A Trip to La Esquina

I finally made it to the intriguing taqueria, located at the intersection of Kenmare and Cleveland streets, called The Corner (La Esquina in Spanish). I think I passed it for the first time sometime last year, and its old school diner exterior called to me, "Come eat here. Rapido!"

A few months later, I finally made my way back. As one enters La Esquina, it's snug and warm from the sizzling grills that greet you to your left. I save myself the last available stool towards the back of the long counter that lines the window (which by the way is lined with an assortment of hot sauces - I am now officially in heaven), and then order a torta de aguacate con queso (sandwich with avocado, black refried beans, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and chipotle mayo), and a Mexican hot mocha.

I went back to my stool, and got a book out to read while I waited for my food, but there was a lot of ear candy going on to really focus on reading. Besides the cool music ranging from 1920's-sounding Latin jazz to modern Mexican cumbia, two different gringo-looking hipsters ordered their food about 10 minutes apart, both giving the name "Pepe" when asked for their name. I found that a little odd. Perhaps they were actors trying out for Mexican roles and both thought coming here for lunch would let them remain in character, or they both wanted to know what it would feel like to be called "Pepe" at least once in their life.

Anyhow, back to the food. It was soothing to the soul and yummy to the tastebuds. The chipotle mayo on the torta added a creamy spicy touch. The Mexican hot mocha tasted homemade - just like my Mexican friend makes from scratch.

La Esquina is like a Mexican getaway in the middle of SoHo. It's warm and cozy, the service friendly, and apparently it makes you want to have a common Mexican name, too. I definitely want to come back to try the tortilla soup which I hear is amazing, as well as platanos machos fritos (plaintains salsa verde, queso fresco) - as I have to try anything with the name "macho" in it.

A Little Bit of Mexican Bliss Near Little Italy

Right off of Spring and Lafayette, in the midst of Nolita, lies Cleveland Street, a street I had never noticed until now. Nineteen Cleveland Street is the home of Mexican Radio – the residence of the best Mexican food my buds have ever tasted. Always on the lookout for a good Mexican place, I was surprised that I had never heard of this one, which has been around for nine years. I went on a Sunday, which is a quiet night there; Fridays and Saturdays are always packed and lively, according to the manager.

Mexican Radio does not need people to make it feel animated, however. As soon as you walk in, soft candlelight greets you warmly, reflecting dark melon walls and colorful papel picado (colorful cut-out flags usually associated with the Day of the Dead) overhead. Traditional Mexican décor of altar candles and rosaries, mixed with brightly hand-painted designs, makes you feel as if you are inside a Mexican shrine. A medley of Latin tunes, from Manu Chao to Eva Ayllón play in the background. Before you know it, the food arrives.

Unlike the song "Mexican Radio" by ‘80’s pop band Wall of Voodoo, this Mexican Radio does not make you wish you were "in Tijuana eating barbecued iguana." I felt extremely content where I was that very minute, savoring my chicken chimichanga.

The moment I took my first bite, I took a double take. The spice was just right, and the guacamole, crema and pico de gallo that topped it were perfect. Even though this dish is fried, it was amazingly not greasy. It was served with a side of tangy spiced rice and beans (named Shecky’s Best Funky Frijoles of 2005).

Mexican Radio’s margaritas won the Best Margarita in NYC award in 2001, but they still hold the title, in my opinion. What makes them so out of this world is that they are all made with fresh lime juice--no chemicals or mixes here! You can definitely taste the difference.

I have to go back to try the Rajas en Cerveza – a bubbling Mexican fondue, mixed with Dos XX, onions and strips of poblano peppers, as well as their Nachos made with crema and guajillo pepper sauce, which have also been named the best in NYC. They offer the choice of soft or crispy tacos as well.

Entrees (also catering to vegetarians and vegans) range from $11.95 – 18.95 and margaritas are around $9 – with a large selection of tequilas for the tequila connoisseur.

The only downfall is that they don’t serve complimentary chips and salsa (one of my favorite aspects of the Mexican dining experience), but the atmosphere and flawless food more than compensate for that. You will not be disappointed.

For more information, visit www.mexicanrad.com.

(Published in NYRemezcla.com)