The recent news of two new Mexican eateries opening this month excited a lot of Ticker readers hungry for authentic ethnic eats. It also drummed up some banter about a few well-loved favorites already in existence – Zakey Middle Eastern Cuisine on TC’s Front St., Silver Swan Homemade Foods on TC’s West Bay Shore Dr., and 22 Vines on Suttons Bay's SW Bay Dr. to name just a few. But what about the smattering of smaller, lesser-known operations cranking out awesome ethnic eats? The Ticker went on the hunt to find a few gems you might be missing:

Cedar Sol Taco Stand
For a second summer, Michael and Nikki McHugh’s Cedar Sol Hydro Farm will sell fresh-made tacos. The couple’s popular roadside taco stand in Leelanau County opens Memorial Day weekend, with the authentic Mexican fare including tacos, pico de gallo, cheese quesadillas, hot sauces and tortilla chips available noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. “Our good friend Carlos Cortez, who learned to cook from his upbringing in a small village in Oaxaca, Mexico, taught us how to prepare this food,” says Nikki McHugh. “One of the things that makes these tacos so outstanding is the freshness of the ingredients. We prepare them daily, and most of the veggies come from our farm.” www.cedarsolhydrofarm.com, 231-883-8080.

NJ’s Grocery
This independent market in Lake Leelanau provides everyday staples along with flavorful authentic Indian cuisine prepared daily by NJ’s cook Rosie Chugh. India’s Kitchen, as it’s known, features a menu of items such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Malai Kofta and Samosas for take-home and catering. Still not enough to cure your craving? Cookery classes in Indian cuisine also are offered individually or for groups. www.njsgrocery.com, 231-256-9195.

K2 Edibles
Thursday happy hours at Left Foot Charley includes a plate of ethnic food, thanks to Kristin Karam and her business K2 Edibles. For $15, visitors to the wine bar in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons can savor an ever-changing ethnic menu item with their glass of wine or cider. “Every week we pick a different ethnic food,” Karam says. “It’s always first come, first serve, 5 to 7 p.m. every Thursday. There’s usually more than enough to go around.” Karam, who rents out kitchen spaces at nearby Underground Cheesecake Company, also makes fresh Lebanese food – grape leaves, hummus, tabouli – that’s sold in the shop’s deli case. www.k2edibles.com, 231-642-0097.

Mobil
(gas station at the corner of 14th and Veterans)
Stop for gas, pick up some baklava. Or, as many customers do, just stop for the homemade Middle Eastern treat. “We always offer it,” says George Yasso, of the square pieces of baklava his aunt Nada Saco of Acme makes for the store. “We’ve been selling it for over five years now, and we sell a lot of it. It’s delicious. A lot of people make a special trip here just to get it.” Baklava squares sell for $1.50 each. Special orders accepted. 429 West 14th St., 231-941-0909.

The Pita Pitstop
Leslie Narsisian’s mobile white trailer full of yummy lunchtime goodness – think: $5 falafel sandwiches with salad and hummus –plans to return to Traverse City this spring. Narsisian tells The Ticker that her Pita Pitstop operation, most frequently seen near Munson Medical Center last year, has been aiming to make its way to a spot on Woodmere, which would offer seating out front. But as of press time, that location – or any other – had yet to be locked. (Have a spot that might suit? Contact Narsisian at 231-463-7114.) She offers this incentive: “We want you to eat well and eat often.” Follow The Pita Pitstop Facebook page for updates.

By no means is ours an exhaustive list of hot spots for authentic ethnic dishes and treats. Feel free to add your own suggestions by commenting below!