# Nicaragua-Inspired Eateries Chicha Cafetín and Cocktails is Bringing Nicaraguan Food to Bushwick By Justin Lam | Published 2018-05-16 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nicaraguan-food References: [grubstreet](http://www.grubstreet.com/2018/05/chicha-cafetn-opens-in-nyc.html) & [chichanyc](https://www.chichanyc.com/) Nicaraguan food is often underrepresented in the culinary world, but [Chicha Cafetín](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dentalgrade-teeth-whitening-lab) and Cocktails is putting the spotlight on Nicaraguan cuisine and rum. Founded and run by culinary director Vanessa Palazio and Adam Schneider, this innovative eatery draws heavily from Palazio's family heritage and focuses on quesillos. This Nicaraguan specialty is often compared to [Mexican quesadillas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marriott-bonvoy-x-pati-jinich), but this particular [street food](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/street-chalupas) stands out as something unique and delicious. While traditional quesillos are topped with melted cheese, onions pickled in plantain vinegar and sour cream, the offering at Chicha Cafetín and Cocktails experiments more with toppings, incorporating ingredients like lobster on a squid-ink tortilla and beef steamed with plantains and yucca. Aside from Nicaraguan food, this Bushwick-based eatery also serves up a plethora of drinks, with many featuring Nicaraguan rum. These cocktails were masterfully created by Marshall Altier and they each blend delicious spirits with ingredients like hibiscus, tepache and pitaya. Image Credit: [Melissa Hom](http://www.melissahom.com/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.1/10 - Popularity: 23% | Activity: 2% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Nicaraguan Cuisine Highlight:** Chicha Cafetín and Cocktails is showcasing Nicaraguan cuisine in an innovative way. - **Rum-infused Cocktails:** Chicha Cafetín and Cocktails is creating innovative cocktails that incorporate Nicaraguan rum. - **Exotic Toppings:** Chicha Cafetín and Cocktails is experimenting with unusual ingredients in their quesillo toppings. ### Where This Applies - **Restaurant Industry:** The restaurant industry can take note of Chicha Cafetín and Cocktails' innovative presentation of Nicaraguan cuisine and rum. - **Food and Beverage Industry:** Chicha Cafetín and Cocktails' unique use of ingredients in both food and drink creates opportunities for experimentation and new product development. - **Culinary Tourism Industry:** Chicha Cafetín and Cocktails attracts adventurous eaters, creating opportunities for emerging culinary tourism markets focused on Nicaraguan cuisine. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Miami Mexican Eateries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chateau-zz.md) - [Mexican Stew-Inspired Quesadillas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-birria-quesadilla.md) - [Tropics-Themed Agave Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/agave-bar.md) - [Chile Spiced Quesadillas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roasted-chile-spiced-chicken-quesadilla.md) - [Cuban Christmas-Inspired Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/noche-buena-bowl.md) - [Transitional Dining Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/restaurant-and-lounge.md) - [Savory Culinary Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/two-schmucks.md) - [Upscale Culinary Lounges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-chi.md) - [Hybrid Quesadilla Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quesadilla-burger.md)