The 7 train is as much a part of Queens as the Mets are. There's a brewing debate over why there isn’t any "authentic" or "good" Mexican food in New York like there is in Los Angeles? Last time I checked Mexicans are still working at our restaurants, which is a good thing. They run the 7 train, especially during late hours, likely coming back from a long shift at Chef Flay or Chef Boulud restaurants. These Mexicans have to eat somewhere.
I make treks out to Jackson Heights every so often when the weather behaves and today's weather definitely did. I know I keep coming back to this area for a reason. Maybe it's the diversity, grit, hustle, or noise coming from the tracks, or it could simply be that they're serving damn good food under the 7 train. Frommer's, Fodor's and other city guides better start paying attention to Jackson Heights or they will miss out on a big part of New York culture and eats. Today I decided to try Taqueria Coatzingo on 76-05 Roosevelt Ave.; I wanted to prove to myself and the critics that there is good Mexican in New York. Food from the south should be simple. There shouldn’t be any white cream, fire sauce, yellow processed cheese, hard taco, or molten hot melted cheese. A taco should be made with meat or nasty bits, some cilantro, onions, a wedge of lime, a side of radishes wrapped in two corn torillas.
You can find this on taco carts, joints, stands all over Roosevelt Ave. from 61st St to 90th st. Being pretentious, fake, or selling out is a crime here. You will find mom and pops selling food that they grew up eating and are currently eating at home. There's no fancy lighting , decoration or trademarks, street carts have no crazy signs to attract customers. Sometimes signs are being held forks if need be, cheeck the pictures from the Tamale Lady. Don't limit yourself to just tacos, please do try everything that looks good here. I went with for the carnitas, tripa picante, and al pastor today. It was probably the most juicy authentic taco I've had in New York. They were over stuffed and topped with onions, cilantro, and guacamole. It was accompanied with lime, radishes and a roasted jalepeno. Everything just worked. These people down here are eating well and you should envy them. For dessert I suggest you go to a corner stand and get mangoes with lime and chili powder. But I wanted to splurge today so I walked 16 blocks over to 61st St and checked out the Tamale Lady. Should I get the Mexican Hot Chocolate or piping hot tamales? Of course, you know I had to try the tamales. So I got the Mole con Pollo and Salsa Verde, again authentic. This lady was as gentle as your grandmother. You knew these pillows of masa were going to be deliciously made from those hands. Maybe it's the language or the fear of exploring a foreign territory, but be adventurous and get off the 7 train between Main St. to Queensboro Plaza to experience really good authentic Mexican food.
Down Under the 7
Tacos, Limes, Radishes, Roasted Jalepeno
Carnitas (Fried Pork)
Al Pastor (Pork on a Spit)
Tripa Picante (Spicy Tripe)
3 Tacos: $6.53
Tamale Cart
Menu
Tamale Lady
Mole con Pollo
Salsa Verde con Pollo
Not everyday I get to wake up for brunch, but last Friday before work I got to try Shopsin in the Essex Market. You've probably drove pass it and not even notice that there was a market. Once you walk in you know your in New York, no frills, no organic, no bullshit and food stamps accepted. I hate large menus. I love to eat so it's tough for me to choose only one thing, I usual go for the most unusual item that I don't get to eat everyday. Shopsin's menu is the god of all menus, there are over 200 choices, and everyone one of them is a culinary creation. They are Mets fans, which automatically is a plus. Let me tell you I wanted everything on the menu, but decided to go for Mr. Mention: Jerk oxtail, Beef-a-Roni, Soft Scrambles, and potato toast. I've always said you can measure a good cook by their eggs, and they were perfect. My fooding friend had lemon ricotta blueberry pancakes and cheese grits. She always manages to pick the best items on the menu. It was all wonderful!! One of my pet peeves is service, but at this general store you're not going to get it. I wasn't turned off, instead I embraced it. It's not like they don't know what they're doing, it was genuinely their personality. I love food that represent the people, and you''ll find it here. If you want rustic East Village style peasant food head over to Shopsin. For dessert walk down two stalls to Roni Sues Chocolates and get the Chocolate covered Bacon. Believe it.
