Joseph G.
Yelp
I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a dark, gloomy Saturday morning marked by a sense of an indescribable, melancholic mood. Lethargic and hungover from the night before, my friends were in dire need of salvation. It was in that fateful moment my friend turned to me and asked if I wanted to try Pupusas. "Pupusas?" I asked naively. The word at the time was foreign to me. I initially thought it was a bad word in Spanish in all honesty. "Can't we just get some breakfast tacos," I remarked foolishly. They egged me on about how delicious they were and I reluctantly surrendered the fate of my most important meal of the day to my fellow brothers. Thus began my departure into uncharted territory.
The long and winding journey towards either a satisfying cessation of my crippling hunger or a puke inducing experience made my palms sweat, heart palpate, and eyes twitch. I was practically shaking in anticipation for the so-called Pupusa.
Upon entry of the restaurant, my hesitations and fears were immediately disarmed as I was greeted by a symphony of smells that quickly pervaded my nostrils. The rich aroma of spices and herbs, the sizzling sound of food being cooked to perfection, and the heartfelt, welcoming smile on the owner's face melted away most of my worries and concerns.
Soon after, though, I was bewildered and rendered speechless at the menu items. La Revuelta? La Calabaza con Queso? I thought I was reading a list of wizard spells. With the guidance of my friend Steven who'd have been here on multiple occasions, he suggested I order the Chicarron con Queso Pupusa to start. I assented to his recommendation and sat anxiously awaiting my meal.
When my food arrived, I was promptly struck by the artistry of the presentation. The dish was arranged with a messy precision, steam rising from the food, and the colors and textures complemented each other beautifully. As I took my first bite, my taste buds were overwhelmed with a burst of flavors that I had never experienced before. As I slowly savored each glorious morsel, I found myself feeling grateful for simply being alive. Basking in the glory of this Salvadoran dish, my anxieties melted, preconceived notions shattered, spirits lifted, my will to live with passion and drive resurrected. I was no longer simply operating on a primal instinct to feed my hunger. I was now feeding my soul.
Being that this restaurant is a five hour drive from my hometown, any time I'm in San Marcos, this restaurant is an unconditional stop of mine. The memories of that first experience lingered long after the meal ended, reminding me of the beauty and joy that life has to offer. It was an experience that left an indelible mark on my soul, and one that I would cherish for a lifetime.
5/5
