New York Pao de Queijo

"It is eaten mostly by children and livestock."

A bizarre statement, but since it appears in the rigorous and exceptionally useful Fruits of Warm Climates, not to be dismissed out of hand. The cajá (cah-Zha), somewhat formally known as the yellow mombin and more widely (among many other names) as the hog plum, is found at this snack shop only as frozen pulp, which yielded a smoothie (made with ice; large; $3.95) with the character of thin, acerbic orange juice. I won't speak for the livestock, but I'd prefer something sweeter, and I expect the children would, too; if not guava or cupuaçú, perhaps good ol' strawberry or banana.

New York Pao de Queijo
31-90 30th St. (near Broadway), Astoria, Queens
718-204-1979
www.NewYorkPaodeQueijo.com

Comments

[A P E R T U R E]

But how are the paos de queijos? I've never had them but saw a recipe once that made them seem relatively easy to make...even bought the tapioca powder but never got around to doing it. The burger photo on their website is kinda insane.

[Dave Cook]

Didn't try them; I was full but thirsty, and Brazilian cheese bread would have made me fuller and thirstier.

[Stephanie]

They're really good, especially when just out of the oven. Very, very gooey and filling.