Anye S.
Yelp
Let me start by saying I am not in any way an expert on Dominican food, in fact I think I've only had it a couple times before, so I can't comment on authenticity. I'll also try to separate that which is my own personal taste and that which is more objective.
We came here craving mofongo, but we've only had Puerto Rican mofongo before. (See note above - this is a Dominican restaurant.) The friendly male staffer (owner? not sure) who speaks English explained the difference between Dominican and Puerto Rican mofongo along with other info about their menu. Their mofongo is served along side the protein you order it with, but also by default comes with chicharrones (fried, dare I say dessicated, pork belly) inside. Their mofongo doesn't come with an additional side, but their other entrees do.
They have a choice of three sauces for the mofongo; garlic, tomato, and coconut. I'm a huge fan of Puerto Rican garlic sauce on mofongo; I did not care for this garlic sauce nearly as much. It was much less intense but more creamy, unfortunately not as flavorful. I would probably try coconut next time.
I ordered the shrimp mofongo, husband ordered the carne frita de res (fried beef). Although the shrimp were good sized and cooked right, with the not-as-good garlic sauce they really didn't shine as they could have. The beef however was very good even with no sauce. They brought pink sauce to accompany it, which to me tasted just like thousand island or russian dressing. I don't think the beef needed it but it would be fine with it.
The mofongo itself was pretty good. I still think I prefer the Puerto Rican style, but I did enjoy it. It was VERY filling. One thing I personally did not care for was the chicharrones inside. Did I mention that they were dessicated? It wasn't the good kind of crunch, and I ended up pulling those pieces out. The gentleman did say that they could make the mofongo without it, so I think next time I'll ask them to skip it. The gentleman said a lot of people were ordering the pork belly and it was really fresh... so if that's it when it's good, I think I just don't like it. But that doesn't mean it's actually bad, may just not be to my taste.
I should note the other waitress doesn't really speak English, and my Spanish accent was so bad that she had trouble understanding me. You may be better off asking her to get the other guy if you think you're having a communication issue.
Hubby also ordered the passion fruit juice, it was very good. I was trying to conserve calories so I resisted the temptation to order a mango mojito or a pina colada but other reviews said their cocktails are very good.
All in all, I do want to try the restaurant again and try some of the other proteins and sides. The gentleman said the stewed meats are very popular. And they have goat... I love goat... may need to try a goat mofongo without the chicharrones...
As an FYI re the parking situation, the meters right outside are only monitored from 9-6 weekdays so that's great for dinner. There is also a lot south of the restaurant but to get into it you have to turn onto the side street. If you're coming from the North it's a bit of a challenge, you have to go past it several blocks before there's a place to turn around. If you're coming from the north you also could go the long way, take 29 to Dale drive, which comes out just south of the restaurant near the parking.