"Ahhh so so much to say!! Let’s set the scene: You’re Holiday shopping and famished about 45 min from home. You do a google and Yelp Review search and see an average of 4+ stars AND it’s Latin food. So how can we NOT stop and see what it’s all about. We also checked out their website to be sure of hours as well as their Instagram. Their IG mentioned a book signing party with 2 tables left and provided additional information regarding admission fees, times, etc. And we tried calling about 3x to confirm that while there was a scheduled event, they were still taking regular customers. The phone just rang. Oh Boy… The parking lot was full when we arrived-we’re still thinking that this is related to a book signing And when we enter, it looks like some kind of party. Visually-it was slightly overwhelming. It was primarily due to the fact that the music was blasting. So much so that the hostess and I could only use outside voices to communicate. We asked if they were allowing regular patrons in (as we aren’t from the area and familiar) and she said she could seat us two. So we parked and came back in. At that point the hostess told us it was “$20 to get in”. Get in?!!! To eat?????!! Ugh we were desperate and paid it. Upon payment, our hands were inspected, as well as our purses, our coat pockets and then our persons. Like all up in our persons. eyes wide emoji face One Jenn asked “what is happening?” And Security replied “this is every Sunday!” We def didn’t read about this on their website, google or their social media. hand on the chin emoji face We were promptly seated and a very nice server came over to greet us. Unfortunately, we had to communicate via her paper notepad and my iPhone notepad as it was too loud to hear each other. And let’s be honest, we have been to our fair share of day brunches and the music doesn’t have to be that loud. If you can’t communicate orally with your patrons, that’s a problem. That’s how miscommunication occurs. The server was about to take our drink and food order. They gave us a brunch menu, but we really wanted their dinner menu. Unfortunately for us, we arrived at 2:40 and their dinner menu didn’t start until 3:30. So brunch it was. About 3:26, we caught eyes with our server and she came over. And in her defense, she was busy. But as we said, we caught eyes and she came over and said our food would be ready in 2 min. And she was just about right. Can we be honest? We are so torn. The environment itself was extremely overwhelming, but the food was so good! We ordered: The Palate breakfast: scrambled eggs, avocado, yucca, pickled onions, salchichon, water bread, mordero cheese and fruit! The Coquito French Toast, whipped cream and chocolate sauce Pinchos? And Tostones with a dipping sauce SOMEBODY’s TIA is back there F-in that kitchen up!! Turning it out! Doing magic! Whatever it is , it’s amazing! We could not stop eating!!! The Yucca was outta this world!! The plantains were sweet; the pork fried to perfection. Scrambled eggs seasoned with care. The avocado too! As soon as we finished eating, we quickly got prepared to get the check. We noticed that for 2 people we were charged a service charge which we found odd and figured we would call back later to inquire. When we did, we were told that all Sunday patrons are charged that fee. To be honest, while it didn’t break the bank, $47 just to be in the room seems like a stretch. Especially, when we couldn’t talk to anyone ahead of time and none of their platforms really explain the experience. All in all, the food was clearly what’s winning. We’d like to return on a day where it’s much more quiet and we can try some of the item that originally caught our eyes. Til then!"
