Brooklyn Food Vendors Kick Off 2012 Season At Red Hook Ball Fields
By Siobhan Wallace
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Red Hook's famous food vendors opened back up for the summer season over the weekend. The warm weather allowed for the loyal foodie fanbase to return for a taste of delicious South American specialties. Here's what you should be trying when you stop by.
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Food vendors have been setting up at the Red Hook Ball Fields since 1974, mostly in response to the crowds there for weekend soccer games. As the years have progressed, word has gotten out and now the crowd is just as likely to be coming for lunch as it is for a game.
If you need any proof that these vendors are delicious, you should know that they have two Vendy award winners in attendance: the current Vendy cup holders at Solber Pupusas, and the 2009 Vendy winners at Country Boys.
Both Solber Pupusas and El Olomega serve up the Salvadoran dish, pupusas.
The discs of thick, corn tortilla stuffed with various items like cheese, beans, and meat, as made by hand throughout the day. For a real adventurous treat, try one made with loroco, an edible flower native to South America.
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Country Boys, directly on the corner of Bay St. and Clinton St., specializes in Mexican dishes.
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They have a menu full of tacos, quesadillas, and sopes, but they are known for their huaraches. Tons of toppings like chorizo, lettuce, cheese, and guacamole are placed on top of two fried masa flatbreads. One serving is big enough for two, but you won't want to share.
If you head down Bay Street, you'll find fresh, delicious ceviche. Cool soup filled with shrimp, octupus, onion, and herbs. It's the best way to cool off and cool down after loading up your other dishes with the various homemade spicy salsas.
The Red Hook Food Vendors can be found at the corner of Bay Street and Clinton Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn, every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Before you leave, pick up an expertly cut mango flower soaked with lime, spices, and salt for a refreshing dessert.
Siobhan Wallace is the co-founder of Blondie & Brownie.
