Rinconcito Salvadoreno — Review by Food Network
Port Chester, United States — Salvadoran
Guy Fieri visits Rinconcito Salvadoreno in Port Chester, New York to experience authentic Salvadoran cuisine run by brothers David and Edwin Sorto. The restaurant specializes in comfort food made from simple ingredients with tremendous flavor, including standout chicken tamales wrapped in banana leaves. The experience showcases the family's generations of recipes and dedication to keeping their Salvadoran roots strong.
What was great: Chicken tamales with creamy masa and flavorful recado sauce, unique Salvadoran flavors, family recipes and comfort food preparation, larger tamales than traditional Mexican style, tender meat and juicy filling
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The main focus of this visit is the chicken tamales de pollo, which are notably larger than traditional Mexican tamales. The preparation involves a complex process using fresh chicken, red and green peppers, white onions, cilantro, celery, and garlic, simmered for 45-50 minutes until the chicken becomes shreddable. The standout element is the recado sauce, a traditional Salvadoran sauce made from water, green peppers, tomatoes, onions, red peppers, toasted pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, dried oregano, achiote water, annatto seeds, toasted guajillo peppers, cumin, cloves, garlic, and bay leaves. This sauce is cooked for 25 minutes before being combined with the masa. The tamales also feature loroco, a bud from El Salvador that adds authentic flavor. The masa is made with chicken stock, corn flour, and the freshly prepared marinade. Instead of traditional corn husks, these tamales are wrapped in banana leaves and then aluminum foil, then boiled rather than steamed for approximately two hours.
The Experience
The visit includes an educational kitchen tour where brothers David and Edwin Sorto walk through their preparation process step by step. The atmosphere is welcoming and passionate, with the chefs explaining the philosophy behind Salvadoran cuisine as simple ingredients elevated to comfort food with tremendous flavor. Guy Fieri arrives with his son Hunter, and the family vibe of the restaurant shines through as the owners share their generational recipes and commitment to their Salvadoran heritage. The restaurant has a genuine family operation feel, with the business having been passed down through generations starting from their uncle.
Value and Pricing
Pricing details are not mentioned in the transcript, though the focus on generous portion sizes like larger-than-traditional tamales suggests good value.
Notable Moments
It's poor food, but if you treat it the right way, it's got tremendous flavor.
That masa is nice and creamy. Wow. Not dry at all. And the flavor from the salsa recaudo, that's a game changer.
The most memorable aspect is the brothers' explanation that Salvadoran food comes from humble origins but, when prepared with care and proper technique, delivers exceptional flavor. The final tasting of the tamales proves this philosophy perfectly.
The Verdict
Rinconcito Salvadoreno is a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic, generational Salvadoran comfort food. The chicken tamales are exceptional, with their creamy masa and complex recado sauce representing the best of what the cuisine has to offer. This restaurant is perfect for food enthusiasts who appreciate family recipes, cultural authenticity, and the story behind the food they eat.