Only a few short weeks ago it seemed as if one of New York's great ethnic treasures was going to be wiped out by city bureaucracy. For years, those with a longing for authentic Salvadoran Pupusas, mammoth Quesadillas, fresh Corn on the Cob, tangy Ceviches, colorful Aguas Frescas and other Central and South American fare have hiked over to the Red Hook soccer fields at Bay and Clinton Streets to partake in the latino immigrant food stalls that take over the corner every weekend from early Spring to mid-Autumn.
This season the outdoor fiesta appeared to be in danger. The Parks Commission wasn't going to renew the vendors' permits.
Thankfully, folks like Senator Chuck Schumer rallied around the immigrant vendors and the foodies that love them. The makeshift blue tarp-covered stalls will be able to remain through the end of the soccer season, October 28th.
Just the threat of their removal though, caused me to crave crispy, deep-fried Chicken Taquitos and a lip-numbingly spicy Steak Taco (said spicy specimen pictured above). Happily, Saturday afternoon those latino food hankerings were sated. But surveying the bustling scene, I couldn't help but worry that this might be the end of the field as we know it.
If so, it would be an incredible shame. To my mind, the immigrant food vendors of Brooklyn's Red Hook are a prime example of the city's cultural heart, soul and taste buds.
If you want your voice heard on this issue, drop NYC Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe a line at adrian.benepe@parks.nyc.gov.
Comments