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Discovering Papas Rellenas in Miami

Susannah Chen — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 05:24:02 PST

Hot off the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, I scoured the Miami International Airport terminal for some viable food options, as I was still - believe it or not - hungry. But my choices were extraordinarily slim, unless I wanted to grab a three-inch-thick slice of pizza sitting under a heat lamp or a pile of greasy lo mein from Manchu Wok.

I continued walking until I came upon an eatery with the Spanish name La Carreta, which translates as "The Cart." I was getting down to the wire on time, so I hastily ordered a salad. That's when I spotted a machine full of empanadas. "What's that?" I asked the guy behind the counter, pointing to a round, puffy fritter. "Oh, it's a Papa Rellena - I like them very much and think you will, too," he told me.

He couldn't have been more spot-on - "loved" would've been a better word. It was shepherd's pie meets hush puppy, a battered exterior followed by a layer of impossibly creamy potato and a center of cumin-scented ground beef. I instantly regretted not having bought another. And as I settled into my plane seat with the latest edition of Saveur, I instantly regretted not adding a Cuban sandwich on top of that. Sigh. Anyone down to go to Miami this weekend?

Are These Deep Fried Foods Dos - or Don'ts?

Anna Monette Roberts — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:38:36 PDT

Many claim that any food is better if it's deep fried, but when should you draw the line? State fairs across America have served up ridiculous items like fried butter and deep-fried bubble gum, and chefs are always looking for a new spin on classics. Check out these 10 bizarre fried foods, and decide whether or not you would try them.

Onion Rings: Thick or Thin?

Susannah Chen — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 03:05:11 PST

Last time a friend and I sat down to a basket of Epic Roasthouse's gargantuan-size onion rings, we got into the thick vs. thin debate. He prefers thick-cut onion rings, while I'm more often than not in the mood for the skinny frizzled kind. (Side note: skinny rings can also rock out on a burger.) But ultimately, I think choosing between thick and thin is like asking someone if they'd rather eat a burger or a hot dog; it just depends on your mood!

Source: Flickr User patty.J

Do You Pair Fried Foods With Mayonnaise?

partysugar — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 08:30:33 PDT

I just got back from Spain, where I enjoyed a lot of fried fish and French fries. I'm not ashamed to admit that I always paired them with mayonnaise. There's something about European mayonnaise that's absolutely divine. How about you?

Have You Deep-Fried at Home?

YumSugar — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 08:30:42 PDT

In addition to world-class events like the Aspen Food & Wine Classic, Summer weekends are prime time for checking out state fairs for their cook-offs and assortment of deep-fried treats, from the classic fish and chips to fried butter. While I've fried up a frenzy elsewhere before, I've never had the chance to try it in my kitchen. I don't have the right equipment, plus I worry my apartment will smell like oil for weeks. Have you ever tried it at home?

Name That Dish!

YumSugar — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:15:57 PDT

Spectators in town for the Kentucky Derby might find time to hunt down this deep-fried Louisville, KY bar snack. Do you know what it is?

Do You Make Fries at Home?

YumSugar — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 12:50:03 PDT

Name That Dish!

YumSugar — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:15:53 PDT

If you can't get your hands on an ice cream cake, here's another frozen treat that would hit the spot after dinner. Can you name it?

Name That Dish!

partysugar — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 07:00:05 PDT

The majority of you may eat fried foods, but do you know what the fried dish below is called?

Do You Eat Fried Foods?

partysugar — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 06:45:52 PDT