©lifeandfood-thepark-tijuana-DF62BA63-1024-449D-BB2D-A82F56456A0A-min.JPG

The Park, Tijuana’s new exciting food hall, recently opened up at the city’s multi-use development, New City. Situated within a 5-minute walk from the San Ysidro border, you can virtually see the building from San Diego as you approach the border. The excuses for traveling “deep” into Tijuana for good eats are long gone.

The beautiful wood-adorned space has about a dozen eateries ranging from Tijuana street food icons, like Tortas Washmobile, to the city’s breed of young top chefs. The place is filled with Tijuanense families knowing how to do what we do best, eating, and enjoying the time spent with family and friends.

Top: Taco Negro from Oryx Capital by Ruffo Ibarra | Right: Camarones Honey Walnut from China Brava by Adria Marina | Bottom: Tiradito de Hamachi from El Pequeño by Mike Guerrero

In a matter of 30 minutes, I was able to enjoy a 3-course meal from three different locations, by distinctive Baja culinary personalities. First, making its debut, was a Tiradito de Hamachi by El Pequeño. This new restaurant is spearheaded by Mike Guerrero, son of Chef Miguel Angel Guerrero— the creator of the concept BajaMed, inspired by the bounty of the land and the sea of Baja California. Next up, a beautiful interpretation of Baja’s fish taco a Taco Negro (sole fish taco) from Chef Ruffo Ibarra’s Oryx Capital. Finally, Chef Adria Marina’s ‘Chinese-food-with-Tijuana-soul concept’ a Shrimp Honey Walnut dish at China Brava that reminded me of our family traditions of eating Chinese food in Tijuana each Sunday. Wash it all down with the in-house mixology creations, or travel to Valle de Guadalupe via a glass of the region’s vino. Don't blink, you might catch a glimpse of a dessert cart strolling around. The entire dining experience is well-oiled and easy to order— a QR code directs you to their menu online, which is populated with their current offerings by each of the food stations. Next, a friendly staff member will come by to take your order all at once or you can keep ordering— as you desire. The complex is also filled with options for the sweet tooth, vegans, specialty coffee, and a variety of cuisines.

Choose to dine al fresco beside its beautiful landscape wall that frames the skyscrapers around it, or indoors safely secured by health regulations. It's a 'hop, skip and jump' from the San Diego border that feels miles deep into the metropolis of Mexico.