tuck out on West Broadway at Duane Street, this tiny shop busily pushes out Spanish-style Hot Chocolate, Peruvian Coffee and other goodies, specifically, churros.

Sometimes referred to as a Spanish or Mexican doughnut, the churro is a sweet, fried pastry-based snack; sticks of tender dough, made with milk and eggs, and cut into foot-long strips. These are fried and sprinkled with coarse sugar, and served warm; they are a genuine treat. The result is a delicious crispy outer shell with a cake like center.

Churros are the linchpin of a multinational empire that launched in Spain, flourished in South America, and spread to Vancouver via Greenwich Village. Grab a sweet roll with coffee (okay… a churro and hot chocolate). These are fried and sprinkled with coarse sugar, and served warm; they are a genuine treat. The result is a delicious crispy outer shell with a cake like center.

Churros gained popularity in Mexico and Argentina, and were eventually brought to America with the Conquistadores; it's a sweet, fried pastry-based snack, with sticks of tender dough, made with milk and eggs, and then cut into foot-long strips. – R.B.