Goat on the Go

A Friday tweet whet the appetites of readers who asked, "Where'd you get the goat?" My lunch included goat in a light curry sauce, plantains, and savory yellow rice, a menu I tweeted into cyberspace. And throughout the weekend, readers asked me where I dined.

First, thank you for reading. Second, thank you for stopping me on the street to ask. I truly appreciate knowing that you're engaged with Patch. Third, take Scotland Road to the edge of town, or drive by way of the Valley Arts District. When you reach Bravo supermarket, you're there.

At the rear of Bravo's grocery area, there is a butcher counter where whole pigs are sold, which is handy for neighborhood block parties. There is also an area where prepared food is sold for meals on the go. Daily selections (prices vary, as does the daily selection) include fish, spicy chicken wings, baked chicken, goat in a brown curry sauce, yellow rice, and plantains. The food is ready in the morning, which is when it's at its best. A large meal of meat or fish, rice, and plantains is sold by weight and costs less than seven dollars. For me, the $6.99 meal is a lot of food, enough for two serious lunches and then some.

The women behind the counter offer utensils and napkins, as there is a brisk take-out business here. The food is not prepared to order, nor is there a menu. You can eat what you see in the glass case before you, and the staff are accomodating to those who want a particular piece of spicy fish, or a juicy drumstick. And when the day's ration of yellow rice is gone, it's gone. But at $2.99 per pound, who's complaining?

Bravo is worth a visit for other reasons, as well. This is the place to buy a tortilla press (price varies, but around $20) or my favorite item, a type of cake called "Sabado a la Tarde." This translates as Saturday Afternoon Cake ($2.79), which is a welcome image on a busy weekday, even with goat to go.

Bravo

321 Scotland Road

Orange, NJ 07050

973 675-2333