East Somerville Main Streets (ESMS) is launching another exciting season of “First Tuesdays After Hours” on East Broadway and for the series’ third year they are adding a little extra spice.

In addition to the traditional after-hours socials held at local restaurants, the 2011 events will feature entertainment and demonstrations unique to each restaurant.

“We have had great success in past First Tuesdays seasons and this year we wanted to keep the momentum going. We are adding several new twists to our events that we hope will add excitement and a behind the scenes look at the cuisine and culture of the featured restaurant,” said Renee Polcaro, East Somerville Main Streets Board Member and First Tuesdays Committee Chair.

Tuesday, May 3^rd will mark the kick-off event for the 2011 First Tuesdays season with a Pupusa Making “Taller” (Workshop) and live entertainment at Maya Sol, 179 Broadway, from 6-8pm. Participants will have the opportunity to make their own pupusas and sample other favorite dishes from the Maya Sol menu.

Pupusas, tortilla’s stuffed with beans, cheese, meat or more, are one of the trademarks of the East Broadway Business District, being offered at many of the area’s authentic Central American restaurants. “They seem easy to make, but in fact take some real skill to keep the filling or “relleno” -as they say in Spanish- from coming out while you flatten them!” said Dancy.

Maya Sol’s head chef, Daisy, will demonstrate the best techniques to make this traditional Salvadorian food and answer questions regarding Salvadorian cuisine and culture. The entertainment will be an Afro-Peruvian dance demonstration accompanied by Alfredo Velasquez of Son del Sol.

“We wanted these First Tuesdays events to correspond with the recipes and restaurants in our Savoring East Somerville Cookbook. For those who have been following our “Faces Behind Savoring East Somerville” blog , this is a great way to actually meet the folks featured and get to know the local business district in a new way,” said Dancy.

First Tuesdays events have opened the doors of local businesses to the community for the past two years creating more awareness of the culinary secrets of East Broadway and bringing out hundreds of foodies, friends and neighbors. This season will be no exception with events held at some of East Somerville’s favorite venues such as Casey’s Bar (6/7), Louie’s Ice Cream (7/5), Mt. Vernon Restaurant (8/2), Vinny’s Ristorante (9/6), and Fasika Ethiopian Restaurant (10/4).

First Tuesdays Season Launch – Maya Sol Mexican Restaurant, 179 Broadway, Tuesday, May 3^rd, 6-8pm.  For more information:  www.eastsomervillemainstreets.org for the full schedule or email info@eastsomervillemainstreets.org to get involved.

–

Carrie Dancy
Executive Director
East Somerville Main Streets
114 Broadway – Suite 112
Somerville, MA 02145
617.623.3869 – www.eastsomervillemainstreets.org