Family recipes power Meche’s Fish Tacos
By Debbie L. Sklar
The scent of freshly battered fish tacos often draws a steady line of hungry visitors to a booth at the Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market on Thursday afternoons. Behind the popular stand is a North County family business built on generations of recipes, hard work and a love of sharing food with the community.
The business, Meche’s Fish Tacos, is run by Angelina Lara and her husband, Cesar, who have turned a simple idea into a growing mobile food operation across San Diego County.
The couple’s journey began in a very personal way: family recipes passed down through Cesar’s mother, Mercedes.
“It’s me and my husband who started the business, and he had gotten all of the recipes from my mother-in-law, which is his mom,” Lara said. “They’re fourth-generation recipes for the fish tacos.”
Those recipes became the foundation of their menu. The business itself is also named in her honor.
“We named it after her,” Lara said. “Meche’s Fish Tacos is the name of the business, and Meche is my mother-in-law. All of our sauces, the batter, everything – it’s all her recipes.”
Like many small businesses, the venture started modestly. At first, the couple simply made fish tacos at home for family gatherings.
“We actually started making them at home, and a lot of our family members would say, ‘Why don’t you guys start up a business?’” Lara said.
Soon, they began selling tacos from Lara’s mother-in-law’s backyard. Eventually, with support and determination, they were able to purchase a food truck.
“We were blessed enough to get the money to do the food truck, so we got the food truck and started selling fish tacos, and it’s been a hit ever since,” Lara said.
Today, the family business operates throughout San Diego County, appearing at North County breweries, farmer’s markets and private events, such as parties and catering functions.
At the Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market, the business runs as a pop-up stand. Lara and her husband usually manage the food truck, while their oldest son helps run the farmer’s market booths.
“It’s a family business,” Lara said. “My son helps us run the pop-ups and another farmer’s market in Cardiff.”
The couple has four children ranging in age from 21 to 4, making family support essential.
“It’s tough,” Lara said. “But we have a lot of support from our family.”
They appreciate the welcoming atmosphere at the Scripps Ranch market.
“From the minute we walked in, everybody has been so welcoming,” Lara said. “It feels like family.”
While the menu includes burritos, quesadillas, nachos and other Mexican favorites, fish tacos remain the clear star. The business is locally known for its affordable special: three fish tacos for $10.
“We wanted to keep the prices low so it’s affordable for everybody,” Lara said.
What makes their tacos stand out in a region known for great fish tacos?
The secret is simple.
“The batter is what matters,” Lara said. “It’s crispy, it’s golden and the flavor is amazing.”
Visit the Meche’s Fish Tacos booth at the Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market, held each Thursday from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 10045 Carroll Canyon Road.