DISH OF THE WEEK: Cochinita Pibil Huarache at TACOS MORELOS

Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City

If you walk around the streets along the west side of Tompkins Square Park, you will be shocked at the number of taco and Mexican food options. And we’re not even in Queens!

There is still a strong Latin American community here in the East Village, but even more so, the neighborhood appeals to those looking for a quick cheap meal. We start our new Cocktail Tour just inside Tompkins Square Park so I’ve been one of those people looking for a quick cheap meal before the tour. I almost always turn to tacos.

At Tacos Morelos, a storefront version of the food cart with the same name, I broadened my horizons a bit and ordered both a taco and a huarache. Amazingly, I prefered the huarache.

Huaraches are open-faced consisting of a disc of fried masa topped with all sorts of goodies, like sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, and salty queso fresco cheese. The choice of meat is up to you and I went with the cochinita pibil – a wonderful mound of gently roasted seasoned pork. It’s impeccably tender and moist with a hint of acidity. It’s a perfect foil for the crisp, fried sweet masa underneath. It holds up much better than most tacos.

Dare I say it, but I think Tacos Morelos is the most authentic of the profusion of taco joints in the neighborhood. And since I’m in the area pretty regularly, I should know.