Los Paises: Torta Hunting

It’s been a loooooong while since I put up my last post, a little more than a month to be more specific. But that time has been productively spent on saving up for a new camera (with out which I would just have to extremely and very vividly describe my encounters) as well as doing field research during my lunch breaks. But now that those time are over its time to get right back into the full swing of things! With that said I bring to you my latest culinary endeavor: Los Paises

Now along with sustaining our economy by providing a labor force that acts as a crutch for our entire agricultural system and in essence our fiscal existence, Mexico has provided our country with a number of great things; tequila, mariachis, the inspiration for Taco bell, Selma Hayek, and of course the topic of today’s discussion.

In Orlando, there are a few things that there are a whole lot of (Puerto Ricans, Vietnamese Restaurants, and tourists just to name a few). But authentic Mexican food is few and far between. Sure you have your run-of-the-mill, corporate Tex-Mex establishment lighting up the night with its red and green chili pepper at every other corner. However a real, south of the border experience is something to cherish in Central Florida. Which is why I felt the need to highlight this quaint little establishment I happened to stumble upon one day on the way to work.

Los Paises is actually not a restaurant but a Mexican Grocery Store/Deli/Taqueria. It’s located in the Pine Hill area off Colonial between Powers and Hastings. In its two long aisles you’ll find an arsenal of all kinds of Latin American grocery items, an alter to the Goya gods, a wall of a million spices, and the most extensive selection of Jarritos that I’ve ever laid eyes upon. But I digress, I didn’t come to Los Paises to revel and bask in the presence of its inventory. I came to eat! And the target of my hunger being none other than the torta.

A Torta is a typical Mexican sandwich, circular in shape, about a 7” in diameter, and stacked with delicious ingredients native to what lies beyond our southern border. You can fill a torta with just about any kind of meat that your heart desires. Los Paises offers you the option of carne asada, carnitas(shredded pork), chicken, empanizado(breaded steak), fish, and the pick of the day: lengua. For those who aren’t very well versed in the Spanish tongue, lengua means just that… tongue.

Wait what? Did you just read what you think you read?? Yes, I had a beef tongue torta for lunch. No, actually, I had an absolutely delicious beef tongue torta for lunch. Now if you’re like most people you’re probably appalled by the idea of tastebud-on-tastebud action going on inside of your mouth as you are chewing away during your lunch break. If that’s the case, then, like most people you are not very much of an explorer and/or your just plain boring. But the truth is that beef tongue is a very common element of Mexican cuisine and cuisines from all over the world; including Germany, Portugal, India, the Philippines, Russia, and Japan. So think about it, obviously there are a number people all over the world who indulge on beef tongue. So maybe the whole weirdness of the fact that all these people eat cow tongue might not be that weird at all when in actuality it might be weird that you are the only one who doesn’t eat cow tongue …think about it.

Back to the topic at hand, so Los Paises definitely came correct with this Torta de Lengua. Not only was it a pretty decent size, but it was packed with all kinds of savory flavors. Within the confines of the two halves of that circular bun you’ll find the usual suspects of fresh tomato, crispy lettuce, and onion accompanied by some ingredients that will send your taste buds flying back across the border where these flavors came from. Now I’m a GIANT fan of avocado, so I’m usually more than pleased any time I find that those little, lime green chunks of splendor have found their way into my meal. This torta had a nice layer of a creamy avocado sauce, its wasn’t quite guacamole but I could see how some might classify it as such. Working in conjunction with the avocado was the jalapeño garnishes that were sprinkled in here and there as well. I’m not too particular on spices and chili peppers but I have to admit that this time it was essential for the enjoyment and appreciation of this meal as a whole.

But on to the focus of this torta(and that of any sandwich), the meat filling. Okay first off, I have to admit I wasn’t completely comfortable with the idea that I was chewing on bits of chopped up tongue. However all of that was all in my mind and had nothing to do with the way this sandwich tasted in any way. The fact of the matter is that it was absolutely delicious. It was soft, tender, juicy, a little fatty, and full of flavor. The only inkling unpleasantness in my head was the thought in the back of my mind, as I was chewing, of what exactly was being eaten. But like I mentioned earlier, it was all in my head and I place complete blame for this on the close-minded, American cultural incompetence in which I have been submerged in, had no choice to grow up in, and have allowed to flood my judgment as I have navigated my way through life in America.

All in all, this torta was great it was delicious, flavorful, but more importantly cheap! $3.99 was the price tag on this culinary confection. Which left more than enough room in my $6 budget to go over to the refrigerated beverages and pick from my choice of a Jarritos soda; I went ahead and chose Mango. This left me with a grand total of $5.50. Not bad considering most of today’s value meals at any local fast food grease pit will run you about $6-8. Los Paises is definitely a spot I recommend for anyone to hit up on their lunch break or who just happens to be in the area. By the time your ready to leave the place, it will leave you with, a happy stomach, satisfied wallet, and a great impression.

Casavana: En esta Casa-vana ahorrar!

Miami is a wondrous place filled with just about anything your overactive imagination can conjure up, with or with out the assistance of any illicit substances. Its a place known for all kinds of food, fun, and sun but also notorious for being particularly nasty on your bank account. But fear not because it isn’t impossible to find an affordable, quality, enjoyable meal in the Magic City. As a matter of fact there are several establishments scattered across the span of Miami’s different sub-cities that offer a meal that not only boasts a great price, but also backs up the great savings with great taste! Today I found myself in the Kendall area by the newly renovated Town & Country Mall. Inside of this resurrected plaza you’ll find a Cuban restaurant by the name of Casavana.

Casavana has four locations across Miami including Kendall, Homestead, Coral Reef, and Miami Lakes. It’s a great family restaurant with fairly cheap prices. I’ve been to Casavana on several occasions and have rarely been disappointed by the food, service, and atmosphere. But on to the purpose of today’s post: the food.

Like any other self-respecting Cuban restaurant on the face of the planet, Casavana treats its guest with a complementary basket of

replenishable Pan Tostada (toasted bread slathered with a layer of butter) to munch on while they scan the menu for what they will be having. The toast was a great start to the meal; for having been away from Miami for so long I had almost forgotten about this beautiful custom shared by Cuban restaurants across the land and it served as a delightfully surprising reminder.

But the toast isn’t why I came to Casavana at all. The star of tonight’s meal still remained unassembled in the kitchen, awaiting an audience with my taste buds.

I introduce to you, the Frita Cubana

The Frita Cubana is what you would get if somehow a traditional Burger and a Pan con Bistec sandwich met and had a love child. It’s a grilled patty sandwiched between a Cuban bread burger bun, garnished with onions and ketchup, and smothered with what seamed like a pound of thinly cut julienne fries. It’s a fairly simple dish but absolutely delicious. As delicious as the sandwich was, it's taste wasn’t even the best part about it. I have to say that the best aspect of this burger had to be its price, just $3.29.

Having only exhausted a little more than half of my $6 budget, I had room to accompany my lovely sandwich with a single ham croquetta which set me back just $.95. Croquettas, or “croquettes” for the English-speaking crowd, have to be my single most favorite snack out of all the different foods that Cuban cuisine has to offer. Encased within its crispy, fried, cylindrical exterior, you’ll find a flour and meat based medley of finely chopped ingredients that work together to give this tiny morsel the intense taste it contains. Having eaten my fair share of croquettas in my day, I must admit that this had to be one of the best I have ever had the pleasure of indulging on. What made this the case was a subtle but ever present tangy flavor infused within the croquetta, which might have been either lemon or lime, that worked perfectly with the rest of the ingredients to really give this small snack it's huge flavor.

However, if you’re not too keen on indulging on swine there is still a slightly more expensive yet still affordable alternative. Papitas! …more commonly known as French fries. But these were no ordinary french fries my friends. My best friend and fellow surveyor of fine foods, Jared, was kind enough to allow me to sample his plate of these perfectly fried spuds. They were uncannily crispy on the outside and perfectly tender on the inside. For a second I had my doubts that these fries were even made of potatoes. $1.49 was how much they cost Jared on top of the $3.29 for his Frita Cubana.

Overall, with tax included $4.53 is how much my total ended up being for this delicious $itdown, which gave me more than enough room to leave a substantial tip and still be within the $6 budget. Jared’s total with tax was $5.11. Having spent less than $12 for a meal for two and have it be a great meal at that makes Casavana a wonderful location to have a spectacular meal without having to strangle your wallet for every last cent that it has. I should also note that the service was outstanding, the staff was friendly, and the food was prepared surprisingly quick. For anyone who ever finds themselves in the Miami area and is looking to feast frugally whether by yourself, with a friend, or a group, Casavana is the place to go. Porque en esta casa, vana ahorrar!

Introduction

Greetings!

Okay so I like to eat, not only do i like to eat but I like to indulge. And what better way to indulge than to do so without doing damage to your wallet? Thus came the inspiration for this blog. As a college student with a big appetite and an ever expanding crave for not only new tastes but pocket friendly tastes, I've decided to chronicle my culinary explorations through this blog.

So how am I to do this?

...well I haven't quite figured that out yet but the general idea is that I will review every eatery, restaurant, diner, food stand, and any other vendor of enticing edible goods that I encounter that serves a substantial meal for less than $6. Then maybe I'll rate them on a few dimensions of satisfaction including but not limited to:

Taste

Service

Affordability

Price/Taste Ratio

well those are just a few ideas I have so far but I'm quite sure I'll add a few more once I give it some undivided thought and attention.

so with out further ado I invite you on my journey as I taste my way through life, the universe, and everything...

this is $ix Dollar $itdowns