Mangu - Dominican food?

I was actually trying to get tres leches cake when I tried Mangu. They only charged $3 for theirs while Havana Central wanted $7. Portion difference? Or that Havana makes it and Mangu doesn't?

I would not know because when I placed my order, I was called and told they didn't receive their desserts yet so maybe Mangu doesn't make much on on site. 

After perusing the menu, I decided to try their pigeon peas and white rice, their 1/4 rotisserie chicken - white only of course, and the cassava fritters. 

So, prior to sending out my order, they called and told me they didn't receive their desserts yet - so disappointed! But they offered to substitute equal value items. I felt I compelled to try their empanadas so I asked for one beef and one chicken empanada.

First the main lunch - an overwhelming array of at least 8 servings of rice and pigeon peas. I used to know someone who made really good arroz con gandules and this, sorry, Mangu, was not good. It was rather bland and not at all tasty. I guess I will hunt for the perfect one elsewhere.

Chicken, Fritters and Pigeon Peas

The rotisserie chicken had a tasty skin, moist meat but it was not as good as Pio Pio. I think I must say the Peruvian style was much better. And that brings us to the sauce. It was also much better at Pio Pio. This wasn't spicy and had a lot of I believe, cilantro, which is not one of my favorite herbs, though I tolerate it.

Green Sauce

And finally the accompaniment of the cassava fritter. This is by far, my most favorite part of the plate. It was a crispy fried goodness - starchy and chock full of badness. Tasted good though!

Up close with the Cassava Fritter

Now for the empanadas! I am a self professed empanada fan. Who doesn't like fried dough filled with meat and other yummy goodness?

Beef and Chicken Empanada

These were crispy. The beef was a bit more to my taste than the chicken. I think it's because the chicken was mixed with something else - maybe a veggie? but it was just not as good as others that I have had.

I think Mangu might have some good authentic dishes but thus far, I have not been impressed. I will also say that they should get dessert in early too!

I will probably give them another go for the pernil as that is also one of the dishes I like. Oh and their website sucks so I would just buy through seamless.com.

Mangu Dominican Kitchen
158 E 45 St
Manhattan, NY 10017
tel. 212.905.0490
Hours:
Mon-Fri: 7 am - 7 pm
Sat: 7 am - 4 pm

El Parador

El Parador is a Mexican restaurant on 34th street, near the NYU Medical Center.

I went to lunch with Ravi, David, and Jane.

We had toyed with getting the prix fixe lunch special but decided to not get it. Good decision all around.

They served nachos with very fresh hot salsa, with the right amount of tang, spice, and herbs.

Just these chips with the salsa was worth the visit!

Jane got the tostada salad, of course. Ravi got the chicken enchiladas and David got chicken burrito. All were really good. Their plates were practically licked clean. (＾ｰ^)ノ

Jane's Chicken Tostada Salad

David's Chicken Burrito

Ravi's Chicken Enchiladas

I got the camarones al ajillo. The six shrimp were very clean. But the sauce was not as garlicky as I would like. I kept the pot to grab the sauce because I needed more to flavor the rice.

Camarones al Ajillo

It was good but not as good as Agozar's. And what appeared to be just a smidgen of food turned out to be a lot. I was stuffed.

El Parador
325 East 34th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel.212.679.6812
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 12 noon-Midnight

Closed Sundays in August and major holidays.

Afternoon Tasting Hour Special

$5 beer, sangria & house margaritas; 1/2 price select appetizers. At the bar only.
Monday-Saturday, 3-6 PM