"With plastic roses everywhere and a wood-shingled ordering counter, Krunchy Cueritos in Washington Heights looks like a Barbie cottage—if Barbie were the cute cartoon pig looking out of the fake window painted on the wall. This whimsically pink spot makes some great Dominican food, like a $35 fried feast in the form of their Krunchy Picada tray, the mofongo laden with pork and garlic, and creamy yuca mash. It can take a while for your food to be ready, but you can order ahead for pick-up online. Eat inside while watching music videos on the TV, or if it’s a nice day, take your picnic-friendly food to a chess table near the top of Hightower Park. Food Rundown photo credit: Sonal Shah Krunchy Picada This bountiful tray is filled with perfectly fried tostones—visibly studded with plantain cross-sections—and yuca fries that remain crisp even when cool. The chicharron crunches loudly, and the longaniza is a mosaic of fat and oregano. The carnitas sala’ is a little dry, but tastes great—like a chile lime chip. Go for the beautifully bubbly empanadas first. This plus a couple of beers could be the makings of a beautiful afternoon. photo credit: Sonal Shah Krunchy Fongo Under a net of cheese, this mound of mofongo is garlicky bliss, loaded with pork and decorated with a few choice pieces of juicy chicharron. photo credit: Sonal Shah Yuca Mash A bowl of gooey yuca mash, also topped with chicharron, is a very comforting and filling little meal for $7." - Sonal Shah
