The sign in the Fashion Valley Shopping Center Food Court on the upper level says Blanco Tacos and Tequila, but don’t be confused, they serve much more than that.

Yes, there’s a beautiful Tequila bar that intrigues anyone who enjoys sipping a fine Tequila. And of course, there are tacos with a unique assortment of flavors. The Chicken Pastor features caramelized pineapple and salsa Verde on handmade corn tortillas. Or the Slow-Cooked BBQ Pork taco with roasted corn slaw, pickled onion, and crema fresca.

Blanco Cocina + Cantina has an extensive menu of Sonoran-based dishes which feature corn, beef- especially machaca, carne asada and al carbon.

Our server recommended the Carne Asada Fajitas served with caramelized peppers and onions (not your common sizzling plate) with a condiment plate with a teaser of elote, guacamole, pico de gallo and shredded Cotija cheese. You can also have the Fajitas with tiger shrimp or grilled chicken. The Tucson Chimichanga with Short Rib Machaca or Chicken Tinga are two specialties. The menu has a sense of humor with the tagline “Chimichangas, the soul food of the southwest and proof that you can always make a good thing better…amen.”

The cheese crisps are like a pizza. Different flavors are Roasted Poblano Chile and Tomato, BBQ Pork and Roasted Corn, and Short Rib Machaca served with Guacamole and charred onion.

Looking around the restaurant you notice how beautiful everything here is.

From the variety of chairs that are comfortable, have nice lines and encourage you to sit a spell, enjoy yourself, and savor some good food to the tables, to the lights, the tile, the floor-to-ceiling windows to the kitchen, everything is beautiful. Attention to detail is the thought that comes to mind.

Owner, Sam Fox, from Arizona, designs the interiors, as well as creating all of the menus in his test kitchen. The attention to detail is visible in all aspects of the restaurant.

“To do great things you have to love what you do. And we love what we do,” said Fox.

Jeff Ekkart, assistant general manager, embodies the company philosophy of ensuring everyone is comfortable and enjoying their visit. He constantly hustles around the occupied tables, a true host.

And speaking of detail, for dessert the Brown Sugar Caramel Flan is dotted with whipped cream and embellished with sliced strawberries and blackberries. Don’t pass that up!

Blanco Cocina + Cantina is in Fashion Valley Shopping Center at 7007 Friars Rd, in the Food Court on the 2nd Level. The phone number is (619) 810-2931.

See their website for a current menu at: blancococinacantina.com/locations/san-diego-ca/.

Photos by Robin Dohrn-Simpson