La Brisa DEL CIBAO RESTAURANT
YELP – “Absolutely amazing! I drive from N.J. to eat here. The food is some of the best you'll get for the price & as close to a real Dominican dish unless you cook it yourself!”
Like a well-orchestrated dining symphony, Odalys Hernandez & Miguel Abreu, along with Chefs Fausto & Miguel, are the talented hosts of this Dominican dining show & the essence of good tastes. Miguel's wife, Milagros, is on the register, his daughter Odil, helps & Odalys’ mom, Judy, bartends. This creative team, has been pleasing the palates, of all who enter, with a captivating menu, pleasant music in the background, a lovely looking new decor & Four Star dishes. They attract those that crave authentic Dominican cookery, prepared & served with smiles & style, for one year. Congratulations! The emphasis is on freshness of ingredients, a beautifully designed plate, extraordinary originality & very easy prices.
We found the appetizers sumptuous & the entrees enticing, due to the elements of the chefs great finesse. What a perfect setting for an enjoyable family fiesta, a celebratory corporate party, or an entertaining dinner date! The very festive dining room & attractive, large bar built by the owner Miguel, paves the way for the delicious Ceviche with fresh mussels, shrimp, lobster, calamari, the outstanding Mofungo with Pork or Chicken ($8) & stews, such as the special Oxtails ($10), prepared with panache, that I could not stop eating, or the yummy Bacalo ($11, Codfish). Daily soups (small, $4.50), are spectacular & fresh & Sunday’s Spanish Soup, (Sancocho) & Monday’s Chicken Soup, are good starters. Side orders, you must try are Yuca ($2.50) & Sweet Ripe Plantains ($2.50). The Avocado Salad ($4) & Tuna Salad ($7.25) excel & seafood is beautifully handled. The Camarones (shrimp) with Lemon & Wine ($16.50), are luscious & the Salmon ($14), with a choice of sauces, such as Garlic or Lemon in Wine Sauce, are highly recommended by readers. Also popular with readers are the Grilled Pork Chops in Sauce ($10.50) & the Grilled Skirt Steak ($13.95). Pastas are well-liked & the 3 Combos offered for take-out are a steal. For $16.99, One Chicken, Large Rice, Sweet Plain, Medium Beans & 2 Liter Soda. Researchers agree that the surprise is the affordability, considering the expertise & the marvelous quality of the ingredients. This gala fiesta of good tastes should be on your “MUST TRY” list.
Gail says “Go!”