Savoring the Flavors of Mexico: A Delightful Exploration of Street Corn

In the heart of Philadelphia, a culinary adventure is unfolding at the Cherry Street Pier, where the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn are taking center stage. This summertime classic, with its fresh, cheesy, and tangy notes, is a celebration of one of the season's most glorious local veggies – corn. Join us as we delve into the art of crafting this delectable dish, straight from the expertise of La Placita's food truck owner, Mariangeli Alicea.

Bringing the Essence of Puerto Rican Chinchorreo to Philadelphia

Embracing the Spirit of Community and Celebration

At La Placita's food truck, Mariangeli Alicea is not just serving up delicious Mexican street corn; she's bringing a piece of Puerto Rican culture to the heart of Philadelphia. The name "La Placita" translates to "a small square" in Spanish, and it's a nod to the vibrant social gatherings that take place in these intimate public spaces across the island. Alicea's vision is to recreate the essence of "chinchorreo," a beloved Puerto Rican pastime where friends and families come together to enjoy street food, music, and each other's company.

A Culinary Collaboration Across Cultures

Alicea's food truck is just one part of a larger culinary collaboration at the Cherry Street Pier. Parked alongside her husband, Chef Dionicio Jimenez's truck, the couple is bringing their respective cultural influences to the waterfront. Jimenez hails from Mexico, while Alicea is from Puerto Rico, and together, they're weaving a tapestry of flavors that celebrate the diversity of Latin American cuisine.

A Surprising Journey into the Food Industry

Alicea's path to becoming a food truck owner and co-owner of the acclaimed Cantina La Martina in Kensington has been a surprising one. Initially, she studied architecture in her native Puerto Rico, but fate had other plans. After moving to Philadelphia 15 years ago, Alicea found herself "literally thrown into" the restaurant industry, where she had the opportunity to work alongside many talented chefs. It was during this time that she met her husband, and their shared passion for food and culture led them to where they are today.

Bringing Meaning and Authenticity to the Culinary Experience

For Alicea, the joy of her work extends far beyond just serving delicious food. She sees it as an opportunity to share her story, her life experiences, and the rich cultural traditions of Puerto Rico with the people she meets. "It's about sharing your story or your life experience and culture with the people and the friends that you meet along the way," she says, reflecting the deeper meaning she finds in her culinary endeavors.

Mastering the Art of Mexican Street Corn

At the heart of La Placita's offerings is the beloved Mexican street corn, a summertime classic that Alicea has perfected. With just four simple ingredients – corn, chipotle mayonnaise, queso fresco, and Tajin seasoning – she demonstrates how to create this flavorful and visually stunning dish.

The Secrets to Perfectly Grilled Corn

Alicea's technique begins with boiling the corn in water and salt to achieve the perfect tenderness. She then skewers the corn, making it easy to maneuver on the grill and ensuring an even char on all sides. This charred, caramelized exterior sets the stage for the subsequent layers of flavor.

Layering the Flavors

The next step is to generously coat the grilled corn with a homemade or store-bought chipotle mayonnaise. This creamy, tangy base acts as a adhesive, allowing the crumbled queso fresco to cling to the corn. Alicea emphasizes the importance of using a super crumbly queso fresco, which can be purchased pre-crumbled or grated from a whole wheel.

The Finishing Touch: Tajin Seasoning

The final touch is the addition of Tajin, a Mexican seasoning blend that combines the flavors of chili, lime, and sea salt. Alicea encourages being generous with this seasoning, as it adds a delightful citrusy and spicy kick to the already irresistible Mexican street corn.

A Culinary Journey through the Senses

As Alicea guides us through the process of creating this summertime delight, it's clear that the experience extends far beyond the mere act of cooking. It's a sensory exploration, where the sights, smells, and flavors of Mexico and Puerto Rico converge, inviting the diner to embark on a culinary journey that transcends the boundaries of a single dish.