Ah, the holiday season in the concrete jungle, where the aroma of traditional dishes wafts through the streets, signaling the arrival of festive feasts. As a New York Puerto Rican, our holiday table boasts a symphony of flavors, with each dish telling a story of tradition, family, and a touch of irreverent charm.

First on the lineup of holiday delights is the crown jewel – pernil. Picture a slow-roasted marinated pork shoulder, so tender that it practically melts in your mouth. The mere mention of pernil sends my taste buds into a festive frenzy. It’s the kind of dish that has you lingering in the kitchen, impatiently awaiting that perfect moment when the meat reaches a divine level of succulence.

Now, let’s talk about the nectar of holiday cheer – coquito. It’s not just any eggnog; it’s a Puerto Rican elixir made with vanilla, coconut milk, coconut cream, rum, and an assortment of spices. Coquito, meaning “little coconut” in Spanish, is the embodiment of holiday spirit in a glass. Everyone has their secret recipe, and attempting to make it at least once is a rite of passage. But truth be told, the real magic often lies in the hands of the neighborhood coquito lady.

The coquito lady – a local legend whose concoction is whispered about in hushed tones. December becomes a battlefield of choices: Whose coquito do we indulge in this year? Who balances the rum and cinnamon just right? The camaraderie in coquito sharing transforms the city into a winter wonderland of flavor, bringing people together in the pursuit of that perfect sip.

And then there’s the quest for pasteles – those savory root veggie meat-filled patties that add another layer of holiday delight. The hunt for pasteles is like a festive scavenger hunt, a journey through the city streets in search of these culinary treasures. Each discovery is a triumph, and every bite is a celebration of cultural richness.

As a New York Puerto Rican, the holidays aren’t just a season; they’re a gastronomic adventure. Pernil, coquito, and pasteles unite us in a shared culinary experience, weaving a tapestry of flavors that transcend generations. So, as the city sparkles with holiday lights, I’ll be on the lookout for the perfect pernil, the most exquisite coquito, and the hidden gem of pasteles. After all, in this urban holiday feast, the hunt for flavor is as much a tradition as the dishes themselves. Cheers to the holiday delights that make our tables—and our hearts—overflow with joy!