Trying New Things

LET’S CHAT ABOUT IT

I’ve always been an adventurous eater. Since I was little, I was never afraid to try new things or to eat like a full-grown adult. One of my parents’ favorite stories to tell about me as a child is about a time that we were out to dinner with some family and someone asked if I was going to get chicken fingers, and I said, “No, I’m getting the lobster bisque.” Yes, I was a chunky child. Nonetheless! I’ve always been open to trying new things and this whole new world of Mexican food has presented me with many exciting opportunities to expand my horizons.

On my first visit to Taqueria Coatzingo, I ordered al pastor, chorizo, and carne asada tacos — three meats I’ve tried many times before and know that I love. I’m a firm believer in trying new things against something that I already enjoy to truly judge if it is good — this applies mainly for trying new makeup products but also, lately, for Mexican food.

So, yeah, Taqueria Coatzingo’s al pastor, chorizo, and carne asada were total bangers and I knew that it was time to try new things on my second visit.

In class, we have talked extensively about birria de res. I had never heard of it, never seen it on any menu at any Mexican restaurant I had ever been to before Taqueria Coatzingo, but really wanted to try it. There are very few foods I don’t like, so I was pretty positive I’d enjoy birria.

That birria taco was life changing. It reminded me of the texture of pot roast — what a white thing to say, I know — but pot roast is one of my favorite meals ever so I was instantly in love. I don’t even know how to really describe it other than so beefy and juicy and delicious, and my friend Sarah and I are now incredibly eager to go to Birria-Landia and try Queens’ most renowned birria de res.

My second Taqueria Coatzingo visit also included my first dabble into tamales. Another dish I had never tried but had watched so many recipe videos on Youtube about that I couldn’t go another moment without having one. I ordered a tamal con mole and I’m pretty sure there was also some chicken in there — honestly, I couldn’t really tell. All I knew is that it was ah-mazing.

While I’ve always been unafraid to try new foods, I’m guilty of falling victim to routine and ordering the same things that I love over and over again. Something that studying tacos and exploring the foods of “Puebla York” has taught me is that trying new and different things can often be even better than sticking to the tried-and-true. I liked my birria taco even more than I liked those al pastor and carne asada tacos — and I freaking love al pastor and carne asada.

Here’s some encouragement to always try new things even if you are not the most adventurous eater. Baby steps are still steps!

Lengua next perhaps?