Hooray for “nuevo Latino” food. I’m quite sure that translates to “I’m ignoring the ridiculously high fat content of the food and just concentrating on the fact my brain and stomach are loving every minute of it.” (I realize my Spanish is a little rusty, but I think I remember enough from my eight years of taking it in school.) The only unfortunate thing about this dinky place is that more people can’t enjoy it. The bar literally has room for about three thin people to crowd around it, and the dining space is packed tighter than one of those game show hostesses on Telemundo. The atmosphere is festive and the drinks–ranging from mojitos to pina coladas–are served cold and strong. The food itself is a spicy blend of Cuban, Jamaican, Trinidadian and whatever other Caribbean country they feel like featuring that week. All of it is well flavored, happily served and eagerly wolfed down. The prices, while not cheap, certainly aren’t going to break the bank. It’s not what you’d call a “serious” restaurant, but the grub is seriously good. [MF]
1022 3rd Ave.
212/980-5678