The Red Hook Vendors are back — and a hero has emerged: El Olomega!
The Latino food vendors returned this weekend to Red Hook Park, and people from as far as Manhattan swarmed the sidewalks at Clinton and Bay streets to get the first taste of their favorite tacos, tamales, ceviche, papusas, huaraches and jugos.
But on opening day, the Salvadoran El Olomega — serving a soft papusa made famous by Carlos Ayala way back in 1988 — had obviously won over the hearts (and stomachs) of customers.
“These are definitely fresher,” said taste-tester Anna Mcallister, who said that some of the competition was overpriced and contained pre-made ingredients. “For $5, they’re totally reasonable. [El Olomega] has done a great job with these.”
But as good as it is, El Olomega has competition among the trucks lining Bay Street.
Nearby, the Country Boys truck served up some hot, tasty huaraches ($6). And Victor and Ana’s truck was back with queso-covered grilled corn. And another crowd favorite is the unnamed ceviche truck. Go for the shrimp ($5).
But, really, wait on line for El Olomega. It’s worth it.
“Usually, you choose by whichever truck has the longest line,” said vendor’s row regular Dean Meelarp. “I’ve been here plenty, and [El Olomega] has the best papusa and just happens to have the longest line too.”
Red Hook Vendors at Red Hook Park (Bay and Clinton streets in Red Hook).