picture this: soccer games, picnics, and so much more! The lush grassy field, spread across a whopping 3 acres, is perfect for any outdoor activity you can imagine. And guess what? The tennis courts even have markings for playing pickleball! How cool is that?

Now, let me be honest with you. While this park is a treasure trove of fun, a couple of things caught my attention. First, shade seems to be a bit scarce. There’s only one covered picnic area, so if you’re planning to have a picnic, I highly recommend bringing a canopy to stay cool. Also, let’s talk about parking. Unfortunately, there’s no dedicated parking lot, so you’ll have to find street parking. Keep in mind this park primarily serves The Village of Montecito area residents, so if you’re thinking of hosting sports events or something big, parking might pose a bit of a challenge.

But overall, this park is an absolute gem and I can’t wait to see how it becomes a hub of energy and happiness for the community. So pack your bag, grab your friends, and let’s go have an incredible time at this fantastic new park!

Click here for the Google Map location of the Grove Park

Mujer Divina burrito & coffee house coming to downtown Chula Vista soon

I’m always on the hunt for delicious new coffee shops and tasty burrito joints in the South Bay, so when I heard about Mujer Divina in National City, I knew I had to check it out. All of my friends have been raving about it. They all had suggestions on what to get so I was ready.

Mujer Divina was a project of Priscilla Curiel, the owner of the popular Tuetano Taqueria taco shop. The small but vibrant cafe offers a wide selection of unique coffee drinks, from classic lattes to Mexican-inspired flavors like Cafe de Olla. They also serve up homemade burritos stuffed with Curiel’s family recipes.

A little small, but big on flavor and ambiance

As soon as I walked in, I fell in love with the colorful, feminine decor and the lively ambiance. It is a little small and I highly suggest you give them time. With the latest buzz around them they do get busy and wait times can be long. If you’re in a rush to grab your coffee and go then you might want to consider another place. With that said, it is worth the wait and the staff is doing an amazing job.

“This place immediately gives you a warm, welcoming vibe,” said my friend Maria. “You can tell they care about creating a space for women to feel empowered.”

We ordered a couple of iced coffees – the Cookie Monster latte and cinnamon churro latte – along with a chorizo con papas burrito and the machaca burrito. Everything was fresh, flavorful and delicioso!

The machaca burrito quickly became, my favorite with its tender shredded beef, beans, cheese and amazing red sauce. It tasted like home cooking from my abuela’s kitchen.

“That machaca burrito is out of this world! The meat is so juicy and full of flavor,” Maria raved. “This is totally my new go-to spot.”

Mujer Divina in Chula Vista will be opening soon on Third Avenue
Mujer Divina in Chula Vista will be opening soon on Third Avenue. This is a recent image from their Instagram page. Be sure to follow them.

Mujer Divina will be expanding to Chula Vista soon!

Mujer Divina has been such a hit in National City that they will be opening a second location later this year in downtown Chula Vista. This new cafe will allow Curiel to bring her delicious coffee and burritos to more customers in the South Bay. The Chula Vista spot will feature the same empowering feminine vibe along with an expanded menu. I can’t wait to check out the new location when it opens and sample even more of their amazing Mexican-inspired offerings! South Bay coffee lovers and burrito aficionados have even more to look forward to with this divine new outpost.

I will be adding Mujer Divina to my list of places I love

Overall, Mujer Divina is a delightful addition to the Chula Vista food and coffee scene. The service is friendly, the prices are reasonable, and most importantly, the coffee and burritos are fantastic. I highly recommend stopping by this divine little cafe on your next visit to National City!

Do you have a favorite spot in the South Bay that I need to add to my radar? Then make sure to visit us on Instagram or Facebook and shout them out. We just might be headed to visit them next.

La Nacional Brings Authentic Mexican Flavors to Booming Downtown Chula Vista

Downtown Chula Vista has become a hotspot for local eateries, with exciting new restaurants popping up throughout the year. The latest addition is La Nacional, bringing traditional Mexican cuisine and drinks to 279 Third Avenue.

The team behind National City’s popular Machete Beer House opened La Nacional in October 2023, after several years of anticipation. Husband and wife owners Eddie Trejo and Joann Cornejo chose downtown Chula Vista for its energetic dining scene and community feel.

“We’ve seen downtown Chula Vista transform into a thriving culinary destination over the past few years,” said Eddie Trejo. “La Nacional is our passion project to bring authentic Mexican flavors from spirits and beer to scratch-made comida.”

La Nacional is a Family-Friendly Mexican Restaurant and Bar

La Nacional aims to be a family-friendly neighborhood spot for Chula Vista residents. The menu from Executive Chef Alvaro Hernandez features classic Mexican appetizers, tacos, sides, and weekend brunch.

Expect breakfast burritos, angus beef birria, chilaquiles, and more for Saturday and Sunday brunch. Tacos range from carne asada and carnitas to pescado and camarones.

Pair your meal with Mexican spirits or craft cervezas. Or sip on creative micheladas and margaritas. Lead bartender Felipe “Pipo” Lopez curates the cocktail menu.

La Nacional in Chula Vista is serving brunch as well
La Nacional in Chula Vista is serving brunch now as well. Chilaquiles, Birria y bebidas are on the menu. Photo from La Nacional Instagram account.

Bringing Mexico’s Rich Cuisine to America’s Finest City

Born in Mexico, Chef Alvaro is thrilled to share his culture’s traditional plates with Chula Vista. “I take pride in using authentic ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques for incredible depth of flavor,” he said.

The intimate interior transports guests to Mexico with traditional decor, vibrant colors, and festive lighting. La Nacional promises relaxing patio dining soon.

As downtown Chula Vista continues to welcome new eateries, La Nacional brings rich south-of-the-border cuisine to Third Avenue. Experience Mexico’s spirit at the new go-to Mexican restaurant and bar.