Fish Tacos in Space
Ever tried searching for a recipe online only to be ambushed by an epic saga? Like how the recipe’s author stumbled upon a mysterious portal in their garden shed, got involved in a decades-long space odyssey with alien chefs, won a dance battle against a Martian, and just when you’re losing hope, finally dishes out the details for cosmic quiche? Yep, it’s a wild ride.
My Promise
I’m here to skip the space adventures and serve you the dish straight up.
The Exception for Today
HOWEVER, I do have a tale about these tacos, which I’ve shared below. But brace yourself: the recipe isn’t intertwined within this interstellar journey.
Recipe Location
I’ve placed it here with a straightforward introduction.
Now, about those fish tacos…
Fish Tacos Memory: Some foods just stick with you. For me, it was the fish tacos from a small food truck I happened upon a few years back in San Diego. We had been at the zoo, and a quick Google brought us to “Mariscos Nine Seas.” Where we ended up was a Target parking lot with a food trailer touting tacos and tostadas for just a few bucks. I ordered the fish tacos and a beast of a tostada that was COVERED with seafood. Little did I know those perfectly seasoned, fried morsels of fish nestled into warm, soft corn tortillas would be the best fish tacos of my life.
🌮 Fish Taco History 🌮
Origin and Roots: The taco itself needs no introduction. But swap out carne asada for beer-battered fish – which traces its origin to Baja California – and you have the makings of the fish taco. Fish and other seafood were dietary staples for the native tribes of Baja. The local bounty of the Sea of Cortez and Pacific coast provided ample catches to sustain their fishing culture. Spanish colonizers and Catholic missionaries continued fishing the productive waters after settlement in the 18th century.
20th Century Boom: Fast forward to when Americans began flocking over the Mexican border seeking fun and sun. They inevitably encountered the popular street fare of fish tacos being hawked by street vendors and restaurants. San Diego, in particular, nurtured the fish taco tradition. By the 1960s and 70s, fish tacos were becoming a local specialty in San Diego and Baja beach towns like Ensenada and Rosarito.
🌮 Fish Tacos in the Mainstream 🌮
Fish tacos began to mainstream from the 1990s onwards. Trendy Restaurants & Shops helped promote Baja cuisine beyond surfing spots. Rubio’s Coastal Grill, founded by Ralph’s brothers, Wing and Ed, in 1983 now boasts over 200 locations focused on Baja style Mexican seafood. Even McDonald’sintroduced fish tacos in San Diego during the late 1990s and 2000s. Gourmet Reimaginations by celebrity chefs added twists, with restaurants like Chego and Loco’l by Roy Choi joining the scene.
🌮 San Diego: The Fish Taco Capital🌮
The growing trend led to a surge of specialty restaurants and trucks in San Diego. The competition intensified, with shops and taco carts spread across the region. The author’s experience is highlighted with a memorable visit to a taco truck in a Target parking lot.
Fish Taco Legacy:
From its roots in native fishing grounds to modern mainstream menus, fish tacos have carved a unique space in culinary history. Their essence captures the spirit of Southern California. With fusion flavors and gourmet reinventions on the horizon, the quest for that perfect taco from a memory continues.
Share Your Thoughts: Got a fish taco you love? Share your favorite spots and stories in the comments! Fish tacos will always have a special place in many hearts.