Inside San Diego County’s Farm To Table Taqueria
This intimate breakfast / lunch gem in Escondido is quickly gaining attention and prestige for not only serving some of the best tacos but easily the most sustainable around.
Written by Christopher Stone
Chef Jose González and Farmer Megan Strom
Farm to table is not a new concept, but few are doing it quite like this. Chef and farmer / husband and wife duo Juan González, and Megan Strom are not only running a 5 acre farm, but utilizing those delicious seasonal veggies throughout the menu at Mesa Agricola. The farm is located in Valley Center on the former land of Mike Reeske a heritage bean farmer that was legendary for his heirloom beans. When Mike decided to retire he generously gifted Megan and Juan the land to utilize for Mesa Agricola.
The Farm at Mesa Agricola
Now with plenty of space to grow they quickly began planting veggies that can be utilized in their new restaurant in Escondido. What they can’t grow is carefully sourced from local ranchers, fisherman, and other local farmers. Very few menu items stay long term as their farm and other local partners dictate whats fresh. From San Diego caught tuna to zucchini blossoms, heirloom beans and fiery peppers these guisados are anything but boring.
The ever rotating menu at Mesa Agricola
You may have had Juan’s food before. Prior to launching Mesa Agricola in 2022 he has worked in farm to table restaurants in LA as well as a very popular stay at Vino Carta Solana Beach. Utilizing his heritage being born and raised in Rosarito he crafts a menu of guisados (slowly cooked stews) that range from all the 31 states in Mexico.
Menu Options at Mesa Agricola
The tortillas are no afterthought, using locally milled and nixtamalized masa from Somos Maiz the team makes fresh corn tortillas as well as hand rolled flour tortillas for their burritos nořteno a smaller burrito that is the perfect size for a quick AM snack or light lunch.
Pair these tasty guisado filled bites with a well made agua fresca using their fresh farm fruit or a delicious house made cafe de olla cold brew. You can find these burritos and tacos Wednesday thru Sunday from 9am to 4pm while supplies last.
Visit Mesa Agricola