Spanish Meals and Snacks - From Mexico and more
Some south of the border refreshments and yummies (though admittedly still unexplored territory in my book...).
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Arepa -
Venezuelan/Colombian (Latino) A wafer/pancake of cornmeal, butter and a range of different possible fillers (the one I had was mixed with cheese.) I'd heard about "The Arepa Lady" on Chowhound, and really, really wanted to try one from her. She's only on the street after 10:30 pm, and I'd arrived at 10:00 and couldn't wait around. So I found a local shop and grabbed a pre-made one. They're nice - buttery, and mine had just a hint of cheese - good, filling and satisfying. I wish I'd had the ones from the Arepa Lady, as they're reportedly transcendant. But still and all, the one I had was good and worthy of a second trip. Would I try again? Yes. Where I found it: In a store on the corner of 79th and Roosevelt in Queens. |
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Churro
(originally Spain, often Mexican) You've definitely seen them on the street, even if you don't know the actual name (and if you're from New York, you probably *are* already acquainted with these little babies.) Churros are deep fried sticks of dough, striped with distinctive ridges which lend them a vague, elongated "star-like" shape. Often served fresh, they're sold on the street as snacks...crunchy, sugar coated and pretty darned yummy. Okay, they ain't nutritious. But hey - sometimes they really, really hit the spot. Would I try again? Yes. Where I found it: On the street in any Latin neighborhood (in this case, my neighborhood in the Bronx.) |
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Cubano Sandwich
(Cuban) Similar to the panini (mentioned lower on this page) - this is a toasted sandwich - cuban bread commonly filled with ham and swiss, and then grilled/pressed within an inch of its life. They're good - there's something about pressing a sandwich that just brings out the yum in it. Would I try again? There are a few reasons no, but none due to the quality of the sandwich itself - my quasi vegetarianism, and the carbo heaviness of the sandwich. But- if those things aren't an issue on your end, I do recommend! Where I found it: Panini Tost |
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Elotes (Mexican) Boiled or roasted ears of corn, impaled on a stick - and smeared with butter, mayonnaise, lemon juice and/or hot sauce. An absolutely great street snack, found in any neighborhood with a Latino population. Would I try again? Yes, it was yummy - and nutritious, too! (I had mine with only hot sauce and lemon). 3.7 stars. Where I found it: My neighborhood in the Bronx. |
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Flauta
(Hispanic/Mexican) Crispy corn tortillas, wrapped into a tight flute shape. Topped with sour cream, and filled with chicken, beef, fish or vegetable. Would I try again? On the basis of just taste - yes - very tasty, nicely filling. (For me, though - they only have chicken, which I've forsworn...and the shell is too carby for me.) But I have to say - they do taste good! Where I found it: At King Taco, in my neighborhood in the Bronx. |
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Mango Flower
(Mexican) A hispanic grocery a block away from the CACC Animal Shelter (where I volunteer) has this great snack: a mango, cut to look like a flower. It's stuck on a stick and sprinkled with lime and red pepper. VERY nice, tasty and nutritious. Wish I knew the name...! 3.8 stars. Would I try again? Yes, it was yummy! Where I found it: At a grocery on the corner of 110th Street, 2nd Avenue |
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Mofongo -
Puerto Rican Mashed fried plantains (bananas) - crushed into a chunky mashed potato type consistency, mixed with garlic, olive oil, and served with salad and chunks of roasted pig. It's good, somewhat chewy, and very filling. Would I try again? On occasion, although without the pork.... Where I found it: A Cuchifritos deli in Harlem. |
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Pozole (Mexican) Hominy and pork soup (with whole kernals in the broth) - served with a side of chili garnish to season to your tastes. While I'm sure that Pozole flavors differ depending on the restaurant, the version I had was somewhat watery and plain, with not much to offer other than the chunks of hominy and meat (and since I'm pescetarian, the meat was of no interest...!) Would I try again? No - it was too bland...I actually ended up preferring the salad that came with the soup! Where I found it: At King Taco, in my neighborhood in the Bronx. |
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Sopes - Mexican Thick, corn flour tortillas with raised edges, kind of like a mini Mexican personal pizza. Toppings include lettuce, salsa, and various peppers. Not bad - a little too fried for my tastes, but a good food item overall. You should try at least one. Would I try again? Yes Where I found it: Leon Bakery |
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Sopapilla - New
Mexico, Chile, Argentina Pressed dough (shaped somewhat like a tortilla) - deep fried until golden. Hollow in the center, New Mexican sopapillas can be stuffed (filled with beans, cheese or meat) - or eaten as a side dish (drizzled with honey and dusted with powdered sugar.) South American sopapillas can toasted or fried - served with black beet sugar and cinnamon. Would I try again? Curlys serves the honey/powdered sugar version - which I found too greasy for my tastes. So (at least in this incarnation), sopapillas are not for me. Where I found it: Curlys |
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