Dear white people: do not fear the lengua
Good-natured white guy behind me in line for Chimu (the new Peruvian downtown rival to Mo-Chica): “Hmm, should we get lamb shank or tongue?”
Other good-natured white guy next to him: “Ew, tongue? I’m going with the lamb shank.”
And there you have it folks. The caucasian fear of beef tongue, front and center. Now, to the friend’s credit, he professed his own love for lengua so at least I can superficially entertain the notion that I’m simply being racist here.
But I’ve seen it time and time again. Are some muscle organs simply off limits? Do people equate tongue to testicles? Is it the unconscious association with the muscle organ most us relate to bad french kissing or Jabba the Hut?
I don’t know and I don’t care. I’m taking a stand here against consumptive close mindedness. Er, at least next time I’m taking a stand. This time I got a pork and cheese pupusa from Sarita’s and the lamb shank from Chimu. It was fucking delicious.
Chimu and Sarita’s Papuseria, Grand Central Market, 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
