Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City
This past Tuesday (9/16) was Mexico’s Independence Day (Grito de Dolores) and in celebration, I thought I would focus on some great Mexican food in New York.
Truly authentic Mexican food is seemingly hard to come by in this city. It’s out there, but it’s not easy to find (some of the best is hidden in the back of unassuming bodegas). When Los Tacos No. 1 opened in the trendy Chelsea Market a year or so ago, I had anticipated another watered down hipster version of the humble, full-flavored cuisine. I quickly learned that you should not judge a book by its touristy surroundings. Los Tacos No. 1 is certainly some (if not the) best Mexican in the city.
After waiting in a healthy line to order the food, I chose practically everything on their small menu of tacos, tortas, and quesadillas. Most of the fillings were familiar to me, like the luscious carne asada, the juicy roasted chicken, and even the earthy, spicy nopal (cactus). All the tacos were spectacular. But there was an “especial” on the menu that took the entire experience to new heights.
When I discovered this special was a fried quesadilla, I was expecting a decadent, gimmicky gutbomb. It looked like an empanada that was about to burst at the seams. But it was truly especial. You can choose any filling to stuff inside, but I knew the adobada (marinated pork and pineapple) would be winning. And I was right.
The crisp, greaseless shell barely held in the spicy, smoky pork stuffing. The pork, which is roasted and sliced off the spit, is seasoned with red chiles, vinegar, and spices. If it wasn’t rich enough, the melty monterey jack cheese and fried tortilla reinforces it. It’s truly one of the best Mexican dishes in the city and worth celebrating every day of the year.
| LOS TACOS NO. 1 |
| 75 Ninth Avenue (between West 15th and West 16th Street), Inside Chelsea Market, Meatpacking District (212) 256-0343 |
| lostacosno1.com |
