Food & Drink
In The Community
Mexicosina
Photo by Mexicocina_mezcaleria on Instagram
Located in New York and founded in 2008 by Antonio Vilchis and his business partner Ismael Gonzales, Mexicosina is a powerhouse in south-central Mexican food. This restaurant is known for its vibrant decor and authentic Mexican feel. Mexicosina has a “Bib Gourmand” distinction on the Michelin Guide, which means it’s a quality restaurant. The Michelin Guide recommends the tlayuda from their menu, a dish that consists of a crunchy tortilla base topped with refried black beans, chicharrón, Oaxaca cheese, and more. You will also find standouts like goat stew, lamb barbacoa tacos, delicious salsas, and refreshing drinks like horchata, agua fresca, and more.
Casa Ora
Photo by casaoranyc on Instagram
Also located in New York, Casa Ora is a Venezuelan restaurant founded by chef Isbelis Diaz and Ivo Diaz, her son. This restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide is known for its great variety of Venezuelan dishes, which are as authentic as they get. They even serve their food on artisanal pieces made by Venezuelan artist Victor Serrano, providing an experience for all the senses. Their empanadas are one of the standout dishes, but other popular options include asado negro, arepas, bollitos pelones, and more.
Dama
Photo by damafashiondistrict on Instagram
Located in Los Angeles, Dama offers Latin American and American Contemporary cuisine. The restaurant is known for its Caribbean aesthetic and for how satisfying the food is, which earned it a spot on the Michelin Guide. They have a varied menu that includes delicious options like dry-aged ribeye, which can be paired with salsa verde for heavenly tacos, arepas, tostadas, empanadas, and more. Dama also serves some killer cocktails with Latin American vibes like piña colada, “Latin lover,” and more.
Llama Inn
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Another great option in the Big Apple is the Llama Inn, a Peruvian restaurant with a Bib Gourmand distinction. The Llama Inn is known for its modern ambiance and for taking Peruvian cuisine to another level. Chef Erik Ramirez brings his unique vision, providing fresh and fun dishes that elevate Peruvian staples like anticuchos, which are usually beef skewers, but Llama Inn offers options like beef hearts and scallops. They’re accompanied by coconut rice, corn, and salsa, reflecting Peru’s richness of ingredients.
Elcielo Miami
Photo by elcielomiami on Instagram
Miami’s population is 70% Latino, so there are hundreds of Latin American restaurants to check out. If you’re going for a Michelin star experience, Elcielo Miami offers that. Founded in 2015 by Colombian Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos, this restaurant is high-end and has earned one Michelin star. Chef Barrientos uses avant-garde cooking techniques and local organic products to offer an elevated experience of Colombian cuisine. “The Experience” consists of a variety of small bites that lead up to the main courses, telling a story with Latin American flavors. They’re known for their dramatic dish presentations and bold flavors, so it’s an unforgettable experience.
Azul Mariscos
Photo by azulmariscoschicago on Instagram
Located in Chicago, Azul Mariscos offers a Pan-Mexican menu that will blow you away. Their specialty is Latin-inspired seafood dishes, so that’s what they’re known for. Among the most popular options on the menu, there’s the grilled pineapple stuffed with octopus, Chihuahua cheese, and a delicious Chipotle sauce, and their incredible seafood paella. Every dish they offer has well-rounded flavors and impressive aesthetic presentations, not to mention the ambiance is vibrant and welcoming. Another great recommendation from the Michelin Guide!
Imperfecto
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In Washington, Imperfecto is the place to visit for Michelin-starred Latino dishes. Imperfecto offers the “One Michelin Star Experience” at their Communical Chef Table and it consists of an incredible tasting menu of over 10 courses. The menu takes you on a ride from South America to the Mediterranean, through a variety of dishes. Imperfecto is one of the restaurants under the Seven Reasons Group, which also includes the Seven Reasons restaurant, which offers a varied menu with dishes from Venezuela, Peru, and the Caribbean. That’s also worth checking out!
Habana
Photo by restauranthabana on Instagram
Featured in the Michelin Guide and located in Costa Mesa, Habana is a bit of a hidden gem and it offers a taste of Cuba. Their menu provides a lot of variety, so you’ll find dishes like pork croquetas, empanadas with different kinds of filling, sandwiches, traditional options like ropa vieja, a dish that consists of shredded beef, sofrito black beans, buttered white rice, and sweet plantains, and much more. “El Churrasco” is another standout dish with grilled skirt steak, chimichurri, and corn on the cob; perfect for meat lovers! They also have “Mojito Mondays,” where they offer a variety of mojitos, including pineapple mojitos, toasted coconut mojitos, and more.
Cafe La Trova
Photo by cafelatrovamiami on Instagram
The Cafe La Trova is a great option in Miami if you’re looking for high-quality Cuban and Latin American dishes. Chef Michelle Bernstein is of Jewish and Latin American descent, so the menu features Cuban classics like lechon, which is braised mojo marinated pork shoulder, Cuban sandwich empanadas, arroz con pollo (rice with chicken), and more. Their range of Cuban-inspired cocktails and beers is also worth exploring!
Causa
Photo by amazoniadc_ on Instagram
We’re closing this list with another restaurant in Washington! Causa has one Michelin star and it offers a tasting experience inspired by the topography of Peru. Chef Carlos Delgado created this experience to deliver a taste of Peru, where he was born, taking diners from Lima to the Andes and beyond. This one Michelin star tasting experience includes Peruvian dishes like causa, which consists of mashed potatoes topped with tuna tartare, and bomba rice. The tasting menu can also be paired with Pisco, which is a great opportunity to explore Peru’s national spirit.
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Empanadas from Colombia
Photo by Edgar Zuniga Jr. on Flickr
Colombians love their empanadas, and they take their family recipes very seriously. In Colombia, empanada dough is made of instant corn flour known as “masarepa” and fillings tend to be savory. Empanadas are also fried, so the crispy texture is a must. They love using bell pepper, onion, and garlic in their stews, and Colombian empanadas are usually accompanied by “ají,” a tangy, spicy sauce that elevates and sharpens the flavors.
Empanadas from Venezuela
Photo by Valeria Silva on Wikimedia Commons
Venezuelan empanadas are similar to Colombian empanadas in that they’re savory and always fried. They’re made with “P.A.N” flour, which is a pre-cooked white corn meal, and sometimes they’re made with the yellow corn meal version of P.A.N flour, which gives the dough more color and flavor. Venezuelan empanada fillings are as varied as you can imagine! From something as simple as mashed potatoes and cheese, to “pabellón criollo” filling, which combines all the ingredients of the national dish. Namely, shredded beef, black beans, rice, and fried sweet plantain for sweet and savory combo.
Empanadas from Argentina
Argentinian empanadas are quite different in shape and flavor, so they’re also very popular. The main difference with other Latin American empanadas is that Argentinian empanadas are not made with corn flour, but rather wheat flavor. This makes the texture of the dough a bit flaky and tender but still crisp on the outside. Corn flour empanadas are heartier in comparison. In Argentina, empanadas can be baked or fried, and the most common fillings are ground beef, cubed beef, egg, and ham and cheese, among others. They’re also served with chimichurri, a delicious herb sauce that adds even more flavor.
Empanadas from Honduras
Photo by Instituto Cervantes de Tokio on Flickr
Empanadas in Honduras are known as “pastelitos” and they’re usually baked rather than fried. The dough is similar to Argentinian empanadas because it’s also made with wheat flour, making the empanadas resemble a pastry. The traditional fillings are meat and beans with cheese, so they’re quite hearty and delicious. Usually, they’re served with the Honduran version of pico de gallo, which is known as “chimol,” and it’s a must with every bite.
Empanadas from Mexico
When people think about Mexican food, tacos or burritos are the first things that may come to mind. However, they also have empanadas, and they’re crazy good! In Mexico, you can find both wheat flour and corn flour empanadas, so there’s a good variety to enjoy. The fillings often include meat, more commonly chorizo, which offers a burst of flavor. However, the simple beans and cheese combination is also very popular, and for good reason.
Empanadas from Puerto Rico
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Puerto Ricans don’t joke about their food, let alone their empanadas. Also known as “pastelillos” or “empanadillas,” Puerto Rican empanadas are known for their flaky texture and flavorful fillings, which are usually savory. In Puerto Rico, empanadas are made with pastry dough, so they’re also made with wheat flour. The dough is usually on the thin side, making these empanadas super crispy. The most common filling is ground beef with potatoes, but you can also find chicken and seafood fillings. Also, Puerto Rican empanadas are accompanied by a simple mayo-ketchup dip, which is the cherry on top. They’re a staple food bite at parties!
Empanadas from El Salvador
In El Salvador, empanadas are usually consumed as snacks or desserts because they’re both savory and sweet. Mostly sweet! They’re completely different from the other empanadas we’ve discussed so far because the dough is made of mashed sweet plantains and they’re usually coated with white sugar as well. The filling is usually refried beans, which helps balance out the sweetness. However, you can also find Salvadorian empanadas with milk filling, which is a soft cream made with milk, cornstarch, sugar, and cinnamon.
Empanadas from Peru
In Peru, empanadas are also quite different from the others we’ve explored here. The main difference is the dough, which is very similar to pizza dough. That makes the texture more similar to bread. They’re usually baked and on the thin side. The stars of the Peruvian empanadas are the fillings, though, which are very flavorful. The most typical filling is beef seasoned with ají panca, green olives, and hard-boiled eggs. The chili pepper adds mild spiciness and a nice smoky flavor, which adds complexity to the flavors.
Empanadas from Cuba
Cuban empanadas are not too different from Puerto Rican empanadas because they also use pastry dough. In Cuba, empanadas are flaky, crispy, and thin. As for fillings, they can be sweet or savory. Savory fillings usually involve ground beef and green olives, while sweet fillings combine cream cheese and guava paste. Whether you go for the sweet or the savory, Cuban empanadas offer a burst of flavor and it’s nearly impossible to have just one.
Empanadas from Chile
Photo by mabel flores on Flickr
Last but not least, we have Chilean empanadas, which are made with wheat flour and baked rather than fried. They tend to be sweet and savory, with the traditional filling consisting of ground beef or pork, black olives, and raisins. Sometimes, hard-boiled eggs enter the chat as well. Chilean empanadas are not for everyone because not everyone vibes with raisins, but if you do, this is a flavor combination you should definitely try.
There’s no denying that Latin American empanadas are amazing and the more varieties you try, the more you’ll fall in love with them!
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You’re restless and even a little jittery
Photo by Max Harlynking on UnsplashSo you’ve just had a huge cup of morning coffee or your third cup of the day and you start to feel like there’s an itch you can’t scratch or you’re agitated about something, but you have no idea what. It’s too much caffeine, that’s what! It never fails to lead to nervousness, an inability to be still, fidgeting, or pacing, and even anxiety or panic attacks. If this is relatable, it could be time to take a step back, assess how much coffee you’re having every day, and start reeling it back a bit.
Your sleep quality is down the drain
Photo by Debashis RC Biswas on UnsplashOne of the most common side effects of consuming too much coffee is difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, which means your sleep quality goes out the window. Caffeine is a stimulant that can disrupt your body's natural sleep-wake cycle, so if you’re having insomnia and restless nights, consider cutting off your caffeine consumption 6 to 8 hours before your bedtime. If you miss coffee too much in the afternoon, decaf is a thing!
You’re having heart palpitations
Drinking excessive amounts of coffee can cause your heart to beat faster and irregularly, which is known as heart palpitations. So if you notice your heart racing or fluttering after drinking coffee, and there’s no other reason for it (say, stumbling upon a clip of Pedro Pascal winking directly at the camera), it may be time to cut back on your caffeine intake.
Stomach issues are a part of your personality
You know how they say that “hot girls have tummy issues”? Well, it could be because of your obsession with coffee. Coffee is known to stimulate the digestive system, but consuming too much can lead to a variety of issues. Including acid reflux, heartburn, and stomach discomfort. If you often have stomach issues and they usually flare up after you’ve had your coffee, it could be a sign that you’re overdoing it.
You can’t function without it
One thing about caffeine is that you can develop a dependency on it if you don’t watch yourself. Coffee is a pleasant little pick-me-up, but if you’ve crossed the line to “I can’t function without it and my head hurts if I don’t have my coffee,” it’s time to reevaluate your relationship with it. There’s no need for a breakup, but consider building healthier habits around coffee.
Your mood is all over the place
While coffee can initially improve your mood and make your mind feel as sharp as a knife for a while, consuming too much can have the opposite effect, leading to irritability, mood swings, and even depression in some cases. Our mood is already so unpredictable, why add fuel to the fire? Assess yourself and if you see a link between mood shifts and coffee, start reducing your caffeine consumption.
You take frequent trips to the bathroom
Photo by Yena Kwon on UnsplashCoffee is a diuretic, which means it increases the production of urine, making you go to the bathroom a whole lot. This is why consuming too much coffee can make you feel dehydrated, so balance is important. Coffee is delicious, but you also have to remember to keep your caffeine intake at a healthy level and drink your water.
You experience muscle tremors
Excessive caffeine intake can cause muscle tremors or twitching, especially if you’re sensitive. So if you notice involuntary muscle movements after drinking coffee, like eye twitches or shaky hands, it could be a sign that you need to cut back on caffeine. Monitor your intake, which includes keeping an eye on how much tea, sodas, energy drinks, etc., you consume during the day, and find replacements so you can still enjoy a healthy dose of coffee.
You have decreased bone density
Some studies suggest that consuming too much caffeine can lead to decreased bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women. If bone health is a concern for you, controlling your caffeine intake is a must and it’s something you should discuss with your doctor. They can tell you how much caffeine is advisable for you and you can make better lifestyle choices based on that.
You get headaches often
When you become dependent on caffeine, headaches are one of the first signs of withdrawal. If you notice that you always get a headache when you stop drinking caffeine for the day, it might be time to gradually reduce your intake. Usually, 400mg of caffeine per day is ideal for most adults, but everyone’s sensitivity level is different so you’ll have to gauge yours.
None of this means you can’t enjoy coffee; it just means you have to do so in moderation!
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