BeChicMag.com

La Fiesta Del Chivo

Once upon a time two tween cousins from Manhattan went on vacation to their parents’ native country, the Dominican Republic, as they did each year. Only one summer, their lives changed forever. After spending a long morning playing with a goat they considered a friend, they were traumatized when they learned that that very goat, which they named Pablo, will literally be their dinner.

I was one of those two little girls. My cousin and I saw and heard the poor goat be killed and made into a Sunday supper. From the animal’s squealing, to the washing and seasoning of the remains I will never forget our friend the goat. And it was that very day that my cousin and I said we will never eat lamb again. I stuck to that promise- until two weeks ago!

Apparently chivo, or goat is part of large family gatherings and celebrations in many Dominican homes. I was surprised to see my uncle in my parents’ kitchen wearing knee-length shorts, a long shirt and black socks as he prepared a lamb feast. My mother had already prepared a side dish of ribs and fried chicken for me as she assumed I would have nothing to do with the lamb. But it smelled so good after being marinated in rum and spices (I’m not much of a cook) that I couldn’t resist! Although it was delicious, I think I enjoyed eating it more because I was surrounded by family.

I should mention that I tried having lamb again a week later and after two bites, I spit it back out. It may have not been cooked the same way, or perhaps I was just more aware of the flesh that I was about to consume. During my hiatus, I read many books, meditated and reconnected with my spirituality. I’ve noticed that after being in such peace and becoming more aware of things, I’ve recently been thinking about meat way too much before eating it. I don’t have plans on becoming a vegetarian, but I often remember my pal Pablo (the goat) and the process of how meat gets to our dinner table.
Check out some photos below.

Whenever I craved Mexican or Cuban Food I usually ordered from Cafe Habana on Elizabeth Street. And then when La Esquina opened a few years ago on Kenmare, I thought, “Finally. A place where I can walk to when I’m hungry for tacos.” Yet, theirs weren’t authentic enough. Then by accident I bumped into Pinche Taqueria on Mott Street when I was walking home one afternoon in late March. I was a little skeptical at first being that places like San Locos and La Esquina claim to serve real Mexican dishes, so I put Pinche to the test. And voila! Now these people were official. After first meeting the folks at Pinche, I called for delivery at least three times a week for the next three weeks.

After working by Rockefeller Center, I knew that the best local and inexpensive place to get juicy tacos, carne azadas and sopes were from Tehuitzingo on 10th Avenue. For only $7, I used to get their Tacos Dorados (deep fried rolled tacos). One order brought four rolled tacos over cotija-covered salad and pico de gallo. My favorite dish from Pinche is also their Rolled Tacos, but one order only brings two and costs $6.75. Yet, they’re worth it!

Besides their diverse menu which includes breakfast entrees and imported beer, the atmosphere at Pinche Taqueria is smooth and relaxed.

Pinche Taqueria is located at 227 Mott Street, between Prince and Elizabeth. 212.625.0090
*mercedes sanchez

JAMBA JUICE’S BOOST BLAST

Is it me, or does the Jamba Juice Femme Boost make you a little giddy? For the second time this month, I had a sixteen sized Pomegranate Paradise Jamba Juice smoothie and asked for their complimentary femme boost. I thought I could use some calcium and iron, plus the folic acid didn’t sound too bad. While consuming the savory shake while on the subway, I noticed myself laughing at my friend’s silly and very unfunny jokes and just having a blast. I rather not have others listen to my conversations on the train, so I usually prefer not to speak as much, but this week was an exception as I couldn’t stop giggling and didn’t care who saw. And I am convinced this was the side effect of the femme boost. After the boost took control of my body, I just had to find out if it in fact holds any special herbal ingredients so I asked Jamba Juice’s own public relations manager Anne Baker. Read the rest of this entry »

By GISSETTE TAVERAS

Sunday was the start of Japanese Restaurant Week
(March 4- March 10^th). This entire week, participating Japanese restaurants will open their doors to anyone who wants to try Japanese food in make New Yorkers aware of the great service and versatility in Japanese restaurants.

If you are like me, the thought of raw fish makes you a bit squeamish. However, fear not, there are lots of fully-cooked dishes to choose from. You can enjoy the many different rolls each Japanese restaurant offers. One of my favorites is the Spider roll consisting of fried soft-shell crab, lettuce, avocado and cucumber (ingredients my vary).

Feel free to try the gyoza for a starter-dish, fried or pan-seared dumplings often served with a vinegar dressing. Can’t decide on what to get? Then try a Bento Box. The Bento Box offers a little bit of everything. You get an order of california roll; a main dish which usually consists of chicken (beef or salmon teriyaki), steamed dumplings, vegetable/shrimp tempura, small garden salad with ginger dressing, and a small cup of rice. Believe me, you will be left satisfied and very full. Read the rest of this entry »

Well well… look what’s hitting the Lower East Side in just a couple of weeks. Whole Foods, the upscale supermarket for organic eating enthusiasts in the newly gentrified neighborhood, has begun promoting its upcoming grand opening while teasing passers-by to “take a peek at what’s coming.” With the Avalon Bay Communities, Inc. monopoly which has conquered the downtown vicinity- Avalon Chrystie on Houston and Avalon Bowery on First Street- along comes the popular, over-priced food chain to satisfy the habits of health junkies starting on March 29.

In a press release, the folks at Whole Foods Market state: “Get ready Lower East Side… Whole Foods Market is Coming! Inspired by our new neighborhood, an area known for its historical and present-day connection to food, we’re creating a dual level food mecca devoted to the foods and goods of New York City and beyond.” Your new neighborhood, huh? Well, I guess it is. Read the rest of this entry »