November 23, 2008
Mexican food to count on
There¹s no shortage of places to get Mexican food in these parts, but most of them are about as authentic as Sanjaya Malakar¹s take on Besame Mucho. If you're looking for U-shaped tacos with shredded Kraft cheese, you¹ll want to steer clear of these authentic Mexican places.
El Parador Cafe Dark and rustic, this Murray Hill gem is the perfect place for quiet date. But you don¹t need to be in love to enjoy the smoky salsa. A favorite among regulars is the mole poblano chicken, Mexico¹s national dish. (325 E 34th St.; 212-679-6812; www.elparador.com; entrees, $13-26)
Los Pollitos II The food tastes as if the kitchen were located back in Puebla, which is where many of its kitchen staff come from. The only thing that¹s arguably better than the to-die-for rotisserie chicken is the wide variety of vegetarian dishes, and the super nachos heaped with meat-and-guac. (146 Fifth Ave., Brooklyn; 718-623-9152; www.pollitosgroup.com; entrees, $8-12)
Tacos Nuevo Mexico Tacos made with cow innards might not be the regular fare at your average burrito joint, but in Mexico, they¹re a standard offering at street food stands. Some of the city¹s best 'ew-factor' tacos -- we¹re talking brain, tongue and tripe -- can be found at this inconspicuous little restaurant. In fact, those might be among the most recognizable things on the menu, and with waiters who don¹t all speak great English, you might not know exactly what you¹re getting anyway. Be brave. (44-10 Fifth Ave., Brooklyn; 718-686-8151; entrees, $2-12)
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La Palapa At this East Village hotspot, the Negro Modelos are cold, the sauces take days to make, and the chuleta en salsa pibil, a thick and juicy pork chop, is the best to be found outside of the Yucatan. How authentic is this place? Let¹s just say it¹s probably the first place Frida Kahlo¹s ghost would dine if it were in town. (77 St. Mark¹s Place; 212-777-2537; www.lapalapa.com; entrees, $5-20)
Mi Cocina This cheery restaurant -- a regular dinner spot for many local movie stars -- has been around for almost two decades, but the food tastes as fresh as ever. Although not cheap, the duck in pumpkin-seed sauce is a tasty pleasure, no matter how many times you¹ve had it, as is the guacamole and the house margarita, made with Triple Sec, Grand Marnier, lime and El Jimador tequila. (57 Jane St.; 212-627-8273; entrees, $14-24)
Bonita Billyburgers love the pambazo (grilled chorizo and mashed potato sandwiched with avocado and sour cream) at this popular and reasonably priced haunt. The fish tacos, and the street-style corn -- made with lime mayo, cotija cheese (kind of like feta), and cayenne pepper -- are also standouts. If you want your food spicy, you¹ll have to ask -- the chefs seem to lay off the chile in an effort to not overpower weak gringo tongues. (338 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn; 718-384-9500; www.bonitanyc.com; entrees, $5-12)
La Esquina The counter at this downtown spot feels like a typical Mexican lunch spot -- except way hipper. This is the closest you¹ll come in NYC to being in Mexico City¹s trendy Condessa area. You¹ll find a wide array of ensaladas and tacos, most for under $6 (albeit with sides of non-Mex, SoHo-ish suggestions, like 'Add a Char-Grilled protein to your salad!'). Around the corner there¹s the slower-paced Cafe, where you can get an amazing pollo rostizado sandwich (rotisserie chicken, shaved onion, arugula, avocado and chipotle mayo) and even browse through some of the Spanish language books while you wait. (106 Kenmare St.; 646-613-7100; entrees $3-18.50)
Tehuitzingo Deli & Grocery If you¹re looking for a shmancy meal, you¹ve gone to the wrong place. But if you¹re cool with fake flowers and plastic utensils, make yourself comfortable as you bite into some of the best $2 tacos money can buy. The tacos are not to be missed (you can get them with everything from chicken to pork¹s ear), but por favor, order the pumpkin flower quesadilla and the huitlacoche, a chewy corn fungus that¹s as revered in Mexico as truffles are here. (695 10th Ave; 212-397-5956; entrees, $2-5)
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