Hot Stuff: Jalapeños
Jalapeños spice up menus across the city
Jalapeños are popping up on menus all over the city—in everything from Asian fusion to mixed drinks—adding both spice and a level of complexity and flavor. Here are three ways local restaurants are playing up the hot little pepper.
Some Like It Hot
While typical margaritas can be syrupy sweet, the jalapeño margarita ($7) at Loco Lime is only subtly so, with a delicate lingering kick from the jalapeño. Prefer yours caliente? They’ll gladly liven up your drink by including the spicier parts of the pepper—the seed and the membrane. (1101 Central Ave., 704-333-7837)
East Meets West
The hamachi crudo ($14) at e2 Emeril’s Eatery pairs sushi-grade yellowtail with a refreshing ponzu sauce made up of citrus juice and ginger-infused soy sauce. For a creative spin, this dish is topped with fresh jalapeño slices and micro cilantro. (135 Levine Ave. of the Arts, 704-414-4787)
Bacon Makes Everything Better
The barbecue chicken and jalapeño bacon flatbread ($7.99 for a small, $13.99 for a large) at Duckworth’s Grill and Taphouse is a delectable combination of smoky and spicy. The dish, created by kitchen manager Aaron Fain, features jalapeño-infused bacon. Paired with sweet barbecue sauce, caramelized onions, cilantro, and plenty of gooey cheese, this dish takes bar food to the next level. (4435 Park Rd., 704-527-5783; 14015 Conlan Cir., 704-752-7284)
