234 East 4th Street (between Avenues A and B) 917-475-1892 www.secararestaurant.com
Latin. Latin fusion is alive and well and living at Secara. Any given evening will put you within arms reach of another continent (and an island). This is good news because getting your hands on the Colombian, Peruvian and Cuban dishes they prepare is something you will not regret. I began with a tasty trio of empanadas (chorizo, potato, Chihuahua cheese) and then learned a new word – quesitos. For the equally uninitiated, they are cheese balls (and I say this with the utmost reverence). Each is filled with manchego plus the previously mentioned, and exceedingly delicious, Chihuahua. They arrive with a spicy house sauce although I found them to be even more addictive naked. This evening, crispy calamari (pico de gallo, sweet plantain) was a special and truly some of the best I have experienced anywhere. The main event was garlic roasted shrimp with Chaufa rice, an entrée with more seafood than anyone could expect or hope for. And their tiramisu is a thick slice of paradise disguised as cake. But there’s nothing hidden about the warm, attentive service you are sure to receive. Head south in spirit and revel in every momento excelente.