I was thinking, this area, with such proximity to Mexico, we've got the lock-down on Mexican food. I love Mexican food. It's my favorite cultural food hands down. But I was wondering, what sort of other food places, or ethnicities would you like to see represented here in the Valley? We have some sushi. We have Chinese food. We have one Thai place. But sort of food would you guys like to see in the Valley? I'd like to see a few more Thai places. Maybe some Indian food or Middle-Eastern food. Greek might be nice. I'd go to Greektown (an area in Detroit) quite a bit and I loved the food. Cajun food or creole would be awesome. I'd love me some alligator or some gumbo! Cuban food I hear is great as well. Also, give me a sub shop down here in the Valley! I'd love a Jimmy John's somewhere here in SoCal but alas there isn't one. Regardless, we should have some sort of deli where they make great subs! We have all this access to great meat and cheeses, but we don't have a deli that makes great subs? That's what I want, what do you want!!!!!!????
James Arens/Sports Writer/Foodie
The Valley is more diverse than most people think. I wish we had more authentic Asian food since IV, especially Calexico, has such a sizeable Asian community. Every Asian friend I've ever had complained about the Chinese restaurants in the Valley and Mexicali, even though the ones in Mexicali enjoy an excellent reputation flavor wise.
The Valley has a growing Arab, Indian and Middle-Eastern community. I'd love to try this food more. I had Afghani food once and it was so good. Spicy, hearty, sweet in unexpected places. Very fun.
Posted by: Rodrigo | June 11, 2008 at 09:21 PM
I would love a cajun food place to open, although I'm not so sure how well it would do. I went to New Orleans last year and had some unbelievable food. From the sandwiches to the gumbo to the crawfish. I had alligator, kinda taste like chicken, but the texture is completely different. Great food, would go back there for that reason alone.
Posted by: Humberto | June 11, 2008 at 09:50 PM
The Valley ... diverse?! Hardly...
Posted by: JBrad | June 13, 2008 at 12:52 PM
I'm not saying we're LA over here, but there is a little more to IV than Mexicans in Calexico and white people in Brawley. I've heard stats like 20 percent of Calexico is Asian, but I don't know how accurate that is.
I just got back from ballin' with the boys. We played with a few black dudes, a white guy, a few Mexicans (us), an asian dude, and a couple of europeans. That would have made me lose my mind ten years ago. IV is growing.
Posted by: Rodrigo | June 14, 2008 at 05:25 PM
is arab european?
Posted by: Humberto | June 15, 2008 at 09:19 PM
I thought they were Eastern Europeans. Apparently I'm in the minority on that one. Just as well, my point is we're a growing community and I'd like to see it reflected in our dining choices. I love seeing more and more Arab people in the Valley. The Arabs people we do business with are tough business people, but I find them very pleasant. As they grow in numbers here in the Valley i hope we see Arab or Middle Eastern restaurants pop up here and there.
I got to thinking, there are no local eateries owned by black people in the Valley that I know of. That's a shame, because I'd also love a place that served that legendary soul food and I'm sure I'm not alone.
Posted by: Rodrigo | June 16, 2008 at 01:24 AM
Pistol Pete asked them "where you guys from?" The really sarcastic one (not manu) said "I from here, but originally from Israel". So I guess he's not Arab but Israeli (I think that's the way you spell it)
Posted by: Humberto | June 16, 2008 at 09:25 AM
For a second I thought European also. If I was a Euro, I would have been offended at all your Sasha Vujacic jokes. So, I dont think they were Europeans.
Posted by: soulman | June 16, 2008 at 09:26 AM
That was a little melting pot we had going on Saturday. Rigo is right, that would've never happened 10 years ago. Not even a few months ago, good thing Jacques opened its doors to all us poorer people.
Posted by: soulman | June 16, 2008 at 09:28 AM
it was nice though, until Soul went dirty old man on old man.
Posted by: Humberto | June 16, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Sorry, it might be better than it was, but saying the Imperial Valley is diverse is like saying Mankato Minnesota is diverse. I love the Valley, but diverse is not how I would describe it.
Posted by: JBrad | June 16, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Just for the record I want to state that I am all for diversity.
Posted by: soulman | June 16, 2008 at 03:45 PM
I completely forgot about some soul food. I've never been introduced to soul food really, but I'd love to have some. I'd also like a good BBQ here in the Valley. We had a Famous Dave's back where I used to live in Michigan and the only thing I liked were the sauces and the cornbread muffins. The brisket was mediocre to not too bad, the ribs were boney. So I wish we had a really good BBQ place on top of creole, cajun and a big old sub.
And for all you guys hoopin it up, you should make it over to Jacques and Jills MWF around noon. There's been a ton of people up there and it's usually some pretty good competition.
Posted by: James Arens | June 16, 2008 at 03:58 PM
I was told about the noon pick up games at Jaques but as most people who know me know I'm usually eating lunch around noon.
Posted by: Humberto | June 16, 2008 at 06:10 PM
I think i'll take a late lunch on wednesday and check it out.
Posted by: soulman | June 17, 2008 at 08:45 AM
Famous Dave's is Fast Food BBQ. You don't go to Mcdonalds for a great burger and you don't go to Dave's for great ribs.
Posted by: Humberto | June 17, 2008 at 01:25 PM
Humberto, you forgot to mention the 'Hurricane' drinks in New Orleans...
Posted by: me2 | June 24, 2008 at 03:53 PM
The Hurricane was great, Bourbon St. not so much. That was what I could only imagine was what Soddom and Gommora was like.
Posted by: Humberto | June 24, 2008 at 04:08 PM
I agree that a great BBQ restaurant would be fantastic. But also, we really really need a good sandwich shop with high-quality freshly baked breads, cheeses, meats and veggies.
You can get a pretty good sandwich around here if you look hard enough, but they never quite have all the details right. Either the veggies are fresh but they use cheap cheeses, or the meats are great but the bread is Orowheat. There's nowhere around here that has it all.
I miss Basha's.
Posted by: crg | July 21, 2008 at 12:21 AM
I would, very much, like to have a soup/salad place like the"Soup Plantation" here. Additionally, I think San Diego's D Z Aikens is great.
Posted by: Margie Gillis | August 18, 2008 at 09:06 AM
What this valley needs is a vegetarian/vegan friendly restaurant. A place where someone can get awesome fake-meat sandwiches, "neat"loaf, and whatever else the cooks can come up with. I can't be alone in this sentiment, or can I?
Posted by: Alexandra | September 26, 2008 at 05:07 PM