Wait, there is a place that specializes in that Puerto Rican/Dominican carbohydrate goodness?! Brilliant! Put that diet on hold and head over for mashed garlicy green plantains mixed with whatever you want. Just the name alone will make you smile or at least go, “hmmm”. You know you want it! Stop playin’!

When the mood for the exotic hits, let it wash over you at this Middle Eastern location. Come in to lounge at the hookah bar. Should smoking not be your thing, there is a full menu of diverse world foods for everyone from vegetarian to meat lovers.

If you have not been to Malecon yet, you will! It is a staple in the community and has been for years. This is where you go for traditional Dominican meal most significantly rotisserie chicken with yellow rice and black beans and can’t forget the maduros (sweet plantains). Feel the food coma come over you swiftly.

Ironically, it is the places with very few seats that you want and need to be in. Marcha Cocina is no exception. Serving true Spanish tapas like croquetas, gambas al ajillo, albondingas and authentic jamon Serrano in their charcuterie plate is the only reason you need to run, not walk, to this culinary destination.

If Kahlo, Miro, Dali and Picasso owned a nightclub and bar uptown, this would be it. Vacca is not only serving an eclectic menu that includes sushi, arepas, crispy Peking duck and truffle fries; they are showcasing art and design in an expressive and zany way. Go be a part of something new and lively and dance, dance, dance.