By Fernie Ruano Jr.
You just finished an 8-mile run along the water with your girlfriend, but you’re in the mood to CHEAT so bad you literally have to wipe away a speck of droll from your mouth with your right index finger because you can taste the rich and sweet texture of your favorite tropical fruit, and the same one your Cuban mommy would bring home in pints of ice cream on weekends, when your girl snaps her fingers in front of your face and ask, “What about un batido de Mamey?”
“Did you just say un batido de Mamey?” you ask as the seven cars behind you at the red light blare their horns simultaneously and your girlfriend yells, “Dale chico! No van a dejar sin batido de Mamey!”
But she doesn’t realize the only reason you’re doing 85 on U.S. 1 and smiling is because it’s the first time in 11 months you and your girlfriend have agreed on something. “Un batido de mamey, un batido de mamey, un batido de mamey,” you repeat over and over again as if she is going to change her mind since her white yoga pants and blue T-shirt are soaking wet and not very appropriate for “El Palacios de los Jugos”.
But she’s hot, so is the weather and nothing will cool you down like “un batido de mamey.”
But she’s hot, so is the weather and nothing will cool you down like “un batido de mamey.”
El Palacios de los Jugos: You can see the orange-reddish tinted fruit right in front of your face – especially in season – as you yell and shove your way through the outdoor market and desperately try to get to the front of the line. But that’s what makes getting ‘un batido de mamey’ here so much fun. It’s also really thick and flavorful, which means the ladies behind the counter aren’t shy about stacking up the blender with lots and lots of mamey. Don’t forget your chicharrones while you’re at it. (Flagler Street & 57thAvenue, 305-264-8662)
Los Pinarenos: There’s nothing fancy and upscale about this cozy fruteria in the heart of Calle Ocho . In fact: The little structure is so old you might think you’re back in Pinar del Rio in Cuba. But no worries because all you have to do is pull up to the counter and order “un batido de mamey” from the guy wearing the straw hat. The cups are kind of on the small side, but your batido will definitely taste thick and sugary; so thick and sugary you might have to order another one, while you watch the tourists stroll by on foot.
And order some mamey juice to take home. (1334 SW 8th Street, 305-285-1135):
And order some mamey juice to take home. (1334 SW 8th Street, 305-285-1135):
Sergio’s: Alright, I’ve never been able to scope if the mamey here is frozen, you know like from some supermarket freezer or the real deal from a guajiro’s backyard. Anyhow, it’s still a treat and culture blessing whenever you can walk right up to the open window on a weekday at 1:30 pm. and order “un batido de mamey” from the short-blonde Cuban girl wearing the tight black pants; with your girlfriend, of course. (3252 SW 22nd St., 305-529-0047)
Do you want to know more about this 305-reeking, beach-bumming, Cuban food-obsessed dude? Well, then.. You can connect with Fernie @wordbyfernie (Twitter) and Fernie Ruano (Facebook). Who knows? If he really likes you, he might even give you his email.
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