Arts! Arcata

A huarache fit for Bigfoot at Mom’s Delia’s during Friday Night Market.

Photo by Jennifer Fumiko Cahill

stalls not to be missed. Pick up a beverage to keep you steady while waiting in line — Familia has your caffeine fix, the adorable Pony Keg horse trailer is on hand with beer, wine and cider, and all streets lead to the Six Rivers Brewery tent in the center of everything, also with beer, wine and cider. If you’re lucky, the folks from the long-anticipated S.I.P. may be around with boba tea and perhaps a Spam-musubi. Now you’re ready to explore some relative newcomers.

Las Colombianas

Empanadas $4

Unlike the flour pastry empanadas you already love, these South American snacks have a crispy yellow corn crust. The pork or chicken filling, stew-thick with potato and spices, is hot so be patient and dip it in the accompanying tangy salsa.

Yang’s Kitchen

Mango habanero wings, five for $10

Pork eggrolls, five for $12

Wings and eggrolls go together like wings and eggrolls. I refuse to explain that to anyone who has yet to enjoy them as a pairing. Yang’s are fried well, like bar wings, and the sweet and spicy glaze on them gives your lips a buzz but not enough fire to end your grazing. The flaky layers of the eggroll break open with audible crunch to reveal the classic pork filling.

Mom’s Delia’s

Campechano huarache, $14

Through the netting, you can watch as the masa base of your platter-sized huarache is flipped on the flat-top before it’s topped with crumbly queso fresco, paper-thin grilled asada and bright orange chorizo. A sprinkling of cilantro and it’s over to you. The fresh cheese counters especially well with the chorizo, which will not go with your shirt. You should find a place to sit.

Rax on Rax

Wings, three for $5

Mac and cheese, $5

Is there never enough sauce on your wings? There is now. Both the OG Barbecue and the mustard-spiked Carolina Gold Sauce wings — the specialty of the house — are downright dripping with the glossy stuff. The cheddar-heavy baked mac and cheese is less saucy but homey and satisfying.

Mmmh Donuts

Cinnamon, powdered or plain mini doughnuts, 12 for $7

Here I repeat important life advice: If you have an opportunity for a hot doughnut, take it. These are light and springy, the experience heightened by watching them flip in the tiny fryer before they get the dusting of your choice. If you’re wondering if you can get this little setup to come to you, Mmmh Donuts does indeed cater.

Food with Hoy

Smashburger, $10

The smashburger has lately taken over the burger conversation and with good reason. While it’s not as Instagram friendly as towering behemoths dripping with cheese and toppings, the flavor is tops. These patties, pressed flat on the grill for perfect browning, topped with cheese, steamed under a cover and stacked up two to a bun, deliver taste instead of hype. l Share your tips about What’s Good with Jennifer Fumiko Cahill (she/her), arts and features editor at the Journal.

Reach her at 442-1400, extension 320, or jennifer@northcoastjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @JFumikoCahill.

Ceramic sculpture by Keith Schneider at Arcata Artisans.

Courtesy of the artist

Friday, Sept. 9, 4 to 8 p.m.

Celebrate the visual and performing arts in Downtown Arcata during Second Friday Arts! Arcata. Enjoy a lively night market of local art displayed in downtown stores. *Listings for participating venues were not available at press time. For more information, visit arcatamainstreet.com. Kris Patzlaff silver jewelry at Arcata Artisans.

Courtesy of the artist