parcha |

This time in October every year Lakeland has a Hispanic Festival in Downtown Lakeland. This was my second year going, my Hubby has been every year since it started. It is a great time, they have music from all different Hispanic contries and of course my main reason for going the food. You get all kinds of Hispanic food at the festival from Mexican, Puerto Rican, Argetinian and more. I of course lean towards my native foods from Puerto Rico. While I was there i got some “Arroz con Gandules” (Pigeon Peas and Rice), “Yucca” (Cassava Root) and “Chivo” (goat meat) for lunch. After filling our bellies we went looking for something sweet and cool, because it was hot. There was a man selling “helado de parcha” (passion fuit sherbert) and “coco” (coconut). I got some parcha and Hubby got some coco. It was delicious! I love the taste of parcha it has a sweet and tart taste to it and it is very refreshing.

Then we went and met with some family under the shade. There my sister-in-law had found a “ensalada de pulpo” (octopus salad) I helped myself to a few bits. Mmmmmm yummyness! As we all sat on the floor under the shade Hubby disappeared for a few minutes and then reappeared with one of my favorite “frituras” (fried snack) of all time, a bacalaito (cod fish fritter). Mmmmm it was a perfect golden color, crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Yes, my napkin was soaked with oil but it was, soooooo good.