A Taste of the World - Part 1 | Merrimack Valley Magazine

A Taste of the World – Part 1

Published January 14, 2021

Global Cuisine in the Merrimack Valley

Coco’s Cafe & Catering

Imagine that you are roaming the beach in Luquillo, Puerto Rico, famously known for its vibrant and incredibly aromatic kioskos (food stands), and you are suddenly hungry. You stop at one of the kioskos to decide if you want a pillowy pastelillo or some mofongo and immediately are transported to a savory foodie land, one that you can experience right here in the Merrimack Valley.

Pastelillos are fried meat patties, while mofongo is a creation made from green plantain, sweet plantain and chicharron (pork rinds).

When you enter Coco’s Cafe & Catering in Lawrence, you are greeted by the aromas of rich Dominican and Puerto Rican food. From delicious appetizers or “antojitos,” as they are called in Puerto Rico, to fresh fried foods or “frituras,” to full-size entrees like the Dominican mangu — a breakfast dish with mashed green plantain, egg, onions and salami — they have it all. Cathy, aka “Coco,” and Angel welcome you with open arms and treat you as they would family coming to their home to eat. As I sat there enjoying their food, I was reminded of one of the last times I sat in my grandmother’s kitchen eating her sopa de fideo. With the Cafe Bustelo always brewing and the welcoming environment, this is definitely a must visit.

Try the flancocho, a delicious fusion dessert of cake and flan. And if you love fried food, you’ll find many delicious options.

Check back for the next part of Timna’s series on global cuisine offerings in the MV!