Pio Maya (CLOSED as of 7/08)

I did something I'm not proud of tonight. I may have offended everyone around me. What did I do?

I... ate on the subway. (A while ago, the MTA was considering fines for this, but apparently, it's still legal. Still, some people equate such an action with eating in a public restroom.)

But I simply could not help myself. After picking up a to-go order at Pio Maya, I'd tightly closed the bag. But as I waited for an F train, my hand crept into the containers of thick, unsalted warm tortilla chips and the super-fresh, chunky green guacamole. The train arrived, I looked around for a two-seater in an unoccupied part of the car and hurriedly sat down. (The woman behind me glared at me; she'd obviously coveted the same seat. I don't know why, as she wasn't going to eat anything. However, she did stretch out her legs and put her feet on the seat in front of her.)

Casting a furtive glance around me, I took out the shrimp taco. Lots of grilled shrimp and spicy pico de gallo were nestled inside doubled corn tortillas, a nice touch. Still, the whole thing was a mess; lettuce and tomato and shrimp spilled out. I hoped no one was watching. It didn't take me very long to polish everything off.

The next time I go to Pio Maya, I intend to eat in. The place has been renovated; the prep kitchen is now hidden, and black leather banquettes have been installed. So, just in case you were on my F train tonight, what can I say - I'm sorry, it won't happen again.

Pio Maya: 40 West 8th St., (212) 254-2277.