Wandering Teacher: Queso Salvation and Peruvian Eats
Taco Town presents another transmission from South America courtesy of our friend Elizabeth, aka the Wandering Teacher
One of the best birthday presents I have ever received was a surprise queso & Dr. Pepper feast from my travel buddy Monica. After all, I have been 4 months sin real “TEX-MEX.” Monica came out singing happy birthday with queso, tostido chips, Dr. Pepper, & Beer. What more could a traveler want, but to have a little taste of home with a close friend to share it with?
starter soup
After 4 months, I am able to try just about anything. And if I do not finish my plate, you know it is bad…. Some highlights have been Brazilian all you can eat BBQ, creamy, gooey, carmely, Dulce De Leche in Argentina, Lots of delicious tea, & EMPINADAS!
pasta win
Now I am in Peru, and it is past pointing and praying for the food you want. There are so many mom & popshops everywhere. Most of the time you show up, sit down, and wait for whatever deliciousness the waiter brings you. If you are a vegetarian, you better speak quickly because just about everything comes with meat.
This particular meal I had arrived to Cusco, Peru after a 4 day bus journey. I hadn’t really eaten real food in a couple days and didn’t know what planet I was on. I saw a great looking dive restaurant and was seated immediately.
In Peru you get warm soup with every meal as a starter. Delicious. Next the waiter asked me if I wanted chicken or fish. My stomach was in a tender place so I went for the chicken. Solid decision! With that dish he brought me out a refresco that was purple. Do not let the color scare you off, because the homebrewed refrescos are always the best! This particular one was made of corn. The chicken & pasta were marinated so well. In general the people here are so much more resourceful.
I admit my rating system is probably a bit skewed since I had not eaten “real” food in 96ish hours, but the meal was plate scraping good & $1.30. JAAAAAM.
