Charanga

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Charanga Review

It's hard to resist the tropical vibe that weaves its way through this animated tapas depot, with its eclectic mix of Cuban and Caribbean-inspired flavors. Some tapas stay true to their Spanish ancestry, like patatas bravas, which are twice-fried potatoes with roast-tomato sauce. Others, like fried yucca with chipotle aioli, are a mix of both the Old and the New World, and some, like Cuban picadillo, a minced-beef dish studded with green olives and raisins, and Costa Rican-style arroz con pollo, chicken and rice with peas, cilantro, and olives, are firmly rooted on this side of the Atlantic. Many of the dishes are bigger than typical tapas—more like raciones, tapas' traditional big brothers—which means healthy appetites will be satisfied here. The dining room, with walls of exposed brick and soothing green and accents of gold, is small and friendly, so grab—or make—some friends, order a pitcher of sangria, and enjoy yourself.