Since El Rinconcito Chapin opened 10 months ago, the Old Brooklyn location has made a major splash with bright takes on Guatemalan classics such as velvety hilachas and lightly spiced pepian. But the biggest boom comes in one of its smallest packages: the two-to-three bite-sized garnachas ($9 for six), an earthy, layered take on Guatemala’s version of a tostada. There’s something to love in each tier of the appetizer: The made-to-order 3-inch corn masa tortillas, plump and soft in the center, then the lightly tangy shredded beef, stewed for hours with carrots, onions, bay leaf, cumin and tomatoes. A tart sprinkle of queso fresco, raw onions and parsley crowns the top with a drizzle of house-made red salsa. Level up your bite by piling the side of piquant pickled cabbage slaw right on top. You might finish in seconds, but these morsels are a labor of time and care. “There’s a lot of love that goes into each garnacha,” says general manager Megan Godinez. “There’s quite a bit going on in each little bite.” 3330 Broadview Road, Cleveland, 216-795-5776, facebook.com/elrinconcitochapincle
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Best Of Cleveland: Garnachas
El Rinconcito Chapin in Old Brooklyn puts a lot of love into these tiny tasters.
