Food and Happiness are one in the same. Don’t debate me.
Calle Ocho. It was an early Father’s Day dinner for Dad. Delightful! Located on 81st and Columbus Avenue, I’m eternally grateful to my brunch loving friend, Omari, for discovering this gem. The ambiance is sexy; dimmed lights, vibrant but soft colors and most of all, welcoming air consumes you as you walk in. I was ready for a treat, already impressed.
The bread rolls were the perfect kind of small, enough not to ruin your appetite. The warmth of them went great against the cold bean paste provided. I was skeptical of the paste but it hardly tasted like anything, the consistency won me over, it was different. Deciding quickly, my dad had the Arroz Con Pollo (rice and chicken) with an Avocado Guacamole on the side. He claimed this to be “the best rice he’s ever had”, and I must admit it was very well seasoned. The Guacamole was soft and didn’t overpower the meal, with the chicken being just enough for it all. The presentation was lovely and the service was rapid, this is a gem for real.
I had the Salmon, medium rare with lobster mashed potatoes and a mango/pineapple chutney. Our waiter recommended it and I made sure to thank him later because it was amazing. The salmon was so soft and full of flavor, I could taste the ocean. I love it when seafood is that fresh. The mashed potatoes had chunks of lobster and peppers, and they tasted great against the pineapples which were sweet and had me swooning. Have you ever swooned over food? Yes. It was that good.
And then for dessert, my dad had the passion fruit sorbet which was as rich as ever, he asked for the vendor so he could have it forever but we found out the chef makes it at home! Homemade and authentic, always a plus! I had the domino cake which was dark chocolate with peanut butter mousse and ice cream. I hardly tasted the peanut butter and I didn’t care, as it was very good.
Did i forget the Sangria? Spanish Harlem, where both my father and I were born and raised. We couldn’t pass up the Sangria by that name on the menu. Highly recommended. We ordered a pitcher, well, we sort of didn’t but I’m not complaining. It was cool, calm even without being too strong but more so just right and it helped me make my father’s day dinner so special, guaranteeing that I’ll be back.
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