In short, it's pure joy in the form of Mexican street food. Let's start with elotes. Street vendors in Mexico (and now in many U.S. cities) grill corn on the cob in its husk until it's nice and charred. Then, the husk gets peeled back like a handle. Then, condiments. Because yay condiments! Salt, lime, butter, crema, mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder. Some or all. Again. Yay. Esquites is elotes, but off the cob. Typically it's served in paper cups. It's a great snack and an equally great side dish. We call it a salad to make you feel good. Doesn't matter.