5
"The way a ladleful of garlicky mojo seeps into a heap of yellow rice with pigeon peas, the pernil plate at Lechonera La Isla sinks right into your soul, banishing every stressful thought, bite by comforting bite. Besides pork and rice, this family-owned lunch counter in East Harlem sells fried snacks, tender grainy morcilla, sweet plantains, and more Puerto Rican food, all behind a neon sign featuring an upside-down pig. Pernil With Arroz Con Gandules, $16" - will hartman, willa moore, molly fitzpatrick, sonal shah, bryan kim