Quesadillas from the cart at Roosevelt/61st, Woodside
Under the LIRR and 7 train tracks at Woordside station there's a new Mexican cart which is stationed there pretty much all day and into the evening. The first time I went, I noticed that there's a wooden tortilla press that one of the two ladies use to flatten out tortillas. I thought it was for tacos, but it's not. They use it to make quesadillas. They have two kinds: chicharron and calabasa (zucchini), and tinga de pollo. I haven't tried the tinga de pollo since I've been so hooked on the chicharon. I don't think they prepare (that is to say, fry) the chicharron (or pork skin) at the cart, but they have a mixture of chopped up chicharron and calabasa in a big plastic tub, which is stuffed into a freshly flattened tortilla, and placed on the grill. It's finished with a spread of crema, a handful of lettuce, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese. So it's not the gewy, cheesy thing that you might be accustomed to imagining a quesadilla to be. The ladies offer up a green and red hot sauce (I like the red sauce). Since I've discovered them during the cold weather, I've always rushed home to eat it while it's still hot and crispy (it loses its crispness pretty quickly when wrapped up so tight in foil). But as the weather improves, I would advise others to take it to the benches next to the Duane Reade and enjoy it there. That area around the cart always seems so dingy for any kind of enjoyable eating experience.
I also noticed that the Mexican locals have caught wind of this new offering, and as it's usually made fresh, it takes a little while to make (anywhere between 10-15 minutes, longer if there are others waiting). Also noteworthy is the carnitas. It's a little underseasoned, but nothing a little salt won't cure.
E Eto
Mar 24, 2008 11:15AM
Thanks for this. I will give it a try soon, maybe tonight!
Permalink | Reply
I think these folks were very briefly stationed further up Roosevelt, in front of the Chase bank at 75th street. i remember a cart selling those calabasa quesadillas on a few weekends last summer, and i got really hooked on them, then <poof> gone. will have to head down and check this out!
Permalink | Reply
I am very pleased that this cart has now emerged. They claim to be open 24 hrs - not sure if this is true, but they have been playing their trade every time I have passed (as early as 9am and as late as 2am) since they opened a couple weeks ago. From my short conversation with la jefa (the boss), I learned that they are from Puebla and have not had another cart before this.
So far, I have had tacos of steak ('vistek' on the list) and carnitas and quesadillas of calabaza con chicharron (squash+flowers with pork rind) and quesilla (fresh string cheese). The steak taco was very good, the carnitas excellent, and the quesadillas were both also excellent. While the quesadillas were not quite at the level of the the ones on 82nd in Jax Hts, they are high quality, fresh and delicious. The red sauce spicy and flavorful, and the tangy green sauce is quite nice as well (though the syrup bottles they are kept in make them very hard to pour - maybe this will change when it warms up).
They also advertise tortas, elote (corn on cob with crema, crumbled cojita cheese, lime and chili pepper) and esquita (sort of a deconstructed elote - served in a cup without the cob and some broth, lovely in winter) which I have yet to try. This is a fine complement to the tamale guy, and I hope they survive and thrive.
Permalink | Reply
my dream is the entire block under the LIRR there becomes a vendor hangout, and they somehow get rid of the pigeons. I've only had pollo and carnitas tacos from this cart, not as tasty to me as the 52nd st truck, but still great and a huge serving.
Permalink | Reply
This is very good news. I love Mexican cart food. The 24 hours thing is great as well. A fantastic alternative to drunken diner runs!
(you can take the girl out of Jersey....)
Permalink | Reply
plowing my way as I type through my 2nd beef taco. quite yummy. the girls working were so nice and quick with the food. Didn't get the green sauce, only because i thought I had some at home, but I don't.... :(
$4 for 2 very nice sized tacos. Will get the sauce next time. I was the only one there so it took them less tha 5 min to get my food (being that it's 2:30 am!).
All in all very good. Can't wait to go back and try some different stuff!
Permalink | Reply
eto you've done it again. I may have to stray from my mexican food diet to try this sometime.
Permalink | Reply
I was heading over to get a taco on saturday afternoon around 12:30 and the cart wasn't there!! I hit up the tomale cart just on the other side of the produce stand, and I have to say it was pretty good. I got the "not spicy" version. It was scalding hot and $1.50. Only downside was that I couldn't eat it while walking, obviously. I just popped over to the Dugout and ate it there.
I never see those guys get much business but I'll def be back.
Permalink | Reply
I've gone over there 3 times recently, twice at lunch time and once at dinnertime and it hasn't been there. I really hope it's not permanently gone. I liked their tacos and still dream of a food-cart heaven under the LIRR...
Permalink | Reply
I got a carnitas taco from the cart around midnight on Saturday night. I have noticed that they are not there at times, but I seem to see them more than not.
By the way, speaking of carts, I noticed that the Shangri-La momo cart that was parked on Roosevelt and 73rd, was out at Woodside/60th in front of the Chase Bank on Saturday night. I wonder if that's a permanent move or a night-time move?
Permalink | Reply
The Shangri-La cart was back at it's usual spot on 73rd yesterday - I noticed it on my way home (6pm) and had to force myself to keep walking and not buy momo - I've become a little obsessed with them.
Permalink | Reply
The momo's at Shangrila disappointed me; they were dried out and some wrappers were broken, probably from sitting around too long. In my mini-tour of the "momo triangle" I ranked them third, after Internet Cafe on 37th Ave. and Tashi Delek (the counter at the back of Merit Kabab Palace on 74th).
Permalink | Reply
I didn't see this until now, but back in February I happened to go to Marshall's in Woodside to look for some nice pots and pan. I got out at the Northern Blvd stop of the R Train, and these ladies were right up the stairs, on the outer edges of Sports Authority's parking lot, in the middle of NO WHERE! It was a cold day, and I was starving, and of course, I had to have some tacos. I asked about the Calabasa, and about the elotes...it seems that they were out of many things.
I got carnitas and Vsteck. First impression, extra fresh and tasty tortilla! The vstecks were very good, and the portions really generous. The carnitas was good, but I at first wasn't sure if I got the chicken by mistake because it was so light in color and in taste...but good.
I've gone back for them (i think it was a Wednesday night the first time) around the same time on the same day, but no one there. So then it wasn't until sometime in April that I happen to go get something from Sripraphai, and was happily surprsied to see them under the LIRR track, neighboring the Tamale people. Wanting to get them on my way back from Sri I was happy to have caught the Tacos, but the Tamale people were gone by then. The tacos were just as good and as generously proportioned.
So then, 2 Fridays ago (the rainy and windy one) I went to the 61st street again. Again no one was there!
I think next time I see them (if i ever find them again) I will attach a tracking device in the truck.....just kidding.....no, but somebody ought to...
Permalink | Reply
GPS on those ladies is a great idea! I usually hit them uip in the evening or late at night. Maybe they travel around during the day and set up at 61st at night?
Permalink | Reply
They seem to have mostly cut back to late nights. At least at the Roosevelt/61st St. location. During the days usually just the (delicious) tamale cart is there, along with a fruit & vegetable stand and sometimes a sock/wallet guy.
There's a tamale lady who often shows up mornings and afternoons by the 69th St. 7 stop (near the little store on the SW corner), selling her wares out of a pot in a shopping cart. Very homemade and rustic, but quite good. Somewhat different masa than the usual.
Permalink | Reply
I hit that taco stand tonight and went for the carnitas. They make it fresh. Just thought it was OK. Wasn't bad but wasn't mind blowing. I agree it was underseasoned. There are many taco stands under Roosevelt late at night and many offer a $2 taco (soft).
Permalink | Reply
I'm not sure what you mean by freshly made. Carnitas are slow-cooked pork, so it's made ahead of time and heated up on the grill. Where have you had better carnitas? I'm still looking for really good carnitas.
Permalink | Reply
Oh I just meant made to order. Sometimes slowed cooked misc meat. The best I had was in Tijiuana. Its really hard to find really good Mexican food. They got a bunch of trucks along Roosevelt Avenue late night from 50s to 80s (approx) Its going to be hard to hit them all, but If you know of any let me know. I'll just keep noshing as I go.
Permalink | Reply
Carnitas in TJ would be pork butt (shoulder) slow roasted in the oven then cubed and fried. Out here, Puebla style carnitas can be everything but the oink and indeed cheeks and ears are expected. Regarding the quesadillas, here you will generally find a freshly pressed and grilled large corn masa tortilla folded over and stuffed with lechuga, tomato, queso fresca, crema, and whatever meat you choose and is a far cry from a quesadilla out west or in Sonora where they are often called "caramelos" and are made with large flour tortillas. NY has great Puebla/Oaxaca opportunities...
Permalink | Reply
Where are the good Oaxacan places? That is one cuisine I want to fully explore.
Permalink | Reply
Where are the opportunities? Especially the Oaxacan ones.
Permalink | Reply
I get my Oaxacan fix by visiting Poblana Mixteca (Bay & Victory, SI) on the days when Ana is working, she'll make some mole specials in the tradition of her village/family. This is the way to go I think, taquerias in the back of stores, etc. or the ballfields/trucks and ask folks where they are from and what the specials are that day. It's not all Puebla out there, but close.
Permalink | Reply
Boy that is a long way for me in Staten Island. I found this link
For Tacos in Staten Island
http://www.writingwithmymouthfull.com...
I'll keep it in mind if I'm driving through there, which is rare.
I'm going to hit that taco truck on Gleane and Roosevelt and/or pay for the $12 Taco plate at Mercadito first. If that isn't good enough...I'll see you in Staten Island.
Permalink | Reply
I believe that truck on Gleane and Roosevelt is the Fogoncito #2 truck. I haven't tried them in years, but they were one of the better operations.
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/241529
As for Oaxacan, yeah, there might be an inkling of something around, and as Flaco mentioned, you're probably better off trying to find some little counter in the back of a shop with an experienced looking cook, or better yet, an abuela, cooking something. Home recipes are one thing. Finding a variety of Oaxacan dishes (good, honest versions of it) will be even harder. I usually get my Oaxacan fix when I'm in LA.
Permalink | Reply
Nope that thread said 63rd and Roosevelt. I was in the 80s and Roosevelt. I was hoping Flaco had a list when he said "NY has great Puebla/Oaxaca opportunities...".
Permalink | Reply
That thread was about the truck, not the location. The Fogoncito #2 truck now parks on Gleane/Roosevelt. It hasn't appeared in Woodside in about 3 years.
Permalink | Reply
Are you sure its the same truck? I read the truck was on 63rd and Roosevelt and then went MIA. Regardless, I'm going to go because it looks good to eat.
Permalink | Reply
Yeah, MIA means that they moved somewhere else. And all you have to do is look on the name on the truck. If it says Fogoncito #2, then you've found the same truck, and most likely the same people. The last time I checked, the Fogoncito #2 truck has been parked at that spot. Got it? Why is this like pulling teeth?
Permalink | Reply
Hey that guy did a pretty good job! Can't agree about El Gallo Azteca and Tulci-Mex and Poblano Mixteca are basically the same place (Marcelos). La Abuelita is very good and Recuerdos Mexicanos across the street he missed. Las Jarochitos has Veracruz specials... thanks for the link d-boy.
Permalink | Reply
Thanks for your comments too.
Permalink | Reply
Not many of those taco trucks on Roosevelt are really that good. I've tried a bunch, and they mostly serve standard fare, especially the nighttime operations. The carnitas from the 61st St ladies was one of the better ones, though lacking on some dimension as I mentioned earlier. I'm hoping someone will follow-up with an update to all the Mexican places on Roosevelt. I know a lot has changed since I went throught it a few years back. There's got to be something as notable as the 3 or 4 places that get all the attention on these boards.
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/240514
Permalink | Reply
Yeah there that extra dimension isn't there. I hit Tacolandia tonight and it was just OK. I did see a large group of people at the Taco truck by Gleane and Roosevelt. They did look good and there were lots of people around 10pm. I was too full to eat, but maybe next time.
Permalink | Reply
I like their carnitas, even if a bit underseasoned, they're nice and big, but the carnitas tacos at the 52nd St truck I think are better then anywhere else I've tried, including Coatzingo.
Permalink | Reply
I hit the Gleane and Roosevelt Taco Stand (in the 80s and Roosevelt). There were about 10 people around that truck. I went for a carnita and this one left my mouth watering after I finished eating it. This one is up there. I saw some of the food being ordered by others and I think I would like to hit this place again. Ingredients were fresh and I found it much better than the 3 other taco stands I hit on Roosevelt. I didn't try the 52nd street truck in those three as the one suggested by Widmark. But I don't think you can go wrong with this one on Gleane. Lots of locals in the middle of the night on a weekday does say something. Its like a little party in the middle of the street. The truck is labeled "El Carrito". The two times I went I saw a bunch of people there on a weekday around the truck.
I just found this review too which will give you more details:
http://losttaco.com/2008/06/06/tacos-...
Permalink | Reply
This is even more confusing. Are you talking about a truck or a cart? And is this a daytime or nighttime operation? I've seen the Fogoncito truck there in the evenings at the corner where the bank is that comes to a point. Not during the daytime. Also, your link is for info on Tacos Guichos. Is that where you went? Or is this a different stand with "El Carrito" on it?
Permalink | Reply
Sorry, its a cart called "El Carrito" (this may be a generic name for the cart, but that is what it says on it and mentioned in the link) and I only went there at nights. I don't know if they operate during the day. This cart is by the bank, but I didn't see any reference to Fogoncito when I was there or in the link. "Tacos Guichos" is on top of the menu as seen in the picture in the link. Its up to you to call it what you want, but the food was great.
Permalink | Reply
I was around the area around midnight and I did see the Fogoncito truck. It is one block East of Roosevelt from the Tacos Guichos/El Carrito cart. I was back at the Tacos Guichos truck and there was a line of natives. There were no lines at the Fogoncito truck. I went for an artery popping chorizo torta with a huevo and yes it was good. This cart is definitely up there.
Permalink | Reply
That blog you linked to is interesting, but it seems to suffer from the same sort of mistaken idea as a lot of the posts on this board from displaced Californians or Texans. That is, looking for northern Mexican type food in an area primarily populated by southern Mexicans. A bit like searching NYC for great grits.
Permalink | Reply
It was better than the average taco trucks/carts on Roosevelt. Give it a try! That is if you are into tacos. I don't know why I find myself into tacos these days. I'm going for a fish one today.
Permalink | Reply