Kirk deserves a day off and Cathy is seriously occupied, so ed (from Yuma) has a report (from Yuma).
When Pupusas Cabañas closed, I was pretty sad. Then last year, I discovered a tiny truck parked occasionally next to a hair salon on Eighth Street:
While the hot dogs they served – at least the one I tried – were mediocre Sonoran style dogs, the pupusas here, served with cabbagey crudito and tomato water, were well made, cheesy, and good:
Recently, however, I have not been able to find that little truck. If anyone knows where it's hiding, please let me know. The good news is that a new larger truck has appeared in a much better location on the north side of Eighth Street about a half block east of Avenue B. Called Pupusas Maria, it is owned and operated by Maria, a friendly woman who used to cook at Cabañas:
I still love the pupusas – this one covered with the slightly sour cabbage, carrot, onion, and jalapeño crudito and a lightly picante tomato water:
The tamales, wrapped in banana leaf and tinfoil, are especially rich and moist:
And filled with a lot of chicken and an un-fried french fry:
On weekends, specials are sometimes available. The chicken is stewed in a thin tomato sauce until it falls apart. Sometimes it is three legs served with a cabbage salad and rice:
On another occasion, a leg and a thigh with macaroni salad and rice – damn near a plate lunch:
On Sundays and other special occasions (like last Christmas Eve), the special is Sopa de Pata (the bowl is Tina's):
This is a fine version. You can see part of the hoof with its tendon, a nice selection of Salvadoran vegetables, and pieces of rich flavorful tender beef tripe, all swimming in a savory broth: muy rico.
Pupusas Maria, near the Northeast corner of Eighth Street and Avenue B, open 4 PM until it closes. Tuesday through Sunday (I think), 928-304-9577.