Por Mar y Tierra: A Brief Look at El Kapitan on Park Ave
Chicken Chilaquiles from El Kapitan on Park Ave
Authenticity is an important qualifying factor when it comes to the refinement and delivery of dishes inspired by Latin and Hispanic heritage, namely Mexican cuisine.
There is an obvious distinction when a platter incorporates complex ingredients to bring out the flavors of tomatillos, serrano peppers, habaneros, cilantro, saffron, garlic, and other dried spices or chilis that make up the culinary ecosystem of an authentic Mexican dish.
Today, a real pairing of authenticity and modernity is being brought from kitchen to table at El Kapitan on Park Ave, a Modern Mexican Street Food restaurant in Downtown Roc. From the bright acidic citrus flavor of lime to the deep, rich, and complex sweetness and spices of Mole, El Kapitan is elevating the Mexican cuisine experience in Rochester, NY.
A Chicken Tostada with pickled onions sits on a vibrant blue plate
Surely, the restaurant is delivering an experience that has been largely underrepresented to some degree, but has gained traction over the past few years with new kitchens opening up across the city like Peach Blossom, Taqueria Monterrey, Tavo’s Antojitos y Tequila, and Chuy’s on Mt. Hope.
After inspecting El Kapitan’s menu, the words Mar & Tierra are written as a subheader on the first page. The phrase, Mar y Tierra, translates to “sea and land,” a description of the uniqueness of Mexican dishes, which bring together robust flavors and sustenance from the ocean, and both land-dwelling and land-grown resources that have coexisted with humanity for centuries.
Enchiladas with homemade salsa roja y salsa verde
Our voyages across land and sea have allowed us to experience and pass down meals across places, and have propelled culture, language, and heritage forward through time. If you visit El Kapitan, you will undoubtedly enjoy this fantastic addition of this modern restaurant to the lovely Park Ave neighborhood!
A window view to Park Ave from inside El Kapitan