Dave Alpert: I Know Where You’re Going with That

Some months ago, I met a fellow musician named Dan.  He explained that he’d been a street musician in Switzerland, and that he’d just returned to the states after more than two decades.  Apparently, his gimmick was that he was a one-man band with a truck that acted as his multi-instrument noisemaker.  He described it as a sight to be seen.  According to Dan, after years of success, his truck was confiscated by the Swiss government, and without his money machine, he had no choice but to return to the US.

So, I was delighted to spy him on Newbury Street yesterday with, well, a slightly more compact version of his old getup.

Look at that kid. He’s mesmerized. Dan uses pedals and a stick, which he uses to hit both the guitar and percussion instruments.  He sings through a headset attached to an on-board PA.  And all those stuffed animals dance around to the beat of his kick drum.  As for the performance, he puts on a show that makes kids bouncy and gleeful–and moms part with their money.  Cool.

As you may recall, El Pelon, the famed Fenway taqueria, burned to the ground last January. Being a big fan, I wrote this blog post which included a line that found its way onto the cover of the Metro:

If this were a movie, I’d be out on Peterborough St in the pouring rain looking to the heavens screaming, “Why, God?  Why?!!!”

While all kinds of stuff (I don’t know or care about) prevents El Pelon and the other restaurants to rebuild on Peterborough St, owner John Hoben just opened a new store at 2197 Commonwealth Ave in Brighton (right next to the BC T stop).  Friday night at 5pm was the grand opening, and it was bedlam!

I don’t think they were quite prepared for the onslaught that was to ensue.  I hit the line to order around 6:30, and wasn’t able to actually make that order until 6:54.  It took about another half hour until I was walking out the door, chicken plato and fried plantains in hand.  It also seemed like the Fenway had rented buses to bring people there.  And the Fenway alumni association rallied a good crowd as well.  I recognized many faces from the old neighborhood, and as everyone reached the front of the line, they congratulated Hoben and said stuff like, “I used to live around the corner on Jersey St.”

You always have to expect messes on opening night, but it was a MESS: missed orders, slow kitchen, couldn’t order side dishes because they had no side cups, stressed employees, looming customers.  But like I said, it was to be expected, and everyone was in good spirits.  As I was leaving, they began barring people from entry.  I wonder if the 2.5 hour grand opening was the shortest in Boston history.  No wonder Hoben is not running for re-election for selectman in Yarmouth to focus his energies on tacos and burritos exclusively from here on out.

Oh, and most importantly, the food is still awesome.  I was only disappointed that they didn’t have my favorite homemade hot sauce, the sickly hot “JD” (named after the initials of the creator).  According to Hoben, they are still missing one spice.  I look forward to its return.  One thing is certain: I will return.  But I just may let the madness die down first.