Saturday, July 30, 2011

Street Fried Quesadilla

Quesadilla all done up

I left this art show in Echo Park last night. I was starving and my favorite blue corn quesadilla lady wasn't around. But I saw a woman kitty corner at the intersection with a small cart and steam rising above her. I couldn't wait for the lit red hand to change to the walk signal and I crossed toward her.


I heard her saying, "quesadillas" as I approached. When I go there I saw what seemed to be more of giant empanadas. But they were more of a deep fried quesadilla. She made a tortilla like shape out of dough and stuffed them with cheese and potatoes (she also had cheese and chorizo or just cheese). She folded it in half and dropped it in the hot oil. She then served it to me, what i call, pupusa style - topped with cabbage, sour cream and crumbled cheese. Then she had all these delicious salsas to choose from... Avocado, Tomatillo, Salsa Roja and Habanero, which was pretty spicy. Overall it was delicious but a little messy. I could have used a knife.

WHERE:
Quesadilla Street Cart

Sunset Blvd & Echo Park Blvd.
Echo Park, Los Angeles


Quesadillas on the streets of Echo Park


Salsa bar street cart style

before salsa

after salsa


Saturday, July 16, 2011

Kombucha in the Kitchen

I was with a friend today at his friend's place and he had this giant glass jar filled with what appeared to be dirty liquid and layers of cream colored buttery tissue. I had no idea what it was. Then my friend asked for his "mushroom". I thought he was going to get some shrooms to trip. But it turns out that those buttery layers in that jar were actually mushrooms. They were fermenting with a mix of tea to make Kombucha.



The mushroom layers were oldest from bottom to top. He also had two old vases to ferment wine with the Kombucha growing. It was incredible.

Kombucha is a fermented beverage that smells like apple cider and has an effervescent zing to it. It's supposed to be extremely healthy for you. I tried some and it was one of the most potent drinks I've ever had. He said you need to cut it with some water...