DISH OF THE WEEK: Churros at RICAS BOTANAS MEXICANAS

Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City

This is the first year in five years that I am not able to attend the annual Vendy Awards, the ceremony honors the food and hard work that New York’s street vendors contribute to the culture of this great city. It’s an important day for me, especially since I’ve formed personal relationships with all of this year’s vendors through the videos I’ve been producing for Turnstile Tours.

But, alas, I have a family obligation out of town and can not be there. I will certainly be there in spirit. Normally, I would expect to find a really special dish from the event and include it as my Dish of the Week. This year, I’ve already found that dish

When I learned that a churros vendor from Corona, Queens was nominated for Best Dessert, I didn’t think much of it. I sort of thought it was the obligatory Queens vendor. But after meeting Claudia Lopez and tasting her amazing churros, I would be shocked if she doesn’t win (although she does have some very stiff competition).

Claudia has been vending on her corner for 20 years and sells fried treats. Her churros are so special because she fries the dough to order and tosses them with cinnamon and sugar. It’s very rare to get fresh, hot cinnamon sticks on a street corner in New York. These are the best I’ve ever tasted. They’re crunchy with a soft, doughy interior and bring to life that sweet cinnamon flavor.

If you, like me, can’t make it to this year’s Vendy Awards (tickets are already sold out), it would behoove you to take the 7 train to Junction Boulevard and try the best churros this side of the border.