I am back! I spent most of the month of September in Budapest, Hungary, teaching at Central European University and eating incredibly rich food at incredibly modest prices. I had hoped that by my return there would be a message from either the president or the provost (i.e., from Bill or Billy) indicating that they had approved a research grant to further my work; but alas, after going through a month of accumulated interoffice mail, not a word from either of our leaders. I patiently waited throughout the month of October, distracted slightly by the accumulated tasks that no one here at the law school took care of in my absence, and still no word concerning research support.
I can deal with rejection, but I cannot go more than a month without having lunch. So after cashing my October paycheck, I went out and paid for my own meal. This will explain why I did not respond to those of you who were kind enough to offer to assist me in this research endeavor. To quote one of my not-so-secret admirers, "I'm sure that Elliott Mackle has an expense account to take friends on his field trips so they can sample more of the offerings. If you land one of these, remember I've been your friend for 16 years." Some friend! She is only willing to lunch with me if she does not have to pay! So let me tell you where I went -- at my own expense (am I obsessing here?).
Las Palmeras Cafe, at 368 5th Street N.E. Its menu quotes a review that described it as "a Cuban gem hidden in the residential tangle of Midtown." An apt description! I learned of this wonderful place from a Cuban American friend who, judging by his girth, knows his culture's food. They serve eight mouth watering sandwiches ranging in price from $2.95 to $3.95, and eight lunch specials for $4.95 or less. Thus you can make 16 trips without ordering the same thing twice. And since the Cuban burrito comes in either beef, chicken or vegetarian--there really are 18 choices.
What should you order on your first visit? I was there with three other folks--dutch treat--and we ordered four different dishes, all superb. It is one of those wonderful situations where you just can't go wrong. I loved the Sloppy Cuban sandwich, as the name fit my style. The traditional Cuban sandwich may be the best available outside of Miami. (Yes, I have been to the Havana Sandwich Shop on Buford Highway and think it is great.) If you are a beans and rice sort of person, choose one of the first two lunch specials, either half a Super Cuban sandwich or half a Caribbean chicken sandwich served with black beans and white or yellow rice.
Several of you did e-mail me after my last column to share your own favorite places. A number of you pointed out the good value that awaits one at the Farmer's Market. And you can pick up those specialty items while you are there that are either unavailable at Kroger, or too expensive there. But be sure to wear a coat as it is very cold in the dining area. Another place already popular with us Emoroids is Indian Delights on Church Street, near Scott Boulevard, in the Kroger Shopping Center. It is excellent Indian "home cooking" that is mostly vegetarian. I have a colleague who spent a couple of days in India, and he says the food at Indian Delights is very authentic. Nick Valerio e-mailed me to point out that he did not feel that Tortilla's super burritos are too big for ordinary mortals. I have since learned that Nick runs marathons--thus validating my judgment--Nick is no ordinary mortal!
Love hearing from you all. E-mail me at: <gozo@a.emory.edu>. See you at the Rainbow Grill up at Clairmont and North Decatur sometime?
Nat Gozansky is professor and associate dean in the law school.