Culinary Arts of San Diego's Barrio Logan Cultural District Walking Tour

1894 Main Street,San Diego CA 92113

09 June, 2021

Description

Join Mark Jacobson for an exploration of Barrio Logan's authentic Mexican-American food and culture, from "street" tacos to Chicano Park. For years, the Barrio Logan neighborhood has been one of San Diego's best kept secrets. Earned by its well-crafted community of art, culture, and creativity, Barrio Logan has been designated as one of California's Cultural Districts, which promote artistic areas with high concentrations of cultural resources and activities. This neighborhood has much to offer, from plenty of artist collectives and galleries to eateries, breweries, and shops. Throughout this experience, indulge in some of the community's most delicious foodie delights with a progressive meal showcasing three of Barrio Logan’s local favorites. Stop at Chikita Cafe, a colorful coffee shop referred to as "SD's cutest cafe," where you'll have a drink of your choice. Visit ¡SALUD!, which specializes in Tijuana-style “street” tacos and has recently been featured on the Food Network, and you'll have your pick of taco and aqua fresca of the day. You'll also pop in for a treat at Panchita’s, a traditional panadería with over 160 varieties of breads, pastries, cookies, cakes and desserts. Along the way, visit Barrio Logan's heart in Chicano Park, and take in its massive murals and vibrant public art. This area's origin as an art-centric neighborhood can be traced back to the 1960s, when residents fought for the park and the rest of their land by painting enormous, colorful murals on the pillars of the Coronado Bridge to protest its encroachment on their community. Today, this art-filled landmark houses the largest collection of Chicano murals in the world, and is also a hub for cultural traditions and celebrations throughout the year. From the designs to the delicious, there's so much culture to be explored in Barrio Logan. Join us for this delectable and enlightening tour! Please Note: Participants are required to adhere to established health guidelines throughout the tour, including face coverings and physical distancing.This tour is limited to a maximum of 15 people.Each participant is provided with a sterilized personal listening device, which allows for physical distancing without diminishing the tour guide's narration.Participants should bring a bottle of water and wear comfortable walking shoes.Participants must be able to stand and walk, sometimes at a brisk pace, for about 3.5 hours, potentially including some inclines and stairs. This walking tour is considered a high activity level and is unsuitable for persons with mobility restrictions. The total walking distance is about 1.5 miles round-trip.Minimum of four participants required to operate tour. Baked goods from Panchita's Bakery. This tour is presented by Tour Guide Mark Jacobson About Mark: Mark loves to travel and credits his parents with establishing his “wanderlust” at a very young age. “I was taught to appreciate scenery, history and culture during our many family vacations, and for that, I’m thankful.” After receiving a degree in Business Administration, Mark attended travel school in Minneapolis and started working for a local tour company at the age of 23. Since then, he’s had the good fortune to escort many tours throughout the United States, Canada and abroad during 25+ years in the travel industry. “In addition to tour guiding, I’ve worked in reservations, group sales, office management, and as a travel show presenter for various tour companies. I’m well-rounded in terms of experience in the travel industry, which translates nicely into my tour guiding skills.” Mark also loves to cook. He was surrounded by home-cooked food and fresh garden vegetables growing up on his family farm in North Dakota. Here he learned about cooking from his mother who owned and managed several successful local restaurants. “I was always in the kitchen with my Mom, and worked side by side with her at various restaurants. I was learning to cook at a very young age, without even realizing it.” Later in life, Mark rediscovered his passion for food. In 2007 he enrolled in culinary school. “I wanted to combine my love for food with my love for travel.” After graduating culinary school, Mark continues to work both in the travel industry as a tour guide specializing in food-focused tours, and also as a personal chef. “I work hard to exceed my clients expectations. People remember the information you give them as a tour guide, but most of all, they remember how you made them feel. I want everyone to end their tour with a big smile on their face!”