The ambience is casual, romantic and welcoming. A fantastic metal sculpture of a comical yet vicious-looking fish hangs overhead at the entrance, but the indication of getting eaten alive here is false. You'll be glad to have had the chance to dine. The menu features selections from Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Argentina. Some meals are complex, others are straightforward meat and potatoes.
Vegetarian choices are limited but enticing.
Pipian's, on Fourth Avenue also serves recipes from Mexico, Chile and Argentina. The restaurant has undergone some much-needed modernization from past incarnations, yet retains a romantic charm. On a recent Thursday night, there was a small line to grab one of the few tables inside, so reservations are a good idea. The fabled sugar cane liqueur, lime juice and ice concoction was made familiar to me many years ago after my parents returned from a trip to the Amazon. Tales of a traveling companion who waded into a hotel pool and then passed out head first after downing the devil drink made a humorous albeit formidable impression.