Pikoteo

By Gabriela Ackerman

My family and I visited Pikoteo, a Latinoowned establishment that pays homage to the diverse flavors of Latin America with a twist, and being Latina myself I couldn’t hold my excitement. Strap on your seatbelts, because this is going to be one helluva flavorful ride!

First we were presented with a trio of arepas like no other. But these were not your average empanadas, my friends. No, these were crafted with the magic touch of plantains and provolone cheese. Between each crispy bite, the sweetness of the plantain danced harmoniously with the velvety richness of the cheese, it became my 2yr olds favorite since he kept asking for more! The flavors transported me back to the streets of Venezuela, where arepas are a way of life.

Moving on, we ventured into uncharted waters with a tuna tartare that fused the best of Asia and the Caribbean. This dish was a testament to the global nature of cuisine, where boundaries are meant to be broken. Fresh, succulent tuna mingled with the sweetness of mango, while sesame and soy added an exotic touch. Each bite was a harmonious symphony of flavors, a crescendo that left me yearning for more. To my Peruvian ceviche purists: I promise it’s worth it .

We were then presented with a grilled octopus dish with a perfectly charred tentacle, adorned with a drizzle of lime, chimichurri oil, and a sprinkling of paprika. The octopus was tender, a testament to the skill and expertise of the chef. With each bite, the citrusy tang of lime melded with the herbaceous notes of chimichurri, while the paprika added a smoky depth. It was a plate that embodied the sea, the sun, and the Latin American passion for bold flavors. This was octopus elevated to new heights, an artful creation that tantalized the senses.

Allow me to introduce you to a dish that will surely make your taste buds dance with joy: pork belly with chipotle BBQ and cilantro cream.

A thick slab of pork belly, perfectly caramelized and glistening with a chipotle-infused barbecue glaze and a cilantro cream; all I was missing was a warm tortilla. The smoky, spicy notes of the chipotle BBQ sauce blend harmoniously with the richness of the pork belly. Each bite is a delightful balance of savory and tangy, with a hint of heat that lingers on the palate.

Now, my fellow food enthusiasts, let's talk sandwiches. The Lechón sandwich, oh, what a beauty! Succulent shreds of pork nestled between layers of Swiss cheese, a

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