Fruit Mania: Juice Me Up with Fresh Flavors

Maybe the wave of the future in fast food is slowing things down and going back a bit in time. I am seeing this trend in the local proliferation of Mexican fruit and snack shops. Are you familiar with them? In Mexico, every little village has (along with a soccer field and a Catholic church) a fruitaria. This is the go-to place for a freshly-squeezed juice, cup of fresh fruit, ceviche tostada, or small salad. You’re not here for a full meal, but for some sort of tasty snack.

Generally these shops offer a wide variety of whole foods made to order. Everything is fresh. Isn’t this the diet we are supposed to be eating, instead the overly processed brew of fat, sugar, and salt available at the local drive-through? Here is a chance to eat tasty and healthy...and even be treated to some beneficial antioxidants.

Luckily, there are two choices in Lemon Grove for your healthy snacking pleasure. I reviewed in January, and this week visited . This small restaurant is located along the mile of meals on Broadway. It is very casual, and has the feel of dining in someone’s home. There is a large menu board full of choices on the wall, and a dozen homemade signs featuring other specials. You make your final decision as you stand in line under the “order” sign.

I picked a medium-size sandia (watermelon) juice for $2.00, a carnitas torta at $5.00, and a $3.50 coconut raspado. My dining companion had the small avocado quesadilla for $2.50. We found a cozy wood table and waited for our order. Fruit Mania is very homey, and even has a comfortable couch for your food-to-go wait.

Everything is prepared from scratch, so it can take a little time when the restaurant is busy. No one there seemed to mind. In about seven minutes, I was waived over to the “pick up” sign and given my full tray of food.

The 16-ounce cup of fresh watermelon juice was just about heaven. So refreshing. I love this stuff and buy it occasionally at a natural food market—for twice the price, with half the taste.

Enjoyed my carnitas torta, which had a winning combination of pork, lettuce, tomatoes, and dressing, served on a super-fresh bolillo. The careful reader might ask what is so healthy about a carnitas torta? My lame defense is that I consumed plenty of antioxidants the previous evening in copious amounts of red wine. Another excuse: it was very, very lean carnitas...and next time I must try the fruit salad.

My partner’s quesadilla had a filling of flavorful white gooey cheese with tons of avocado slices on a perfectly grilled flour tortilla. This was the small order, and still took two hands to hold—a very good value. She offered a few bites...spot on!

A sweet raspado finished the meal. If you’re not familiar, think snow cone or shaved-ice with flavorings. This was the coconut version, made with sweetened milk and topped with a big stack of fresh shredded coconut. These treats come in many flavors, and elevate the slushy to a whole new level.

Fruit Mania is located at 7941 Broadway, between Lemon Grove Avenue and Grove Street. They take cash and credit cards. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday, from 10:30 a.m.–7 p.m., and Sunday from 10:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. They don't have a website, but you can call them at 619-463-0241 to place an order to go.