Me encantan Puerto Rican food… and this place hits the spot. During my college internship in Florida, I fell madly in love with a Puerto Rican and was introduced to the soulful cuisine of the island. Since then, I’ve trimmed the fat (literally, the overweight ex-lover) and kept my infatuation with the cooking.
My modest attempts to prepare traditional dishes at home are now moot since El Coquito does it so well. The affordable mom-n-pop joint offers all the favorites, earning a loyal following of transplanted New York Puerto Rican families and wannabe borincanos like myself.
Important: This is a BYOB spot. You must prepare accordingly.
If you’re a true foodie, you already carry a stylish “Rum Purse,” pictured above. Any brown paper bag will do. Simply stock it with your favorite bottles of rum and carry it anywhere you go. The Rum Purse guarantees instant popularity in any situation, especially at a Puerto Rican restaurant that serves a signature “virgin” coconut cocktail (The Coquito) that begs to be bathed in liquor.
If you’re lucky (like we were), the server will have a freshly inked tattoo exposed on her back. The sight of an exposed open wound might be a bit much, but trust me, the food is worth the damage to your eyes.
Once your rods and cones have recovered, you’re in for a regional treat. One could munch on the appetizers of plantains, cod fritters and pastelillos (empanadas) alone. But then you’d miss out on family favorites including roast pork (my fave), marinated steak strips and pollo guisado. Pick your choice of rice plus pigeon peas, pink beans or black beans.
As for customers, an abundance of Puerto Ricans and gays is a good sign. In my most recent visit, it was pure coincidence that most our table of six just happened to be food-loving gay men. Mid-meal, another gay couple sat at the table next to us. (One shall be designated as “The Jackpot”) Then, several Puerto Rican families rotated through the restaurant throughout the night.
What does this all mean? My new gay buddies love good food… and real Puerto Ricans love this place. A sweet mix.
NOTE: The “Jackpot” guy in the image above hit the demographic trifecta: Gay, Puerto Rican and he was celebrating his birthday at El Coquito. What more evidence do you need to be convinced this place has it goin’ on?
DO: Order the Coquito virgin cocktail and spice it up with the contents of your “Rum Purse.”
DON’T: Let the sometimes slow service distract you from the worthwhile food. It’s really that good.
DO: Mention that you love the Yankees! The owners are Puerto Rican NY’rs love the Yankees.
DON’T: Utter the word “Mets.”
DO: Take a moment to peek in the window of Bennies Back Alley Barbershop next door. It’s the Taj Mahal of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia. (very bizarre)
DO: Visit El Coquito often. Just ignore the Lisa Frank tattoos.
-Your food pal, JxP
El Coquito
http://www.elcoquito.net
480-947-0680
