In response to yesterday’s admittedly cheap-and-easy post on Pica Taco’s name (hey, I blame Loose Lips for any cultural slights caused by this!), Stefanie Gans at Endless Simmer wrote in to explain the true inspiration behind the shop’s moniker.

Writes Gans (mostly known as Gansie in local food circles):

Pica is owner Maria Villalta’s slang for the Spanish, picante, hot. When she ate something so hot she could hardly speak, she’d gasp “pica,” while flailing her hands in front of her mouth.

It’s kinda cute, right? (And better than dirt!)

Gans also directed me to a piece she wrote for the Express on Pica Taco. Check it out. I know what’s on Y&H’s to-do list: Order that horchata at Pica Taco.