Do you think Mexican food is out when eating healthy? Just like any cuisine, there are foods that are known for excessive calories or fat including refried beans, cheese and burrito size tortillas so many people think it’s a “diet” no-no.
A couple of weeks ago I was invited to sample the healthy seasonally inspired dishes at The Blind Burro in downtown San Diego. We learned it is possible to eat well and without blowing your nutrition plan while dining out!
The Blind Burro located on the corner of 7th and J, in the old Fleetwood space, was acquired by Good Time Design and re-conceptualized into two venues – The Blind Burro and Cat Eye Club, a Manhattan-retro bar concept, reminiscent of the early 1960’s era.
I liked that there was outdoor seating in addition to the restaurant bringing the outdoors in with big, glass-less windows.
The Blind Burro Healthy Menu
We started the meal off by ordering a lightened cocktail. I selected the skinny margarita which was delicious. I had to limit myself to just one since I was driving. Other people selected the beet strawberry mojito.
Then we got busy working through the menu. 😉
First up was the Jicama Taco Frio which was one of my two favorite items of the evening. I loved that I could eat tacos without adding calories of a tortilla. What looks like a tortilla is really a slice of jicama! Add in shrimp, avocado and corn and you know it’s going to be good and unique.
Our next course was ceviche. I have to be honest, it’s not something I normally order because I have an aversion to “raw” seafood. Well, I can now know that was silly and I’ve missed out on this delicious dish too long. It’s naturally low-calorie and I’ll be ordering it again in the future.
The Quinoa Salad was my other favorite dish. The combination of quinoa, goat cheese, almonds and greens was perfect with the vinaigrette dressing. I could have just eaten a big bowl of this and left happy and satisfied.
There were four taco options that are lower calorie than your average taco and each of us selected two. Mine were the Chicken Mole and Grilled Dorado tacos. I was getting so full that I ate the insides mostly and skipped the tasty corn tortilla.
The chicken mole taco was just okay. From what I saw (and heard) the Tacos De Pollo and the Achiote Shrimp tacos were excellent choices.
Consulting Executive Chef Sara Polczynski (shown above) and the general manager both came out during the meal to chat with the table and answer any questions about the menu and restaurant. She said, “I am excited to bring my experiences with the street food of Mexico to San Diego’s East Village. The simplicity of ingredients, yet the complexity of flavors are truly inspiring”.
This is definitely someplace I’d go again with my friends and family to eat lightened, delicious Mexican food. What restaurant do you go to for lightened up favorites?
Disclosure: I attended a complimentary media event with no obligation for coverage. All opinions expressed are 100% mine.
Great write up, Kay Lynn! That dinner was so good and the fact that it was also healthy just makes it all that much better.