I had written about Sabor Latino in S. Williamsburg, Brooklyn a few years back. But since I moved to Manhattan, although the train ride here isn't that bad - L to Lorimer - I hadn't been back as often as I should. When I was living in Bushwick, Sabor was my go-to comfort (Ecuadorian) food - and not because I knew personally La Abuela who ran the kitchen; it's just downright delicious home food.
Whenever I'm here, the ethos is like: "The day laborers are hungry - we had better feed them love."
And they do.
I always order the same food, ever since: Pescado Frito con lenteles y arroz (deep crisp fried fresh white fish with buttery lentils stew smothered over rice and topped with shredded red cabbage lemon salad). Mind you the price is 8 bucks - lunch special, with yucca cream soup and an exotic fruit juice that froths because it's just squeezed or blended with the spirit of the Amazon) - but the experience is viscerally priceless.
Just imagine the work day laborers do, and imagine the sustenance they need to do the grind again. This food is respect for them. This food is patriarchal honor. This food is a reminder of home. And I'm joining them, like a guest.
Remember: it's not what I said. It's really about the food here. Everything is in my belly - yet I feel so loved and appreciated; and our burden so light.
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