Columbian Empanada Gold
Who can walk through Jackson Heights and think they have figured out this place? A diverse population of ethnic enclaves in a global city. It is an unassuming neighborhood with rich history and food culture in the shadows of the Manhattan sky scrapers.
What makes Jackson Heights unique? The high denisty population, its proximity to transportaion life lines and people groups establishing their national or regional identities living out their American dream. Recent immigration influx brought its fair share of food vendors. From street to street you are transported to the likeness of the culture and feel of mega cities like Dhaka to Bogota.
One afternoon after picking up my daughter from school, we want to pick up a few snacks under $10. We found Empandictas along 82nd Street between Roosevelt Ave and 37th Ave. You could guess, they sell Empanadas and Chicahrons were on their menu. We ordered two beef & potato and one cheese empanada fresh of their frier in this small vendor stand. Pipping hot, melty cheese and the crunch of the shell was quite remarkable. With a touch of “ahi” - a tangy hot sauce and pink sauce - a mayo and ketchup mix, layered the flavor profile. I don’t think I will get them any other way after this experience. They had a steady orders for chicken, beef, pork, or cheese empanadas from people walking along. Most people passing by were getting of work or shopping.
It was a delectable addition to a driery day of rain. Enough fuel for what needed to do for the rest of the afternoon. We had our snack and then went over to the Library to read and finish up projects I was working on while my daughter finished up homework for class. These are the benefits of living in such a diverse part of town.
The beauty of a place like Jackson Heights is the human experience from different parts of the world come together in a surprising and ecclectic collaboration. I find it inspiring as my faith in God longs for a day when every nation, tribe and tongue will be unified in worship and all tears of suffering wiped away.
