(The stand on this corner was previously named for the owner, Nena La Rubia; the current stand is reportedly operated by her daughter. Other than the name, everything else seems much the same.) Though the proprietors speak little English, "It's our pleasure to serve you" say the cups, and the smiles.
Amid cries of "peso, peso, peso, peso" from vendors of household goods and sundries, this sidewalk stand quietly serves cupful after cupful of liquid Dominican dessert, also for a "peso," figuratively, one buck. The thick beverage called habichuelas con dulce (ah-bee-Cway-lahs con Dool-say, "beans with sweets") combines creamed red beans, coconut milk, and spices; milk crackers float on top, while whole beans or chunks of sweet potato sometimes await below (there's no telling). In the Dominican Republic, families traditionally prepare it at Christmastime and around Easter; in Washington Heights, this stand does a brisk business all year 'round.
Also shown below: a runny whole-kernel corn dessert, maiz con dulce, also known as chacá (chah-Cah); a firm corn pudding called majarete (mah-hah-Ray-tay); and the stand (in the middle distance), accompanied by orange thermal containers that hold reserves of the two more-liquid desserts.
Habichuelas con dulce vendor (previously known as Nena La Rubia)
West 182nd St. near the southeast corner with St. Nicholas Ave., Manhattan
Early afternoon till about 9:00
