I am a happy girl. What a lovely meal with a lovely friend. We had 2 empanadas and a green tamale to start. The empanadas are a bit like a Jamaican beef patty, ok, but not what I was wanting. The tamale had a nice green chile and sweet flavor, mild and soft. Then we ordered the carne asada and the coconut shrimp to share. YUM! I am feeling most generous for allowing my dad to take home my carne asada leftovers (because he kid-sat while I went to eat here). The lentils that come with the carne asada plate were wonderful - I could eat a bowl of those, call them lentil stew and be very happy for a vegatarian lunch. The kind gentleman waiting on us easily substitued the patacones that come with the meal for fried plantains - my fav. The coconut shrimp was spicy and delicious too...we finished that off. I took home the flan since we were too full for anything else. I'm sure that will make a happy dessert for tomorrow night.
Oh, the beer, Xingu (Brazilian) is like a sweeter Guiness, delicious! And the oat drink - Helada Avena? - was amazing. I've never had anything like it and we polished that off too. No wonder we were so insanely full :-) Well worth the trek to 42nd Ave and Bell.