Lake Welch

The Dominican Ritual of Beach Spaghetti | Eater

"This 216-acre lake in the park is a vivid epicenter of Dominican beach-picnic culture: on hot summer days hundreds of families set up canopies along its shore, flying flags, grilling whole fish, playing dominican music styles and sharing empaguetadas—large pots of spaghetti cooked and seasoned for crowds. The spaghetti is typically broken into small pieces and cooked very soft, tossed in a tomato-based criollo sauce made with garlic, onion, peppers, annatto and butter, sometimes enriched with evaporated milk and studded with olives, smoked pork or chicken; pan sobao or pan de agua is almost always served alongside. The scene emphasizes generosity and inclusion—strangers are welcomed, food is shared—and the lake functions as both a practical, budget-friendly gathering spot and a cultural landmark where memories are made and Dominican identity in New York is publicly performed." - Mike Diago