My favorite Latin flavors are the ones that come from the Caribbean.  They are bold, robust and, most of all, remind me of my homeland, the Dominican Republic.  Today marks the 14-year anniversary of Ideya Latin Bistro, a downtown NYC spot that has been delighting New Yorkers with the flavors and sounds of the Caribbean for over a decade. It is my go-to when I am craving a taste of home. Chef Isaac Reyes perfectly executes owner Lauryn Small’s menu, which encompasses a wide array of Latin styles from the Caribbean with contemporary flair.

Starting a meal off right at Ideya means indulging in one of their legendary mojitos. The classic is my favorite but the coconut and mango mojitos are also hard to beat. A mojito is perfect to wash down Ideya’s take on chips and salsa – a fresh, chunky mango salsa with golden crispy plantain chips – which are complimentary with every meal.

 

 

Continue your meal with some of Ideya’s beer battered salt cod fritters, which are perfectly light and crispy.  Or for a perfectly sweet and savory appetizer, go for their rioja braised pulled pork, which is served along with a sweet potato croquette and ancho crema fresca.  For a heartier option, one of the stars of the menu (and my go-to dish) is the bistec de Argentina, a grilled skirt steak served alongside a chimichurri and papaya sauce and bonaito fries (below).  Another favorite is the pollo estilo caribe, a delicious sofrito marinated chicken served with cilantro whipped yucca.  And no dinner at Ideya is complete without their tres leches cake, which is worth loosening up your belt for.

 

 

Ideya’s lively yet laid-back vibe is a welcome treat in New York City’s trendy Soho neighborhood.  Get there early and snag one of the front window seats for some people watching along West Broadway.  Go on a Sunday or Monday when they have live entertainment and you will be in for a real treat.   But no matter when you go, get ready for a trip to the Caribbean, sans the passport.

Ideya Latin Bistro.  349 West Broadway.  New York City.  212-625-1441