You''''ll find the tempting opportunities to snack along East Harlem''''s streets more abundant and assaulting than perhaps even the environment. Forget fast food joints and hot dog carts -- get your taste buds ready for these.
Cuchifritos (deep-fried fritter snacks) are displayed in windows of smaller Puerto Rican eateries and they cost $1.00 each. Most contain a seasoned ground beef filling. Alcapurrias are the most popular, oblong and dark brown with the shell made from ground yucca and spices. Tacos look more like deep-fried burritos and have spicier fillings. Papas de Relleno are golden yellow balls of fried mashed potatoes wrapped around the beef. Platanos de Relleno are oblong, a true yellow made from sweetened plaintains and include raisins and a dash of cinnamon. Bacalaitos are flattened codfish cakes with a chewy texture and flavor of Long John Silvers'''' crunchies. Chicharrones, always on the top shelf, resemble a dog''''s rawhide bone. They''''re the "real" fried pork rind treat -- tasty, though I broke a tooth on one before!
These can be found at La Isla on the northeast corner of 3rd Ave./104th; El Coqui''''s, just off the southwest corner of 3rd Ave./110th St. next to El Barrio Bakery with a pastry case to die for; Cuchifritos, located in the middle south side of the 116th block between 3rd/Lexington Aves; Sandy Restaurant, reviewed in this journal, or any number of street vendors with make-shift kitchen carts.
Most workers speak English. In warmer weather, storefront windows are opened, making it convenient to stand outside in front of the case, smile . . . and point!
Those looking to eat healthier shouldn''''t miss the stores and street vendors with large stands teeming with fresh produce -- including those lucious tropical fruits. Street vendors also have banged-up shopping carts with a special contraption attached for peeling bags of oranges or you might notice curious-looking flowers on a stick -- they''''re mangoes peeled and carved for a $1.00.
When not rabidly patrolling the streets, you''''ll find Mr. Softee Ice Cream trucks parked off most corners. Other cool, popular treats include coquitos (tropical sorbets dipped into paper cups) or paraguas (hand-shaved ice topped with fruit flavors) -- these are guaranteed to be better than any snow cone you''''ve ever had.
There are also Central Americans with their steaming pots of tamales (steamed cornmeal dough and ground meat or beans) and chili rellenos. Actual Mexican eateries are emerging at a dizzying pace. Tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and standard fares are very good as the "authentic" version of foods that have no comparison to Taco Bell.