Babalu, Bronx

When not hosting Food Network series The Melting Pot, Chef Alex Garcia helps lead the Nuevo Latino cooking movement by assembling menus of delicious Latin fusion fare at several restaurants. Babalu is one of those eateries, where he combines the flavors and atmosphere of Puerto Rican streets of yesteryear with the personality of the modern-day Bronx.

Chef Garcia splits the menu into two categories: small plates of familiar Latin American fare categorized as "From the Streets," and larger entrees such as paella on the "From the Market" portion of the menu. "From the Market" draws influence not only from seaside Latin American markets, but also from the fresh foods found in the Bronx. Specialties include mofongo—a hot combination of plantains, shrimp, and chicken—and veracruzano, roasted snapper smothered in a salsa that's unique to the city of Veracruz in Mexico.