Are We In Puerto Rico?

Haven’t done a girl’s night out/dinner in a long time.  The ladies and I wanted to keep it very low key so we found ourselves at Casa Adela in Alphabet City yesterday.  Bova, Christine, Daisy, and I were feeling the heat, so logically, we decided to go somewhere even hotter than the weather outside.  Casa Adela is nothing too pretty, but you feel like you’re in San Juan (never been).  It’s a whole-in-the-wall restaurant with employees lounging at the tables (literally taking a nap).  The tables are covered with a clear plastic “tablecloth” and the banquest-style chairs make this place look authentically homey.

The menu is simple and cheap!  All the entrées come with rice and beans OR salad and plantains.  Each of us decided to go with the unbelievably fluffy yellow rice and delicious black beans.

Bova’s roast pork was very juicy and savory.  Christine’s rotisserie chicken was a little too dry but very tasty.  Love the skin!  My cod…mmm…I understand fish is fishy, but this was fishy.  This kind of fish was cooked from a dried fish, hence the extra salty and fishy flavor (had no idea).  The menu definitely sold this dish by mentioning tomato sauce, onions, potatoes, olives, raisins, and garlic.  Doesn’t that sound amazing? Well…it wasn’t.

Best part of the meal?  Sweet plantains (maduros)!  Paladar and Casa Adela have equally amazing plantains, both the best I’ve ever had (even considering Costa Rica).  These glorious babies were completely melted to a golden hue.  The bottom sides were a little crispy and the other sides were fluffy and silky.

The people working there are very polite and hospitable.  All smiles and genuine interest in feeding their customers.  We collectively decided that this place is our new go-to spot.  SO good.  SO cheap.  SO relaxed.

5th and Avenue C (my new favorite street in NY).