Day 274—Sunday, October 10th, 2010
Boca Chica
Okay, it’s Sunday and that can mean only one thing: Sunday Night Dinner! Tonight I picked a Latin American restaurant called Boca Chica. I was introduced to this place by my friend, LN Sugarman, who I think doesn’t even read this blog, even though I’m going to give her business a plugola right here: SugarMag Publisher Services. I haven’t talked to LN in quite a while, but years ago she had a business dinner here and was kind enough to invite me along. The food is great and its got a nice little bar too, so that’s tonight’s destination.
And we have a guest special guest star tonight, the one and only Sam Gedyman! An actual blood relative of mine. Sam’s my cousin (actually my cousin MaryAnn’s son, so I guess he’s my second cousin, I think...now I’m confused...hi MaryAnn!) and is a talented actor, singer, songwriter, comedy writer, dog-walker and a prince among men and those pretending to be men. He and his partner in comedy crime, Nat Angrick have fromed a comedic duo called Tieam Us and you should check out their videos on YouTube and you can follow them on Twitter, here’s the linkage: Tieam Us on YouTube and you can follow Tieam Us on Twitter. Okay, on to the bar!
Boca Chica, a colorful and festive fixture on the Lower East Side.
I think I see a familiar fellow at the bar.
Bartender Ivan serves up a beer...
And yes, that familiar face is my cousin, Sam Gedyman. Cheers!
As you can see, it's a full bar and they make a killer margarita as you'll see later.
Limen was enjoying some of the fine food at the bar.
And suddenly...fruit!
Tables line the front wall with a fine view of First Avenue.
A leopard skin banquette sits in the back of the restaurant.
Nightly specials are posted on the mirror above the banquette.
Some of the Latin American kitsch and kaboodle on the wall above the bar.
These lovely women were enjoying cocktails and awaiting their dinner. From left: Andaria, Jessica, Sakinah and Sheba.
A little Grateful Dead art for Joey D.
A view from the front windows.
Meanwhile back at the bar, Sam and Ivan are checking out the menu.
First up, coconut shrimp appetizer.
And then the main course.
I had the Cuban Sandwich and Sam had...well, I'm not sure what Sam had, but it was a giant plate of food. And it was delicious!
And for desert, the killer margaritas. Be forewarned these things are tequila bombs! Goodnight, everybody!
Review
Boca Chica has been a favorite Latin American Restaurant and bar on the Lower East side for close to fifteen years now. The restaurant has a relaxing, low-key vibe with brick walls and festive colors. The bar is cozy and the staff are friendly. The cliental is mainly local folks from the neighborhood and regulars at the bar.
There’s no draft beer but they do have a full bar with a decent selection of bottled beers. Some of the signature drinks include house Sangria, Margaritas and Mojitos. If you like shrimp, this is your dream restaurant, there’s eight different shrimp dishes on the menu including: Shrimp, Avocado and Heart Of Palm Salad; Shrimp Chipotle; Shrimp Ajillo and Moqueca De Peixe shrimp and fish in coconut sauce. Other entrees featured are: Skirt Steak Chimichurri; Cuban Sandwich; Burrito Cubano and an Argentina Chopped Steak Sandwich with chimichurri mayo.
Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4pm.
Boca Chica
13 First Ave. (@ 1st. St.)
212-473-0108
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"Misery and Gin," a place I may be at the end of the week. Thanks to Tim Clack for bringing this song up. Cheers!