Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City
When most New Yorkers want to go for a cocktail, they do not think about going into a corner bodega in Queens and ordering a big cup of seafood. But those New Yorkers have never been to the secret Mexican spot called La Esquina del Camarón Mexicano
Pedro Rodriguez has been cooking seafood in the back of Roosevelt Deli & Grocery for at least a few years now. And if you didn’t know it was happening, you’d literally have no idea. This is one of those true hidden gems.
I finally made my way here (having heard about the secret over time in other publications). Pedro was incredibly friendly and happily made me both this special seafood cocktail and the most amazing octopus tacos I’ve ever tasted. It was very tough for me to choose between the two for this post.
But the cóctel seems to be his specialty. Mexican Cócteles are more related to shrimp cocktails than the Old Fashioned but both will certainly give you a rush.
Chunks of meaty (and I mean meaty) octopus and shrimp float in a liquid base of housemate tomato sauce, lime, olive oil, and clam juice. It’s garnished with onions, cilantro, hot sauce, and a generous helping of avocado.
It’s served with a spoon and a side of Saltines (which can be crushed up and mixed in for extra texture and salty sustenance). I couldn’t get over how delicate the flavors were here – sweet and briny with an overwhelming freshness. I really wanted to toss the spoon and drink this like… well, like a cocktail. Add some vodka and it’s the best Blood Mary you can imagine.
Turns out martinis and manhattans are not the only cocktails being served in clandestine locales. Think of this as an authentic cóctel speakeasy and one that is definitely worth seeking out. Price: $9-$23
| LA ESQUINA DEL CAMARÓN MEXICANO |
| 80-02 Roosevelt Avenue (at 80th Street), Jackson Heights, Queens (347) 885-2946 |
| facebook.com/pages/category/Mexican-Restaurant/La-Esquina-del-Camaron-Mexicano |
