Parada 22: Puerto Rican on the Haight

Haight Street's cheap-but-delicious taqueria, Chabela, burned out over a year ago.  That place sustained me through many a long gaming session or stretch between paychecks in the '90's, so I was quite sad.  But if we have to have a replacement, I can't think of something better than Parada 22.

Since it only opened 2 weeks ago, I was hoping to be the first to review it.  But I should know better.

The interior is heavily done up Island-theme, with a cargo-cult display of Cuban and Puerto Rican foods and coffee in a case, posters, photos, and a 1950's promotional tourist video in a loop.  There's the inevitable Buena Vista Social Club on the stereo as well; hopefully the staff will get tired of it before long.

Where you really want to sit, though, is the kids table.  Complete with drawing materials.

Parada 22 is a collaboration between its neighbor, Cuban Tapas Bar Cha Cha Cha, and Alex Jackson of Wierd Fish in the Mission.  You can tell, at this point, that it's brand new.  For one thing, there are currently few beers (Miller, Bud and Corona in bottles) and no desserts.  I understand they plan to offer Cha Cha Cha's signature sangria and an assortment of beers, but apparently that's on hold.  You eat off compostable tableware exclusively; I don't know if they plan to have real plates later.

And, what could be more appropriate?  We now have Puerto Rico right next to Cuba!

Anyway, on to the food!  The menu is limited and likely to stay so.  But everything they have is good.  This is the shrimp a la criolla, with red beans and rice.  The shrimp were delicious, and I washed them down with mango juice.  Warning: the red beans are not vegetarian.

My sweetie had a steak sandwich, which comes topped with onions, cheese and mustard sauce.  She pronounced it quite good.

Best part?  Total bill, $25 for two.  Puerto Rican at Taqueria prices!  What's not to love?

Mind you, Sol Food in San Rafael is still head-and-shoulders above Parada.  But ... the place is obviously just getting their act together, so we expect great things in a few months.  Recommended.