WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES JUNE 15, 2017 21 BUZZ Authentic taco shop in Ridgewood has taste buds smiling BY BETHANY RADCLIFF BUSHWICK DAILY SPECIAL TO THE RIDGEWOOD TIMES Can a stomach smile? I think so, because I’m sure my stomach was positively beaming after the delicious meal I consumed at Guadalajara De Dia II Corp. on 566 Seneca Ave. in Ridgewood. These tacos are absolutely delicious, and I’m going to do my best to try and describe to you what make these some of the best tacos in our neighborhood. Almost everyday, I walk past Guadalajara De Dia II aft er exciting the Seneca Avenue M Station on my way home from work. The fairly large space sits on a prime corner plot, where Seneca Avenue and Menahan Street come together. The owner, Isabel Ponce, said he started the restaurant 12 years ago, and has been running it ever since. This wasn’t my fi rst time to Guadalajara. In fact, it’s become my hands-down-favorite taco spot in all of Ridgewood. And you can trust me—I lived ten years of my life in Texas, where I survived on tacos. I know a good taco, and I give these tacos ten stars out of fi ve! I like Guadalajara because it’s not trying to be glamorous or fancy—it’s completely genuine. What you see is what you get: fresh, simple, authentic food. On my way inside I made a beeline straight for the refrigerator case on the right wall. In the center of the case sits a row of colorful Jarritos Mexican sodas. I grabbed my favorite, grapefruit. I walked up to the deli case, and I decided to order three diff erent types of tacos: carnitas (fried pork), tinga de pollo (spicy chicken), and cecina (salty beef.) The tacos arrived promptly, in double corn tortillas, topped with the perfect amount of fresh chopped cilantro and onion, and my absolute favorite topping—a very generous dollop of fresh guacamole. That in itself is enough for me to succumb to calling this my favorite taco joint, but there’s more. Guadalajara De Dia II has perfected melt-in-your-mouth meat, especially with the tinga de pollo. Of all the meat options, the tinga de pollo is by far my favorite. If you love spicy foods, this is the taco you should get. It’s just spicy enough to where you don’t feel like you need a sip of water aft er every bite, and the slow-roasted fl avor is exceptional— the perfect balance of juicy and tender. The carnitas were delicious without being too greasy. The cecina was brined just the right amount, and sliced to a perfect thinness. The red and green sauces that are served with every meal bring out the fl avor, without being overpowering. I recommend both! My other favorite menu item is the nacho plate, which arrives loaded with tortilla chips, beans, tomatoes, jalapenos, onions, guacamole, and whatever meat you like (there are many options!). The sprawling menu also off ers tortas and cemitas, tostadas, burritos, enchiladas, tamales, sopas, and more. Mr. Ponce recommended I try the quesadilla next time. So, head over to Guadalajara De Dia II, order some tacos, grab a Jarritos or Mexican Coke, do some light produce shopping, and walk out smiling. This is, without a doubt, my favorite taco shop in our neighborhood. Eat up! I know you’ll love it. This article fi rst appeared on Bushwick Daily, www.bushwickdaily.com. Meet John Adams at the Onderdonk House this Saturday One of the nation’s founding fathers will be making an appearance (of sorts) at the Onderdonk House in Ridgewood this Saturday, June 17. John Adams -- who helped lead the American Revolution and would later become the nation’s second president -- will meet with guests at the Ridgewood landmark located at 1820 Flushing Ave. on Saturday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Actor George Baker will portray Adams in oratory, providing a speech about his views on the nation, history and family life. He will be wearing clothes similar to what Adams wore during his presidency, between 1797 and 1801. Baker’s been portraying Adams since 2008 and has taken his show across the country. By day, he’s an active lawyer in his hometown of New Canaan, CT. As for Adams himself, the nation’s fi rst vice president succeeded the fi rst president, George Washington, in 1797. His one term in office was a turbulent one, as he clashed with fellow Federalists and supporters of Vice President Thomas Jefferson, whom he had defeated in the 1796 election. Adams also enacted the Alien & Sedition Acts that were regarded as more of a way to suppress political opponents rather than to protect national security. He also became engaged in a “quasi war” with France over outstanding debts from the American Revolution. Admission is $5 for adults, but children and members of the Greater Ridgewood Historical Society are free. For more information, visit www.onderdonkhouse.org.
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