I’m always stunned when I realize that I can be happy with something small: A frozen, rum-laden pina colada, couple of chunks of flaky, fried yucca and a small, warm tamale.
Since that’s what I’ve craved ever since returned from Nicaragua a few months ago, I head to two Central American places.
El Tinajon, 2054 W. Roscoe, my neighborhood Guatemalan joint, not only serves great, spine-chillin’ margaritas, my usual drink of choice, but also fantastic pina coladas.
I’d ordered one a few months ago on a whim, when El Tinajon had a $5 special, and can’t seem to get enough now. They’re made with chunks of real coconut and served in a totally frozen ceramic coconut mug.
The liquor pour is heavy and it comes sprinkled with little slivers of fresh coconut that always have me chewing the last sips of my drink. Kinda like a meal in a coco-cup.
