Category Archives: Downtown SF

Can-Cun Taqueria at Market and 6th

Can-Cun Taqueria, Market and 6th, San Francisco

Sometimes you just want to go with a classic. When that craving hits, nothing else will do. When it comes to a burrito, that translates into needing a burrito from a specific taqueria. In that sense, I found myself with a burrito on my mind. Specifically, a grilled chicken super burrito from Can-Cun.

Like all SF burrito joints that have enjoyed any success, the consistency is suspect. After many years of ‘research’, I have come to the conclusion that weekday lunchtime is the best time to experience a taqueria at its best. With that in mind, I made a beeline for the Can-Cun at Market and 6th knowing that chances were good my meal would hit the mark.

Continue reading Can-Cun Taqueria at Market and 6th

Gringowings: Rubio’s All-American Taco

“The burger with a Beach Mex Twist”

Rubio’s All-American Taco

A hamburger patty has no business being inside a taco. For a chain that is known for their fish tacos, this foray into the American palette is a mistake. Burgers are meant to be on buns for a reason. The hearty bread structure soaks up condiments while still supporting the ingredients. Put these same ingredients in a flour tortilla and you got Rubio’s All-American Taco.

Continue reading Gringowings: Rubio’s All-American Taco

Dear Rubio’s: Why must you torture me?

bloodyvalentinetaco.jpgForest and I went to check out the remake of My Bloody Valentine. I give it a solid A, not expecting the story line or casting to be top notch, which it wasn’t. It was good, just not great. Its positive grade reflected upon the fact that, to me, it achieved its primary goal of being a 3D movie filled with fun, camp and gore. It achieved that nicely. My buddy, however, expected more, highlighting that the cheesy pretty actors had no business being in a real horror movie. This is one of those rare times that we are both right. All I wanted out of it was a decent story that strayed far enough from the original. As long as the effects were good, I was happy.

We did not agree on the deliciousness of the pre-movie meal, which was a trip to the Rubio’s that lives in the bowels of the mall. This being near BWHQ, and as a San Diego native, I am quite familiar with the chain. Forest, somehow, entered blind. He played it safe by ordering chicken tacos. He later blamed me for not telling him Rubio’s was about the fish, a detail that may or may not be true. Either way, he enjoyed his tacos and was quite satisfied.

I was not.

I know damn well what ‘three rolled tacos with guacamole’ can ultimately be. Done right, the cheese sticks to the guacamole, which sticks to the rolled taco which forms a crunchy, creamy base upon which to pour liberal amounts of hot sauce. Unfortunately, this meal was not done properly. The rolled tacos had but a sprinkling of cheese, less than even in the photo above, which was from a previous visit. The guacamole didn’t last as long as the rolled tacos. The overall taste was good, but sadly I am reminded that true rolled tacos are still not available in this town.

I have an on again/off again relationship with Rubio’s, but that is more due to the side effects of their becoming a mall chain. Being the only game in town serving up SD style Mexican food, I have little choice but to accept Rubio’s shortcomings. After all, they do get some things right; it’s not like the food is bad. However, their expansion has unearthed a lack of focus that ultimately reduces the overall experience. Like My Bloody Valentine, which had the novelty of 3D to support it, if it weren’t for Rubio’s San Diego heritage, it would be just another sub par offering.