Just read a note from César Fuentes, the representative for the food vendors at the Red Hook ball fields, announcing that the Parks Department has issued the group a six-year permit to operate the wonder-filled outdoors food court that's been operating on the spot for decades. My angst-filled posts covering last year's brouhaha are here and here.
After facing numerous hurdles related to Dept. of Health regulations (having to do with proper food handling, storage, the usual), several of the vendors took classes to get certified, and Parks asked them to submit an RFP (proposal) that had to be completed on a tight deadline. According to César, the group "described our history, our hopes & our plea to continue our commitment to our patrons & visitors- To provide some of the most delicious & authentic Latin food experience around." Here, here.
"Over the past fifteen years, the vendors have been at the vanguard of the Red Hook Renaissance, and now they have another six years to continue their delectable work. I look forward to visiting the ball fields again soon and supporting this Brooklyn treasure," said Sen. Chuck Schumer, who has been a real helpful defender of the vendors (we hear a few foodies on his staff really pushed him on this -- this is the passion these vendors inspire).
Don't mark your calendar yet -- each vendor who continues at the spot must meet DoH standards around equipment for food storage, cleaning, etc. We'll keep you posted.
Long live deliciousness! Not THAT is the best sign of spring.
[photos of corn on a stick and pickled onions by me and Anthony Inswasty, taken last year]
when spring finally really roles around, one of the biggest things i'm going to miss -- having moved back to cambridge from chicago -- is watching little league baseball and munching on goodies from the mexican food vendors. the elote man, sure, but also coco iceys and -- especially! -- mango con chili. ok, i'm making my mouth water now.
i guess we'll have to deal with microwaved pizza and richie's slush, far inferior park snacks, IMO.
Posted by: w&w | March 11, 2008 at 05:53 PM
Plenty of coco icees and mangos on a stick here in Nueva York. If you behave, Wayne, I'll send you a care package.
Posted by: Caro | March 11, 2008 at 06:36 PM