So I stay at an apartment above the Greek Assembly in the mostly Hispanic neighborhood known as Fruitvale in Oakland. This was the church where I did my internship in 1987 while I lived at Teen Challenge in the project teaching 12 men about overcoming adversity and variety of addictions through the power of God. And yes, there were miracles of healing, restoration and deliverance. But today, I am experiencing a different type ministry. It is a ministry of friendship among heavily cross culturally mixed people group; Hispanic, Afro-Americans, Asians, Arabs, and Caucasians (I used this word because it actually groups many cultures together.) while visiting many of the aging Greek friends I came to know and love when I was first introduced to this area. Throughout the day and night there are sirens blaring, and eventually, you get use to it. From here I have access to many great places to grow Pavlos Gourmet while at the same time meeting new people and experiencing various cultural foods. By the way, there are plenty of pour-over coffee spots in the area where you can get a really great tasting cup of java. I will give you a hint: its not starbucks! Todays serendipity was my second experience eating pupusa (pronunciation: puˈpusa). This is a traditional Salvadoran dish made of a thick, handmade corn tortilla that is usually filled with a soft cheese called Quesillo, cooked pork meat ground to a paste consistency and frijoles. Typically pupusa is served with curtido (lightly fermented cabbage slaw with red chilies and vinegar) and a watery tomato salsa. My choice is the beans and queso combo with the veggies, but the best time to eat this is when they are just made! My new friend Philippe and his wife Alicia who live down the street from the church invited me to join them for pupusa, but instead of going to their home this time, we went across the street from the church to Jesus, my friends Taqueria and Alicia prepared and served everyone all the pupusa we could eat. La comida es muy bueno! Thought I would share with my FB friends. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Now back to working on Pavlos Gourmet new website. Paul (Pavlos) Zarkas
Posted on: Sun, 09 Mar 2014 03:28:47 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015