…The Strip District, Reyna Foods, and Chicken Latino (again)

Adventure.  I love it.

I used to hate being adventurous – everything had to be planned out, or I’d lose my mind.  I had to make sure that I had all of my bases covered, or else I would not know how to handle the situation.  I had to know where I was going, what I was doing, and everything had to be on schedule and precise.

If I failed to plan, I planned to fail.

In some situations, it is important to plan things out.  I know that when I take my time in planning out lessons, everything works out great; however, if I don’t plan, I feel pretty dumb, and I’m not too good at covering that up (I’m not good at hiding my feelings, in case you hadn’t figured that out by now). 

However, I have learned that spontaneity and adventure make life a little more exciting – not so much when it comes to doing my job, but more so in my free time.  Some of those adventures have resulted in great discoveries, such as the first time I decided to go to Smoke in Homestead, or when my mom and I drove to Presque Isle, North East, and Pymatuning one day over the summer to check out those places and ended up having a great day together.

I feel like any time that I go to The Strip District, it is an opportunity for adventure.  There are the stores that I go to every time, like Wholey’s, Lotus Foods (an Asian supermarket), and Reyna Foods (a Mexican market), but lately, I have tried to go into other stores as well to see what they are all about.  Back in February, when I went with my brother, we ventured in to one of the stores that sells Pittsburgh clothing, and I was able to find tons of Pittsburgh-themed, St. Patrick’s Day-related clothing that I could wear to the parade (long before it sold out). 

On this particular trip, a teacher-friend came with me (we shall refer to her from this point on as “TF”), and we decided to see what came about.  I had to get down to The Strip to go to Chicken Latino to pick up a t-shirt that they had offered me, so we knew we would end up eating there, but otherwise, the sky was the limit.  We parked and took off onto Penn Avenue.

We started at Penzey’s Spices, since TF had to get their taco seasoning for her mom.  We didn’t spend much time in there, but I love smelling the different spices, when time permits. 

After Penzey’s, we ventured over to Lotus Foods, where I never buy anything, but I am in awe of the different things that they offer there that you cannot find somewhere like Giant Eagle – Asian teas, spices, and breads; vegetables that cannot be found anywhere around here; and different candy and cookies, like Pocky, which my brother adores.  We left there empty-handed, but not disappointed.

We stopped in a few other stores, like Stan’s Market, which has CHEAP produce – including JICAMA for $0.89/lb.!  I once paid $12.15 for a jicama at Giant Eagle – those suckers are HEAVY, and cost $3.99/lb. there!  I had to buy one at Stan’s.  I had to.  So I did, along with a couple of small spaghetti squash, which were also cheap at $0.89/lb.  We also stopped in a couple of clothing stores with handmade clothes and jewelry – neither TF nor I bought anything at those stores, but it was nice to see cute clothes that not everybody would be wearing this season.

After a quick stop at the ATM for some cash, we arrived at Reyna Foods, which had just opened.  I had to find something to reward my 3^rd and 8^th period classes for winning my counting 1-30 challenge, and of course, I wanted to find something “authentic”.  After walking around the store twice, I decided upon Reyna’s homemade buñuelos and Goya wafer cookies in mango and guava flavors.  I also purchased Reyna’s store-made corn tortillas, and I bought mole powder (not sauce, because it had way too much fat in it!) to make mole chicken someday when I have time.  

As I checked out, I asked the man working the register if he knew when the restaurant would be opening downstairs – I had read about it in China Millman’s article back on June 23^rd (you know, the one on my bulletin board at school that I talk about ALL the time?).  It turns out that he is the owner, and he was originally aiming to open it January 1^st – however, he was attending some workshops in Mexico after that time, and since he also wants to open a panadería (bakery) along with it, he’s looking to open it more around March.  He said that the restaurant itself is done, the tortilla machines are there and ready to go – but he basically wants to learn more about the foods and ingredients before serving them. 

Smart.  Very, very smart.

I told him that I am a Spanish teacher, I explained the project and my blog, and told him that I am really looking forward to the restaurant opening.  He said that his mother was Mexican and a teacher, so he understands how important a good education is. 

Now I REALLY can’t wait for the restaurant to open.

Once TF and I left there, we sauntered over to the Pittsburgh Public Market, where we purchased some fruit butters and jams from The Berry Patch.  By that time, it was after 11:00.

Lunchtime.  Chicken Latino was open!

When we went in, I told them who I was, and they got the owner, Shelbin Santos, so that we could finally meet.  We exchanged hellos and greetings, she gave me my t-shirt, and I mentioned that we were going to stay and eat.  She recommended trying the Peruvian-style chicken, which was my plan, anyway.

TF and I took a seat, and Christy, the same waitress from last time (who was celebrating her birthday last time, and shared her scrumptious pumpkin bread with my brother and I), took our orders.  I really wanted to try the Chicha Limeña, a purple corn drink with cinnamon and cloves (why are so many Peruvian foods purple?!), so I ordered that for my drink, and TF did, too, as she is someone else who likes to try new things.  Christy brought them out, bottled, with glasses of ice as well, and then she took our orders – Yucca fries to start (of course), ¼ Peruvian chicken with rice and black beans for me, and a chicken quesadilla for TF.  

The drinks were amazing – no, they do not taste like corn.  I really can’t describe the taste – it was definitely fruit juice-like, and it reminded me a lot of the Mazzamorra Morada that I had for dessert at Aji Picante just a few days earlier (only now in liquid form, not Jell-O form).  Christy was also kind enough to provide us with water, too – good thing, because I downed my Chicha quite quickly.

The Yucca fries arrived promptly, crispy and delicious-looking, and accompanied by the famous “green stuff” and mayonnaise.  TF and I mixed our dipping sauces, and she commented on how good and different (in a good way) it was. 

Our meals arrived not long after.  Shelbin had provided me with fresh corn tortillas, in addition to my meal, so that I could make tacos out of my chicken, if I wanted.

And so I did.  Rice, beans, chicken, and my green dipping sauce combined for some tacos ricos!

The chicken itself, honestly, reminded me a lot of the roasted chicken from Giant Eagle or Wal-Mart – but with a bit more flavor and care put into it.  If you like the roasted chickens from either of those places, you will like the Peruvian chicken at Chicken Latino (I promise!)

Neither TF nor I could finish our lunches, so we asked for boxes, and I also asked for 2 containers of the “green stuff” to purchase and take home.  Christy gave some tips for preserving it (like dividing it into ice trays and thawing what I needed, when I needed it – brilliant!) and gave us boxes and bags to tote our leftovers home.  We paid the bill, thanked everyone again, and went on our merry, full-bellied way.

We did make one more stop before we headed back to Da Miff’ (as I had to be at work at Kennywood at 1:30).  The smell of the donuts from Peace, Love, & Little Donuts was permeating the air, even more than the smell of the burritos and tacos that were just being cooked at the Reyna’s Taco Stand just around the corner.  TF had never experienced these fried delights, so we stopped in to see what they were selling that day.

I left with these – 2 maple & granola donuts, a chocolate/chocolate donut, a strawberry shortcake donut, and 2 Oreo donuts (I love ANYTHING Oreo!). 

So yes, I do eat other things than “Mexican” food, as some students have wondered.

TF and I went back to my house, unloaded my car, and TF went back to her home.  Before she left, we definitely discussed having to have another adventure soon, as today’s was a success. 

Being adventurous alone is fun, but being adventurous with someone else who shares your interest in adventure is memorable.  Thanks a million to TF, and I hope that you all find ways to be adventurous (safely!) as well.

Chicken Latino

155 21^st St.

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Website: http://www.chickenlatino.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=699253613466&id=47505581&ref=notif&notif_t=feed_comment_reply#!/pages/Chicken-Latino/145153807143

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/chickenlatino

Peace, Love, & Little Donuts

2018 Smallman St.

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Website: http://www.peaceloveandlittledonuts.com/

The Berry Patch at Pittsburgh Public Market

Produce Terminal Building
Smallman Street Entrance opposite 17th Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Websites: http://pittsburghpublicmarket.org/

                   http://ligoniercountrymarket.com/the-berry-patch.html

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=699253613466&id=47505581&ref=notif&notif_t=feed_comment_reply#!/PittsburghPublicMarket

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/PghPubMarket

The Strip District Website: http://www.neighborsinthestrip.com/

Neighbors in the Strip on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=699253613466&id=47505581&ref=notif&notif_t=feed_comment_reply#!/StripDistrict

Strip District Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/StripDistrict

...Chicken Latino

I don’t like crowds.

That’s kind of funny considering that A.) I’m a teacher, who works in a school, which has crowded hallways between classes, and B.) I also work at an amusement park, where crowds are the norm.

Probably the part that I don’t like the most is constantly feeling like I’m in the way.  In a large crowd, if someone needs to get through, you move as far out of the way as possible so that he/she can pass, right?  Well, not everyone does that, and then I feel bad, so I move – so I’m constantly moving!  Does anyone else in the world have that feeling?  Ever?  Or am I just strange?

The other part that bothers me a great deal is waiting because of a crowd.  Waiting in traffic, waiting to get out of a building, or waiting for a table at a restaurant drives me crazy.  If I see a crowd at a restaurant, I immediately think, “No way am I eating here,” or “I should’ve come earlier,” or “I should’ve made a reservation [if possible].”

Check out this picture that I took this morning.  This is the line to get into the famous Pamela’s Diner on 21^st Street in the Strip District this past Sunday morning:

I had no intention of eating at Pamela’s, anyway, so I wasn’t upset by it, but…why would anyone want to wait around?  I guess its breakfast is really delicious and popular, and it was Sunday, and they have “regulars”, but…it was almost noon by this point.  There are so many other places to eat in The Strip, why would anyone want to flock to the SAME place all of the time for the SAME food – and wait around so long for it? 

Luckily, I had other plans – right across the street from Pamela’s:

When I first had the idea for this extra credit project, Chicken Latino was one of the first places that I contacted – and one of the first that contacted me.  In fact, the owner, Shelbin, called me as soon as she got my letter!  I was shocked at her quick response, and she was incredibly nice and supportive.  I knew I had to try Chicken Latino as soon as possible.

I asked my brother if he wanted to come with me to the Strip District, since he’s usually looking for something to do on a Sunday afternoon, and he agreed – although I didn’t tell him about Chicken Latino until we were on our way (oops).  I mean, if he likes Las Velas, he should like Chicken Latino, too, right?

Well, to clarify, Chicken Latino is Peruvian.  Las Velas is Mexican.  There are similarities, though.

When we arrived, we went to the counter and were asked if we wanted our food to go or if we were going to eat in.  Since we were eating in, we were told that we could have a seat, and the waitress would bring us menus (Hey, no waiting!  Hooray!).  

Our waitress, Christy, was very detailed in her explanation of the menu – the weekday menu was on the table, but we were handed the weekend menu, which also had – oh boy – ceviche!  Real ceviche!  The kind that is raw fish cured in lime juice to be “cooked”!  I knew what I was ordering.  My brother ordered a chicken quesadilla.

They also had slushies in mango and wild berry – made with real fruit!  I ordered a mango slushie.  My brother?  Coke.

Appetizers - Yucca fries, a root vegetable, similar to jicama or rutabagas, sounded intriguing…mmmm…but my brother, of course, wanted chips and salsa.  We ordered both. 

Christy brought out our Yucca fries and chips and salsa, and also 5 packets of mayonnaise and a bottle of “green stuff”, as she referred to it.  She said that in Peru, they mix together the green stuff and mayonnaise, and dip their Yucca fries into it like ketchup.  She later explained that the “green stuff” was cilantro, peppers, and bread crumbs, they make it fresh there every day, and they also sell it by the bottle.  Tempting, but it would probably go bad before I would use it all – and I also don’t need to be eating mayonnaise every day.

The chips and salsa weren’t anything spectacular, but I loved, loved…wait for it…LOVED the Yucca fries with the dipping sauce!  So did my brother.

My ceviche was amazing.  After eating all of those fries, having something light and delicious for my main course was refreshing.

And my slushie?  It was great.  It tasted just like a mango…which is also what I had for breakfast that morning.

I like mangoes.  A lot. 

My brother’s quesadilla – it was HUGE!  It also had tons of black beans in it, which he was not expecting, but he ate every last bite of it.  I tried a piece of it, and guess what?  No surprise, it was fantastic!  

I had read on Twitter earlier that morning that it was someone’s birthday there, and that Shelbin had made her a pumpkin sweet bread with melted marshmallows on top (she posted a picture…*drool*).  I noticed that Christy was wearing a “Happy Birthday” ribbon, so I asked her if she was the one they made the bread for that I had seen on Twitter.  She said yes, and without hesitation, offered us a piece. 

I like pumpkin, too.  A lot.

Christy was so nice to share her birthday bread (¡que rico!) with us, to be so friendly in explaining the menu, and to chat with me about the extra credit project – yet another reason to love Chicken Latino!

There are so many other things on their menu that I want to try: the Peruvian-style chicken (which is what I was going to get originally, but then they had ceviche, and all bets were off), plantains, flan, “Inka Kola” (Peruvian pop, essentially), and “chicha morada”, a purple Peruvian corn juice. 

The other great part of Chicken Latino is that their prices are very reasonable.  For as much as we ate, the bill for the two of us was only about $32 – and we could have ordered less and still had a satisfying lunch (although I’m glad we had what we did!)

The people that work in Chicken Latino wear shirts that say “I <3 Chicken Latino” (ok, so the heart isn’t sideways, but you know what I mean).  I understand why completely - fresh, authentic food, great atmosphere, great staff, affordable prices – oh yeah, and no waiting!  I can’t say enough good things about my experience, so I will end with this…

Me encanta Chicken Latino.  Nos vemos otra vez muy, muy pronto.  Gracias por todo.

Chicken Latino

155 21^st Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Web: http://www.chickenlatino.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Chicken-Latino/145153807143

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/chickenlatino