By Ava Stryker-Robbins
I have been a fan of plantains for as long as I can remember. Their sweet taste and smooth texture are a fabulous accompaniment to many meals. But Pico de Gallo’s Platano al Mole takes the fruit further with an entrée that features a plantain cake with either chicken or beef, coated in a mole sauce and sprinkled with cheese and sour cream.
According to chef Edgar Gomez, Platano al Mole originated in Guatemala, though it is a central dish in Mexican cuisine. Gomez wanted to include it on the menu because it contains platanos maduros (cooking bananas), a staple in Latin America. Gomez says the recipes he creates are variations of the dishes he ate throughout his childhood in Mexico, and that food is very important to his family. “The kitchen was our temple,” he says.
The sweet flavor of the plantain, savory flavor of the meat (I had beef), and slightly spicy flavor of the mole sauce create a delicious flavor palette. The cheese and sour cream enhance its tastiness.
Pico de Gallo opened in 2022 in place of Guacamole, though the chef and many employees remained the same. It is run by Austria Rodriguez, Sandra Mejia, and Ingry Rodriguez, who have been friends for over 20 years and share a love of food, especially Mexican, and music. They are all of Dominican descent. Austria Rodriguez grew up on the Upper West Side on West 88th Street, while Sandra and Ingry grew up in Washington Heights. “The kitchen is our therapy…it is what brings us together,” Austria says. “Food is how you show love.”
Pico de Gallo has both indoor and outdoor dining, and a decorated outdoor patio. Their other signature dishes include fajitas and tacos. In September, they plan to add live music and are thinking about karaoke.
The Platano al Mole costs $25.95
The Dish: Platano al Mole
The Restaurant: Pico de Gallo (768 Amsterdam between 97th and 98th Streets)
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Delicioso! Small correction: The address is missing a digit. Pico de Gallo is at 768 Amsterdam.
Thanks
Sounds delicious, reminds me of a mofungo with the starch again playing a prominent role. Will try!
I need to try this!
I have enjoyed the food at this place for years, faithfully returning through its many iterations. Always eating outside because inside the music is too loud to have a conversation with friends. With all due respect, I’d prefer to know which nights I can go that WON’T have music outside or karaoke, so I can still enjoy eating there. The patio out back was also remodeled which makes it less natural and inviting than it once was. However, knowing there were nights I could go and eat in peace would make up a lot for that. Soon enough the cold weather will come and force me to stay away from the place because there is no quiet evening…..Too bad, because I have brought many friends there over the years and have celebrated my own cumpleaños there more than once. I hope the owners read this.
agree! it’s the same with most places. many times friends and i order in!
I love this place! Everything I’ve had there has been excellent, the staff is friendly and upbeat, and the patio is a pleasure.