Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City
My other job (my “real” job) as a food tour guide has also become quite difficult thanks to the pandemic. Not only are the businesses we visit mostly closed, but nobody is traveling to New York right now.
One of the companies I work for responded very quickly to the situation and started offering virtual programs with the partners, communities, and businesses we work with. It’s been a great venture and one that they are continuing to pursue. And thankfully, it keeps me somewhat employed.
On a very special program a few months back now, we had on Ariel Barbouth, the owner of Nuchas, which is an empanada business with locations around the city. Nuchas was a food truck, cart, and kiosk. We visit them sometimes on our Food Cart Tour.
The food is amazing. They are empanadas but inspired by international pocket foods. Every culture has a dumpling, ravioli, or empanada. I’ve had Nuchas many times but never fresh out of my own oven.
After the program, Ariel generously sent boxes of the frozen empanadas to myself and my colleagues. I tell you it has made this lockdown much more enjoyable.
The pockets come in different flavors, including the traditional Argentine stuffed with ground beef, potatoes, onions, and olives; Chipotle Chicken with tangy and spicy chicken and peppers in a paprika laced dough; an incredible Vegan al Pastor which puts Seitan in place of pork; and a savory creamy Shiitake Curry.
These crisp up nicely in the oven and are amazing to snack on. Nuchas ships to ten states in the US and while there is no replacing eating these handheld pockets on the streets, it’s a close second.
| NUCHAS |
| nuchas.com |
