Noel’s Dia De Los Muertos

The mango gets your attention first. Sweet, fruity and rather inviting. Then the serrano starts making itself known. This isn’t an instant hit of heat. It builds as you eat, leaving a persistent tingle that gradually becomes rather difficult to ignore. The sharpness gives it an almost pickled edge, which keeps the sweetness from becoming too friendly. I get a little Sambal Oelek character from it too. Not identical, but that same sharp, slightly acidic quality that makes you want another taste despite knowing perfectly well what is coming next. The fruity side makes this remarkably versatile. Rice, eggs and chicken are obvious candidates, but I’d happily put it on tacos, noodles or other Asian-inspired dishes. Sweet at first. Sneaky afterwards. A perfectly respectable little trap.