A beautiful summer morning dawned
over our drive to Oceanside, CA for Rubio’s 5th Annual CoastFest. It
was still early so the traffic headed south was smooth sailing, taking only a little
over an hour of drive time. As we drove through Oceanside, the Pacific Ocean,
in all her blue splendor, made waves for the surfers and refreshing fun for
families on the beach.
We headed over to the Beach
Cleanup registration area to turn in our release paperwork, get our wristbands,
and pickup supplies – trash bags and gloves. The gloves help protect your hands
from any sharp materials found on the beach like glass, metals, etc. I was
amazed how many people showed up to help keep our beaches and oceans clean.
Every little bit helps.
I tend to focus on the tiny microplastics in the sand since
these have been found inside fish. They eat the microplastics thinking it is
food. Keeping our oceans clean also keeps the ocean life healthy as well.
After an over hour of
cleanup, we headed to the Junior Seau Pier Plaza Amphitheatre for the party of
food, drinks, music, and family fun. We also received a stamp booklet. Once we
collected 4 stamps from various booths at the event, it was good for a free entrée
at Rubio’s. Our first stop was the guacamole station. They showed us the
ingredients that go into the fresh-made guacamole that each Rubio’s location
makes daily.
They served up cups of
guacamole with tortilla chips for dipping. Even the cups that these were served
in were made sustainably with corn.
Pan-Seared Shrimp Taco is
topped with fire-roasted corn, creamy chipotle sauce, cilantro, onion, and
cabbage. At the end of the line, you had a choice of salsa for your taco and/or
chips. I had some guacamole left over so I just used it on my taco and it was
fantastic!
Spindrift Sparkling
Water was on hand giving out free cans of their beverages. We tried the Blackberry
and Raspberry Lime. These are unsweetened with just a hint of blackberry and
raspberry flavors. They are refreshing, but I prefer something a little
sweeter. I looked on their website and noticed that they also offer sparkling
beverages with a bit of cane sugar. I would love to try the grapefruit flavor
next time.
At the back of the food tent,
dozens of Rubio’s team members were grilling up shrimp, warming up tortillas,
and assembling tacos. They were speedy and efficient; and boy did they ever
need to be! Even if the line looked long, it only took a few minutes to go
through. Great work everyone!
Mi Rancho is the purveyor of
the corn tortillas that you will find at your local Rubio’s. They had a demo
table set up showing off the process of transforming their organic corn from
kernel to masa. They use a stone-grind method for an authentic flavor and
texture.
Clif Bar had samples of their
new Nut Butter Filled Peanut Butter Bars. They are certified USDA organic, low glycemic,
and non-GMO. These would be great during/after a nice hike, bike ride, or run
to give your body a boost in energy.
Yes, dessert!!! Rubio’s
handed out Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies and Limon Coconut Bars. I love the combination
of chocolate chips and oatmeal. My hubby’s grandma made the best, but these
come up a close second. The Limon Coconut Bar reminded me of a tropical
cheesecake. I’m definitely getting one the next time I dine in.
With our tummies full and stamp
collection completed, it was time to head back home. I felt great by doing my
part in keeping our beaches and oceans clean.
Sign up for Rubio’s Beach Club. You’ll get updates on the next CoastFest and also get lots of perks like coupons
and a free taco for signing up.
For more information:
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