Bite Of The Day: The Cochinita Taco From Cochinita

If you’re anything like us, a sunny summer afternoon spent wandering the neighborhood can elicit a longing for the spicy tang of Mexican food. So we had our eye out for a taqueria and ducked into Cochinita (922 Fulton Street between Washington Avenue and St. James Place) recently for a quick bite of one of their signature dishes — the cochinita taco.

The courteous counter staff served us promptly and with the weather at a comfortable 80 degrees, we took our tray outside to eat under the umbrellas on their backyard patio.

Made with slow-roasted pork shoulder marinaded in a mix of spices, piled onto two soft tortillas and topped with pickled red onions and cotija cheese, the cochinita taco ($5) offers the perfect blend of the spicy and savory. A wedge of lime comes on the side to add an extra dose of acidity to the flavor.

That ought to be good enough. But washed down with one of their refreshing Arnolda Palmas ($3.25) — equal parts limeade and hibiscus iced tea — it makes for a perfect lunchtime treat.

In addition to tacos, Cochinita serves burritos and full plates, which come with tortillas and rice and beans. While the pork is one of their most popular fillings, other options include vegetables, beef, chicken, fish, chorizo and tofu. Chips and guacamole and other sides as well as beer and desserts are available too.

Cochinita is open daily from noon until 10pm.

By Paul McCaffrey