Temerario- New South of the Border Style Street Eats

By Jennifer Shanteau

When I heard about Temerario, I was perplexed. I’d been in that particular stretch of Chelsea millions of times, but never happened upon it. When I found out it has only been open for a month and a half, it all made sense, because you can see the mural, compliments of renowned street artist Dasic Fernandez, on the side of this Mexican Street Fair restaurant from a block away. I usually am not as taken by the look of a restaurant, but this one had me talking. I had to know what it was all about. Temerario is the Spanish word used to “name those brave ones who are not afraid anything, and who risk and bet their lives for their cause, give everything and never stop fighting”. Right away, this place had attitude, and I loved it.

We went to Temerario for brunch, so what better way to start the meal than with a Bloody Maria, which is basically a Bloody Mary with tequila instead of vodka. I’m a huge vodka fan, but I have to say, I prefer Maria to Mary. Who knew? The tequila gave the cocktail that extra punch of flavor that vodka doesn’t. Unique to this drink was how they rimmed the glass. They use a mixture of salt and tajin. You may think that’s not a big deal, but it is. It gave me a little happy surprise upon my first sip.

Then the Elote Fries came out. I was excited to try these. I’ve never had elote fries. Have you? Its fried baby corn, topped with Cotija Cheese and served with Chipotle Aioli. Crunchy and salty, these paired perfectly with my Bloody Maria.

Round two- Red Sangria for me, and a Cucumber Margarita for my faithful dining companion. I love sangria. Why I don’t take the time to make it more often I don’t know, but there is nothing more perfect for this beautiful sunny, warm weather than sangria. It’s adult punch, and the only “punch” I’m interested in consuming.

If I have to be honest, my favorite cocktail of the day was the Cucumber Margarita. This was it. This was everything. The fresh taste of the cucumber was the star of the beverage and was not overpowered by the tequila, though there definitely was some tequila in there, if you know what I mean. If you are only up for one adult libation, make this your choice.

Everywhere I go, I order Eggs Benedict. I can’t help it. I cannot get enough. I’m a slut for perfectly poached eggs, and then you drench them in that rich, decadent sauce? I gotta have it. It’s my weakness. In ordering it everywhere, I’ve come to appreciate its variations. I love when it has a little yummy twist. It makes it more interesting. At Temerario they are called Los Canallas. They kick theirs up by using a Chile Ash English Muffin, Serano Ham and Chile Amarillo Hollandaise, and serve it with a side of Poblano Hash. This dish is as delicious as it is gorgeous.

As delicious as Los Canallas was, my favorite was the Huevos Rancheros. With my bend towards all things Eggs Benedict, I did not see this coming. I don’t know if it was the creamy Black Beans, the Queso Fresco or the Chile de Agua Salsa. Maybe it was the marriage of the varying textures of the creamy Avocado and crunchy Tortilla that did it. Whatever it was, it was perfect. Not a single drop was left on the plate. This is the best Huevos Rancheros I have ever eaten.

I left Temerario stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey, but way happier. A nap was all I could manage to do afterwards, and I would do it all again in a hot second. I’ve already recommended this new south of the border spot to friends, and definitely plan on returning. After all, I didn’t even get to sample the tacos yet!