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Getaway Guide Beyond Cinco de Mayo

A funny thing happened on the way to a favorite Irish Pub. Looking at the menu on a smart phone, I noticed the appearance of quesadillas and nachos. Another produced fish tacos. Was it Cinco de Mayo? No. It was July. What's happening? Culinary Institute of America Director Waldy Malouf in a recent KYW-Newsradio interview discussed the effects of immigration patterns on our restaurant menus. They are now heavily influenced by Latin American flavors that go beyond the Mexican favorites, served as Cinco de Mayo specials. As we seek out new and bold tastes being introduced by new and bold chefs from Caribbean Islands, South and Central America. a combination of fusion menus and uniquely ethnic restaurants are cropping up from Philly to cities across the country. Whole neighborhoods have become ethnic food centers. Here are some favorites. – Jay Lloyd

Basin Harbor
(credit: Jay Lloyd)

FLOR DE MAYO

484 Amsterdam Avenue
New York City, NY 10024
flordemayo.com

Ever hear of Chino-Latino? You did now. A popular upper West Side New York eatery blends the traditional food of Peru and a traditional Chinese-American menu that we grew up with as kids. It all appears in a Latin decorated room with visible rotisserie ovens that turn out some of the most flavorful Peruvian chicken dishes, imaginable. Combine it with an chow mein, egg roll and fried rice to share and you've got the best of Chino-Latino comfort food at the restaurant called Flor de Mayo (May Flower). Our table was right in front of a scale model of the Mayflower that settled the Plymouth colony in Massachusetts. I missed the connection between Pilgrims and Peru or China. But dinner was fun.

Basin Harbor
(credit: Jay Lloyd)

WOODSIDE

Queens, New York

Take the 7 train from Manhattan for a 20 minute elevated ride through Queens to the ethnically enchanting enclave of Woodside. Clustered in a 12 block range you'll find a Smorgasbord of eateries that represent the colors of Asia, Europe, Latin America and a more recently arrived collection of Irish pubs. It's all walkable and with a view of the distant world trade center. Spanish and Latin centric aromas and flavors here represent Columbia, Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and the Philippines. I'm a sucker for the simple chicken and rice (arroz con pollo) that I enjoyed while living in Puerto Rico. The Columbian version at Woodside's Pollos Mario is a robust rival.

Red Mill Tavern
(credit: Jay Lloyd)

LATIN PHILADELPHIA

Many locations

It's not necessary to travel far and wide to find the peppery hot sensation of the Caribbean and Central America or milder palate pleasers of Spanish and Portuguese inspired new world dishes. The Philadelphia area is brimming with native versions or Yanqui takes on Latin flavors from South Philly to the Northeast. A Portuguese friend introduced me to Tio Pepe's on Castor Avenue. Spoken Portuguese leaves me behind, but the fish here didn't need to be explained - fresh, whole, slathered in olive oil and grilled to perfection. More accessible central locations yield Mexican finger food at Reading Terminal Market and the Cuban image of a Havana neighborhood comes to life at Cuba Libre on south Second Street near Market. Make it Sunday brunch here and you won't be disappointed. Just don't overdo the plantain chips. There's a lot more to come. Another hometown favorite with summer on the way is the outdoor garden at Coyote Crossing in Conshohocken, a relaxing spot for Margaritas and nachos while working up to an upscale take on Mexican and island dining.

Red Mill Tavern
(credit: Jay Lloyd)

HAVE CRAVING - WILL TRAVEL

Unfortunately, travel warnings from the State Department about venturing into Mexico to satisfy that craving for tacos from a street stand or tortilla soup in a colorful Matamoras restaurante will keep many of us north of the border. But there's fine Mexican dining galore in a gulf coast setting on South Padre Island, Texas, and if travel warnings are lifted from the nearby Matamoras area it's simply a matter of strolling across the border at Brownsville for that colorful soup. If there's a Gulf Coast Getaway in your plans, South Padre offers beaches, super-low prices and Latin inspired cookery.

Red Mill Tavern
(credit: Jay Lloyd)

DO IT YOURSELF

For a simple backyard fiesta, hang a pinata, stir pitchers of sangria and margaritas and cook up the fixings for fajitas and arroz con pollo (You remember - chicken and rice). The fajitas are quick and easy - grill a flank stank, boneless chicken breasts and shrimp, saute peppers and onions in oil, spinkle powdered adobe (without pepper) over everything, add your own pepper and set meat, seafood and chicken out alongside warm tortillas and let everyone build their own fajitas. Have guacamole, refried beans, salsa, shredded cheese and lettuce standing by. Arroz con pollo is more complicated, so look for a recipe that matches your own culinary skill and tolerance for kitchen labor. I use chicken breasts on the bone for this one because it adds more flavor to both the meat and the rice.

Salud!

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