February 2010
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New York’s street carts have suddenly become the haunt of
foodies all over the city. Just prepare to queue, says James Mulcahy
O'Neill Reid, owner of Jamaican Dutchy
Ben Stechschulte/Redux/eyevine
One of New York’s best-kept secrets is hidden in plain view. In fact, this culinary sensation is all over the city’s streets. Cart vendors have upped their game from ordinary hotdogs and pretzels and New York gastronomes have become devoted followers. There’s even the annual Vendy Awards, which pit New York’s street slingers against one another for the title of best in town. There are plenty of top-notch contestants to choose from.
The Jamaican Dutchy (corner of 51st and 7th, thejamaicandutchy.net) was a finalist in the 2009 Vendys. Its Caribbean-style jerk chicken is a Midtown favourite, while the more exotic spiced curry goat and stewed oxtail is delicious.
On 53rd and 6th you’ll find the vendors known as the Famous Halal Guys. There’s a line down the block almost 24 hours a day waiting to try their take on Middle Eastern spiced dishes. The chicken spiked with the cart’s renowned white sauce is a winner.
The Calexico Cart (corner of Wooster and Prince, calexicocart.com) churns out tacos for peckish shoppers in SoHo and is a past winner of the best street food prize at the Vendys. In fact its Mexican fare has proved so popular the three brothers who own the cart opened a brick and mortar restaurant in Brooklyn.
The best kept secret in New York’s culinary circles? Eating by the asphalt is the new fine dining. Keep it to yourself.
