Great Mexican in Norwalk

[Twindad]

Panaderia el Sueno on Route 123 in Norwalk has an amazing lunch menu - great chilequiles, enchilada, and tacos (including sweetbread, tongue and tripe). There is a board on the wall with some dishes mentioned, but you have to ask for a copy of the menu with the longer listing on it. I've seen it mentioned as a bakery in passing on the boards here, and wanted to give them another for the lunch too. Personal opinion is that it's better than Los Portales.

This is my first posting, so please forgive any errors or omissions.

[erika14]

You should all try Taqueria La Michoacana in Bridgeport.
Its not that far and the food is amazing.

1914 Main St. Bridgeport CT 06604

Look at what CTbites has to say : http://www.ctbites.com/home/2010/5/19...

[MasterofLightChick]

Panaderia el Sueno - does anyone know if it is still open? I tried to find it today with no luck.

[Elizzie]

thanks for the tip--I've only bought their bakery items; should have looked further.

[JohnnyCT]

There used to be one in Norwalk, I believe it was called Managua Grill. It must have closed. The only other Nicaraguan place was in Union City NJ but I know that has closed. The last time I was in Union City I saw a flyer for a Nicaraguan association so there is hope that there is a Nica restaurant someplace in the tri-state.

I apologise for being so off-topic.

[carolina72]

Hello Johnnyct

Do you know any information of this Nicaraguan association in union city? I would like to get in touch with them I have been trying to get in touch or find something like this for long time, if you can help me I would thank you forever!!!!

[JohnnyCT]

Carolina,

I don't have any contact info for the Nicaraguan association. If you want to try to hunt them down I would suggest that you visit a store which I think is simply called, "Central America" or something like that on Bergenline Avenue in Union City. They sell Central American products like soccer jerseys, beans, soda, and that is one of the places I remember seeing flyers announcing their events. If you are traveling towards Jersey City it is on the right side of Bergenline Avenue someplace between 29th street and 12th street. I'm sorry the directions are so vague but I can't remember exactly where it is. It is a small place so it is easy to miss. The people that run the place are very nice and may be able to provide you with some more information. I would also suggest that you pick up any of the free newspapers available at most of the local restaurants in that area, you might be able to find some info that way. And when I'm in the area I will be on the lookout and will post any info I find on this thread. Good Luck.

[JohnnyCT]

This is a little off topic, but are you guys aware of any Central American restaurants in Norwalk? There used to be a Nicaraugan place but I'm not sure if it is still open? Nicaraugan is a rare find in the tri-state area.

[adamclyde]

Unfortunately, I'm not aware of any nicaraguan anywhere in fairfield. In Norwalk proper, the closest I think you'll get is colombian and ecuadorian... but I don't know of anything central american. Could be a guatemalen place, I suppose, though I don't know of one in Norwalk.

[pabboy]

Did they actually have tripe? Many authentic taqueria in Westchester have tripe tacos on their menu but I've yet to find one that actually serves it. This is the standard conversation:

Me: I'll have three tripe tacos.

Waitress: Sorry, we don't have tripe today.

Me: When do you have it?

Waitress: Sorry I don't know.

Me: Argh.... OK fine... I'll take three tongue tacos....

[adamclyde]

funny. I hear you. According to our chow friend Pat Hammond, El Michoacano in New Rochelle has tripe tacos - and actually sells them too. Not sure where you are based, but that could be an option.

[pabboy]

Sweet! I just moved from Tuckahoe to Hastings but regardless I don't mind trekking for quality eats. I'll have to check it out. Thanks!

[Fairfield Foodie]

Also in that area of Broad River is Diamond Corner Deli...not Mexican...but without a doubt THE BEST breakfast sandwiches on the planet.

Sorry to digress.

[adamclyde]

This is a great tip! thank you!

Los Portales is nice and authentic, but I'm sure the bar can be raised for mexican in Norwalk (and all of Fairfield county, actually). Hopefully this place will be a step up. I'll definitely try it.

Did you see tortas on the menu? (can't imagine a mexican place that is open for lunch not having them, but who knows). My favorite tortas of all time were from a place in Spanish Harlem. It also was a panaderia (bakery) and they baked their own breads for their tortas. Great stuff.

I looked it up on google. This look like the right location?
http://www.google.com/maps?num=100&am...

[Twindad]

Your location is right on. Tortas are on the menu. Saw one being made the other day - looked great. Everything I've tried has been right on. Right now, I'm working my way through the tacos, tamales, etc. Big fan of the chicken tinga tostada BTW - smoky with chipotle and topped with crema, avocado and queso anejo. Tacos are simple and delicious - topped usually with cactus, espazote and onion. Hmmm...wondering now if I can spare the time for a late lunch run. I think Portales is surprisingly good, but Sueno just does it better in what we've tried so far.

p.s. A&S pork store in the mall behind el Sueno is worth a stop too - found that their sausage is some of Fairfield county's better that we've found so far. Close to what we used to get from Faicco's in NYC in another life.