We learned yesterday that there are many fine dining spots nearer our hotel here in Santo Domingo (the capital of the Dominican Republic) which is in truly ancient (for the Western hemisphere) Zona Colonial. We met the niece of our dear friend Maria who is a local and suggested PATA E PALO, which also everyone else recommended and every book lists as superb. It was a big hit across the board.
Pata e Palo is located on the Plaza Espana, the huge open square facing the Alcazar (or viceroy's palace built by Columbus' son) at La Atarazana 21. Pata e Palo means "Peg Leg" and is named for its founder the Dutch buccaneer who established the first bistro ever in the New World in this same building which dates to the mid-1500's. The staff wear pirate-like bandanas and many speak English with a menu in several languages making it an easier spot for those who don't speak Spanish. While listed in guides as "inexpensive," for locals the prices are high with lunch entrees starting at $15 and going way up from there.
Samuel experimented with the GNOQUIS de YUCA which were rich delightful Yucca Gnocchi and with a tomato sauce as opposed to the heavier cream sauce they usually come with (again, a willingness to accommodate los ninos!). He adored them along with his traditional Sprite.
Will opted for a light starter which was quite large and tasty SALMON FRESCO, smoked salmon with Mustard, Capers, Arugala and Citrus Vinaigrette. I had a superb CAMARONES al COCO CURRY, one of the signature dishes featuring about 8 large tiger shrimp, a light and tasty (and not sweet) curry sauce with a hint of coconut and a mound of fluffy white rice with some haricots verts and those long Asian mini corn cobs (what are they called?). A glass a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc from Casillero del Diabolo (Chile) worked perfectly. Our hostess ordered the MERO ORIENTAL which was a huge banana leaf like bowl filled with a fish stew made mostly from Sea Bass.
As it is every day, it was a 90 degree plus afternoon, and we were quite full so we skipped dessert and went for a super cappuccino which came with a soft mini-macaroon on the side with a depressed center filled with a dab of liquefied chocolate that was simply perfect.
I highly recommend PATA e PALO and am sure it is heaving at dinnertime (which here is after 9pm!), so do reserve if you plan to go here as it is very popular. You can also dine outside if it is not too hot and enjoy the view of the 2-storey Alcazar and city walls, which is lit up at night for even more effect. On Fridays & Saturdays at 9PM there is also a costumed dance presentation on the Plaza for free! We may head back there tonight for that.
