Tu quieres Taco Bell? When younger, I had always associated Mexican food with fast food chains and school cafeteria tacos stuffed with ground beef, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce and cheese. I came to New York and was further exposed to the magic of overstuffed Chipotle burritos and small Tex-Mex takeout restaurants. Mexican food was never considered an exquisite cuisine until a friend suggested lunch at La Palapa.
The restaurant has a lunch pre fixe special Monday-Friday for only $12.95! Unable to resist such a good deal, I chose menu #1 and eagerly awaited my 3 course meal.
First came the Sopa De La Casa – Pozole Rojo, a zesty hominy corn chicken soup called Pozole Rojo.
Dressing up the soup with avocado and radishes definitely added the necessary color and texture. The radishes did nothing for me (I ended up leaving most of them uneaten), but the avocado incorporated a rich smoothness with every bite of warm soup.
The main entree boasted of Taco de Tinga de Pollo and Quesadilla Sencilla. I greatly enjoyed wrapping the chipotle barbecued chicken with the soft corn tortillas, washing down my tacos with bites of grilled flour tortillas stuffed with melted anejo, monterrey jack, and queso fresco cheeses. I’ve always had a soft spot for stretchy, chewy wraps, which probably explains my love affair with Chipotle burritos.
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I've been told that a certain smile breaks across my face whenever the subject of food is brought up, a smile that radiates the purest forms of delight and happiness. Food transcends beyond the smell and taste of what's presented in front of me; it's an experience to be enjoyed, indulged, shared with those I love. Working and living in NYC continually opens culinary doors, from hole-in-the-walls to upscale (even stuffy) dining. I never take any morsel of food for granted, and I'm often THAT girl at the table found licking her plate at the end of the meal.
