"Named after Caribbean seaside promenades, the iconic Malecon has a 12-page menu with daily specials and calls itself the “King of Roasted Chicken.” My go-tos are the octopus salad and mofongo—because (ICYMI) plantain is life. Malecon is the first Dominican restaurant I tried in the Heights that never fails, and if you’re lucky you’ll get to meet the owner’s daughter, Larissa who welcomes you with Dominican hospitality. For Angie, the star of the show at Malecon is always the arroz con longaniza. “Whether it's in a rice dish or served alongside tostones, longaniza seasoned to perfection with oregano, garlic, and the juice of bitter oranges is a personal favorite of mine,” she says. “Just ask my Tia Tita!” " - shelley worrell 31