๐ฒ๐ฝ MรXICO (Sinaloa)
EDITOR'S NOTE: An updated version of this article (13 December 2023) is available as part of the Historical section of our Substack page. Check that out here:
EDITOR'S NOTE: An updated version of this article (13 December 2023) is available as part of the Historical section of our Substack page. Check that out here:
The line of wind-bent palms on the north side of Figueroa set a dramatic scene under which the Mariscos El Faro truck has been living for half a decade now, with a front row seat to the changing character of the neighborhood. Unfortunately only the grounds of the Highland Park Recreation Center live on the other side of the trees rather than the Sinaloan paradise beaches in and around Mazatlรกn, but with mariscos dishes styled in the manner of that city, a park bench does just fine for focusing on tostadas and cocteles.
Mazatlรกn, the birthplace of the owner and popular tourist and resort destination within Mรฉxico, is of course known for its incredible seafood, featuring catch fresh from the Pacific. It is a part of life, and a part of the lives of anyone who visits.
Crunchy tostadas are perfect for grabbing to take into the park and make the finger foods a little more manageable. They serve all of these with the addition of a top tostada as well, which can be immediately broken into smaller scoops. The whole thing is splashed with a nice layer of sauce and full of flavor.
The prices at the truck are a bit higher than what may be considered the "going rate" around town, $1-2 more for each item, but this seems to translate into a higher quality product. This is especially noticeable when enjoying fresh shrimp on a tostada de aguachile (below). Like anything, selections of fresh catch can vary in price and quality, and this family seems to care enough to pay for the higher grade items.
If you have ever tasted aguachile around town, you know that it can knock you down with a pepper-tinged slap in the face. Here at El Faro it seems that they want you to experience the shrimp, sliced cucumbers, and crushed chiltepin, a small, round red pepper common in the aguachiles and mariscos of Sinaloa. The heat is not overwhelming at all, but might get a bead of sweat or two going. The cooling qualities of the dish are always fascinating, and feel wonderful in any season but offer extra in hot summer months.
The famous lighthouse (el faro) in Mazatlรกn and inspiration behind the name of the truck, is located at the top of Cerro del Creston just west of the city and is the highest lighthouse in all of the Americas. Views down to the city from the peak are impressive and something most tourists take in between meals at the shaded beachside mariscos vendors and restaurants. While the views across Figueroa Street are far from impressive, at least the mariscos are getting somewhere close.
Mazatlรกn, the birthplace of the owner and popular tourist and resort destination within Mรฉxico, is of course known for its incredible seafood, featuring catch fresh from the Pacific. It is a part of life, and a part of the lives of anyone who visits.
Crunchy tostadas are perfect for grabbing to take into the park and make the finger foods a little more manageable. They serve all of these with the addition of a top tostada as well, which can be immediately broken into smaller scoops. The whole thing is splashed with a nice layer of sauce and full of flavor.
The prices at the truck are a bit higher than what may be considered the "going rate" around town, $1-2 more for each item, but this seems to translate into a higher quality product. This is especially noticeable when enjoying fresh shrimp on a tostada de aguachile (below). Like anything, selections of fresh catch can vary in price and quality, and this family seems to care enough to pay for the higher grade items.
If you have ever tasted aguachile around town, you know that it can knock you down with a pepper-tinged slap in the face. Here at El Faro it seems that they want you to experience the shrimp, sliced cucumbers, and crushed chiltepin, a small, round red pepper common in the aguachiles and mariscos of Sinaloa. The heat is not overwhelming at all, but might get a bead of sweat or two going. The cooling qualities of the dish are always fascinating, and feel wonderful in any season but offer extra in hot summer months.
The famous lighthouse (el faro) in Mazatlรกn and inspiration behind the name of the truck, is located at the top of Cerro del Creston just west of the city and is the highest lighthouse in all of the Americas. Views down to the city from the peak are impressive and something most tourists take in between meals at the shaded beachside mariscos vendors and restaurants. While the views across Figueroa Street are far from impressive, at least the mariscos are getting somewhere close.
The beaches of Mazatlรกn only have to be imagined.
๐ฒ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฝ
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.