A Tale Of Two Tacos

Will somebody please tell the Department of Health that all is forgiven regarding that nasty Taco Bell business? Eager to appear rigorous, they first went after Di Fara Pizza and now the Red Hook Ballfields may be regulated to death:

Every summer for more than 30 years, Yolando Ceron has pitched a tent by the Red Hook ball fields and sold authentic Colombian dishes, from smoked sausages to deep fried stuffed potatoes.

“They’re unbelievable. Nature’s perfect food,” said Steven Goodman, 56, a stuffed-potato fan who has been coming to eat at the soccer fields for about eight years.

Long one of Brooklyn’s best-kept secrets, the tacos, ceviche and empanadas sold by a dozen Latin American vendors on Bay Street today draw food lovers from across the city.

. . .

Now, that secret has managed to get to the Department of Health, which for the first time is regulating the stands and is making demands that some vendors feel could seal their demise as early as this weekend.

. . .

Vendors must supply hot and cold running water, make pre-prepared food in commercial kitchens, and refrigerate foods, among other requirements, by Saturday, according to the department.

The city has been cooperative with the taco makers, and has offered to help them apply for mobile vending licenses and complete food safety training, said Cesar Fuentes, director of the Food Vendors Committee of Red Hook Park.

Already three portable water units have been set up on opposite sides of the field. About 40 percent of the 13 vendors currently have a food license, Fuentes said.

“We’re doing the best we can to be compliant in the shortest amount of time possible,” Fuentes said. “But right now we’re not even sure if people will be able to sell next week.”

Meeting all the Health Department’s regulations would require “a substantial investment,” Fuentes said. And vendors are worried if they will be able to implement the changes.

“It’s impossible to have a refrigerator in every tent,” said Reina Carrillo, 35, a vendor who invests $700 a week to sell tacos and homemade fruit drinks.

Location Scout: Red Hook Ballfields.