Ep 2. NYC/Little Dominican Republic: Tres Golpes

In season 1 episode 2 of Roadfood, host Stanley Dry takes viewers on a mouth-watering culinary journey through New York City's Little Dominican Republic. The episode is titled "NYC/Little Dominican Republic: Tres Golpes".

The episode starts with Stanley visiting the famous restaurant "La Casa Del Mofongo" in Washington Heights neighborhood. There, he tries the traditional Dominican dish "mofongo" which consists of mashed plantains, garlic, and pork cracklings mixed in a wooden mortar and topped with flavorful meat and savory gravy. Stanley even gets a chance to try his own hand at making the dish, with the help of the restaurant's owner.

Next, Stanley travels to Brooklyn to experience the vibrant flavors of Dominican street food. He visits "El Olomega," a popular food truck that serves delicious pupusas, a traditional Salvadoran dish made of thick corn tortilla filled with cheese, beans, and meat. Stanley also samples a variety of Dominican street foods such as empanadas, yucca, and plantains.

The tour continues as Stanley visits a local Dominican bakery, "La Flor del Paraiso". There, he discovers the traditional Dominican breakfast dish "tres golpes", which means "three hits". It's a combination of three sides - fried salami, fried cheese, and mangu (mashed plantains). Stanley also tries the popular Dominican sweet bread, "pan de agua", and the bakery's signature dessert, "bizcocho".

The episode takes a cultural turn as Stanley makes his way to "Calle 137", the heart of Little Dominican Republic. He learns about the history of the community and its impact on the Dominican culture in New York. He also visits a local artist who turns discarded materials into beautiful art pieces while preserving the culture and traditions of the Dominican Republic.

The episode concludes with Stanley visiting a Dominican restaurant "El Malecon" in the Bronx. The restaurant is known for its flavorful rotisserie chicken and signature dish "chicharron de pollo", which is a crispy fried chicken dish. Stanley gets a chance to experience the restaurant's authentic Dominican hospitality as he joins the staff for a family-style meal.

Overall, "NYC/Little Dominican Republic: Tres Golpes" is a delicious and cultural journey through the vibrant Dominican community in New York. The episode showcases the unique flavors and traditional dishes that make Dominican cuisine so special, while also highlighting the community's rich history and cultural significance.