Best Boardwalk Snack at Coney Island

Ah, summertime

Coney Island just unveiled its much needed makeover. The rides look glossier and more death defying. Plus its boardwalk was just named #2 in the nation by National Geographic. Still when it comes to boardwalk snacks, the best is an oldie but goodie: mango-on-a-stick.

True, it's not classic fried, greasy goodness. It's better. Sweet and spicy, thirst quenching, and 100% natural. Bonus: it's also bathing suit-friendly. Best 3-buck, guilt-free beach snack ever!

Find the roving 'mango cart' on the boardwalk and watch the skilled woman transform the perfectly ripe fruit into a flowering blossom in seconds. I douse mine in hot sauce and pico de gallo spice, Mexican-style. It's really, really messy. That's the best part.

Tastes as good as it looks

Meet The Mango Lady

Mangoes are my favorite fruit. In the summer I try to eat one almost every day – and especially champagne mangoes, which are on practically every street corner in the East Village. With their kidney shape and creamy, foolproof sweet flesh, they are completely addictive – and packed with vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. The thought of adding anything to a mango for more flavor sounds silly. So the idea of smothering it in hot sauce, chili powder, lemon juice, and salt is just repulsive. But my friend Claire made me eat my words today as she introduced me to The Mango Lady at Union Square.

The unassuming stand, at the corner of University Place and 14th St, holds not much more than fresh mangoes in various stages of being peeled. Order a plastic container of cut mango and ask for the works – hot sauce, chili salt, and lemon (I like extra lemon) and you will discover one fine Mexico City specialty. It’s crazy good. Hot, sweet, soft, tangy, juiciness. All this fun for just $3. Tues-Sat, 10-4.