The Paletera (Congress & Riverside, SE Corner)
I had to run by the bank, to check on something, and while I was at the corner, I noticed a new place. To me, the term “paleta” brings to mind young hispanic males wheeling little carts around with the subtle tinkle of bells, it’s like, ah, how to put this delicately without offending anyone?
Screw that, I’m offensive. It’s a Mexican treat, a delicacy in the form of frozen goodness on a hot day. The flavors are amazing, and buying from the little guys with the little carts, the pedestrian vendors, I know that I’m supporting an independent business person. It usually costs less than two bucks, and apparently, it’s a big business for some folks. As I understand itl, and my memories of Mexico are little fractured so I might not be remembering it right,m but those “paletas” are a direct import, at least the idea is. Plus the main lettering ont he side of the carts, even here, most of it is in Spanish.
So, I wandered into the “La Paletera.” The first clue that there were problems? White guys. Two of them. Working.
Another preconceived notion shattered. Way it goes some days.
There was another let-down, too, as I glanced at the bewildering menu. Fruit. Fresh fruit. Sure, there were “aquas fresca,” and some kind of ice cream, and eventually, I found the ice cream bars, like the vendors sell, in a freezer space for customer access, but still.
At first, I asked for a special rice drink, “Horchata,” but alas, they were out of that this afternoon. Then, I finally settled on something that promised to be lots of fruit, some yogurt and grains. Sounded good.
It was.
Black is the new black.
Subtitle: Random randomness.
TV Turn-off week is here! (I don’t even own a TV so I guess I can’t play.)
Funny, to me, this tip came in over the net. More useless data?
Link from link to link about one of my favorite (probably a chauvinist pig, but I like some of his books anyway) author’s collection going to the local University’s Harry Ransom collection. Cool.
Via fredlet: more fish tales.
I was leaning against a tree that sprouts out of the dock, line in water, test bait on test line on a test pole, and I was testing the highly experimental arrangement, purely for the sake of research, not that I had any personal gain in the game, and a neighbor (Virgo) walks by, hurrying off to someplace important, like work, “God, what a life you have, Kramer.”
Black is the new black. Heard it here, first.
