Eating In Translation

Mami PG's Cooking

I'd seen the name and imagined initials.

Chung Moo Rollrice & Dongas

Japan's occupation of the Korean peninsula, during the first half of the twentieth century, left behind a culinary afterimage that's cited, twice, in Chung Moo's full name.

Homegrown produce

A fig, pea flowers and immature pods, squash blossoms, and squash, not all from the same home. The makeshift sling that supports the squash suggests another avocation of the gardener.

Homegrown produce
Not far from one of those appropriately named avenues near the botanical garden, Flushing, Queens

Street pretzels

Near Lenox Ave., Manhattan

"I Love My Hood" shaved-ice mural

(No longer extant.) Interesting choice by the artist, Dister Rondon, who expresses love for his hood throughout Washington Heights. It's rare, on the street, to see a woman wielding the raspado. Unlike many of Rondon's works, the lifespan of this one will be short: It's painted on a construction barrier outside a shuttered shore that's awaiting a new tenant.

"I Love My Hood" shaved-ice mural
Outside 186 Dyckman St. (Sherman Ave.-Broadway), Manhattan

Royal Crown Paneantico

Italian orange drop cookies, like their more common lemon drop siblings, aren't meant to be very sweet.

Sidewalk gumball machines

I am entirely untalented at blowing bubbles. Even so, in a jaunty mood, I was willing to hazard two bits on a gumball. For my investment I got grape — not my favorite flavor.

A pair of idiomatic expressions came to mind, with contrary meanings: "You pay your money, and you take your choice," and "You pay your money, and you take your chances." This was an instance of the latter. In the culinary realm — and, clearly, I'm willing to construe "culinary" very broadly — can any EIT reader supply another?

Sidewalk gumball machines
West 135th St. (Broadway-Amsterdam Ave.), Manhattan

Tamales cart

I've struck out: Three times now I've arrived too late in the day for this Mexican lady's tamal dulce. On my most recent attempt, late one Sunday morning, she told me with regret that both the tamales dulce and the mole tamales "se terminan pronto." In lieu of chicken or pork I enjoyed this very nice tamal that sported rajas ($1.50), "strips" of roasted and seasoned chili peppers. I don't know that I'll try again for the tamal dulce; if you fancy your timing, buena suerte.

Tamales cart
Weekdays till 4:00, on Southern Blvd. a half-block south of Westchester Ave., Foxhurst, Bronx
After 4:00 and on weekends, on the corner of the boulevard and the avenue
(Look for the magenta-and-turquoise umbrella)

Coca-Cola

More than merely "delicious and refreshing," according to the sign, but also a beverage that "relieves fatigue." Not necessarily the quaff of choice, however, for "L. Ludwig, decorator."

Coca-Cola
Surviving signage at 1060 Elizabeth Ave. (Morrell-Catherine Sts.), Elizabeth, New Jersey

Uneeda Biscuit

For tidbits about the brand's history, see my post on Uneeda signs in Lowell, Massachusetts.

Uneeda Biscuit
Two surviving signs in the vicinity of Elizabeth Ave., Elizabeth, New Jersey