Living up to its playful name meaning hopscotch, Rayuela creates a vibrant and inviting mix of sabores from over a dozen Latin American countries to form a revolutionary style of cuisine called Estilo Libre Latino. Tucked away on Allen Street, the free-forming space transports you into la naturaleza with eco-friendly design elements, including a live olive tree adorning the center of the restaurant. The elegant décor demands your attention as much as the menu does with bold dishes created by Executive Chef Máximo Tejada. As a starter try the Langosta Revolución, an addictively succulent ceviche with chunky pieces of lobster and shrimp infused in fresh coconut water, lemongrass, and ginger. Skip right over to their Churrasco Tejada, juicy grilled beef tenderloin served with oven-roasted potatoes, mushrooms, and cabrales fondue. Finish off your meal with a specialty organic Café Te’s with sweet aromatic notes of mango, cinnamon, and mint.

 

-Sugey Palomares