NEW YORK: Schiller’s

schillersny.com
131 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
212 260 4555

Price: Reasonable/Expensive
Rating: Great
Directions: JMZ to Essex, F to Delancey
Reservations: Unnecessary
Must Get: Huevos rancheros

Quite possibly the best huevos rancheros I’ve had. There’s something about their sauce which could probably make “duck white kidneys” taste delicious. (Google that if you dont watch top chef.) Only thing bad about this place is that is overrun with flies.

NEW YORK: El Castillo de Jagua

113 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
212 982 6412

Price: Cheap/Reasonable
Rating: Good
Directions: JMZ to Essex, F to Delancey
Reservations: Unnecessary
Must Get: Oxtail

If you have a hard time pronouncing the name of this place, be prepared to stand out when you walk into this restaurant. Stepping inside this Spanish/mainly Dominican spot, you are immediately transported to another country. When Joe and I went, we were the only people speaking English, which is always a good sign when you want ethnic food. And this place was no exception. I’ve been craving oxtail since the day Rebecca commented on my Chinese Borscht recipe and it was easily satisfied here. The meat fell off the bone easily; the sauce was tangy, but not spicy, and perfect to pair with yellow rice. Joe got steak and onions which was marinated well, but a bit on the dry side. The flavors were definitely there though.

Something you should know before you go… When you order, the waitress asks if you want rice and beans. I said yes thinking that was my only option get that or nothing, but not the case. You can get their special plate that comes with your entree, yellow rice, a side salad, and fried plaintains. After I saw the table next to mine get their order, I felt shafted, but I guess that’s what happens when you don’t speak the language.

If I stop by again, I’d probably go for another round of their oxtail stew and get a papaya milk on the side. Yum.

(By the way, this place is named after a fortress in Cuba. It was originally a Cuban restaurant, but is now mainly Dominican.)

NEW YORK: Macondo

157 E Houston, New York, NY 10002
212 473 9900

Price: Reasonable
Rating: Great!
Directions: FV to 2nd Ave
Reservations: You don’t need them
Must Get: calamari

You have to eat here. Their tapas are some of the best I’ve had in a while. I love the combinations of food from different countries in South America- arepas, ceviche, etc etc. All the dishes I’ve had here from the two times I’ve been have been great, but my favorites are the calamari and the skirt steak flatbread.

The drinks, decor, and staff are on par with the food as well. I don’t think my water ever reached the half full/ empty level.