23 Avenue A (between 1st and 2nd Sts., closer to 2nd) 212-529-2919 (also 1 Perry St. at Greenwich Ave. 212-620–0808) www.ybnyc.com
Pan-Latin. It’s a funny thing being treated like royalty. Funny how quickly you get used to it. From the second you’re seated, it’s as if you dine there nightly. The staff make it a point to check your satisfaction after each dish is served. The host stops by to inquire how you’re enjoying the evening (incorporating your last name, no less). It’s a thoughtful, personal touch I’d never before experienced, but appreciated greatly. Yet the appreciation extends well beyond the service. All the selections were sizable (excellent news when the tastes are this dynamic). Both the arroz con pollo and black cod are phenomenal, but what takes the cake (in addition to their cake) is cazuela con cangrejo — pumpkin crab melt, aji amarillo, and manchego served with toast. It is so bliss inducing, I began to question why I’m not there on a daily basis. The cake of choice was warm chocolate accompanied by berry salsa and “Yerba Buena” ice cream. The flavor is undisclosed, but it doesn’t really matter since you will be too caught up in this dessert to care. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to work on my royal wave. And if you plan to go there, you should too.