Virginia Otazo

2 weeks ago | theinfatuation.com | Ryan Pfeffer |Mariana Trabanino |Virginia Otazo |Carlos C Olaechea

Your dad might say he doesn’t want to make a big deal out of his birthday, but deep down, he does. At Madroño, before he even realizes what’s happening, they’ll blast “Las Mañanitas” and rain paper streamers down upon him. Even if your dad is a stone-faced tax auditor, it’s a joyous display that’ll have him smiling like Mona Lisa. The food has a similar effect. The Nicaraguan restaurant is an incredibly reliable place to take your dad on the days it’s not his birthday, too.

3 weeks ago | theinfatuation.com | Mariana Trabanino |Ryan Pfeffer |Virginia Otazo

Kids love choices as much as the Lilo & Stitch soundtrack. That’s why The Citadel is such an easy and reliable spot to take little opinionated Omar out to eat. They’ll likely gravitate towards United States Burger Service, because you can grab your burger from inside little mailboxes. They also have excellent bowls of carbonara at Borti and ice cream that can be used as a form of bribery to eat the edamame you got from Poke-San.

4 weeks ago | theinfatuation.com | Mariana Trabanino |Ryan Pfeffer |Virginia Otazo |Carlos C Olaechea

Every single ceviche on the menu of this 12-seat counter is citrus gold. Especially the mixto, a gloriously perfect blend of peppers, lime juice, and a variety of rotating sea creatures. Ask for the medium spice level, which we’ve found to be the ideal balance of heat and citrus. When stone crab is in season or there’s Hokkaido uni available, the chef will go off-script and assemble a ceviche so remarkable, you’ll start to wonder about the 80% of the ocean that remains uncharted.

1 month ago | theinfatuation.com | Ryan Pfeffer |Mariana Trabanino |Virginia Otazo |Carlos C Olaechea

Miami is a shimmering ocean of tiramisu options, but this is our easy favorite. It’s got all the quintessential flavors of a tiramisu, but it also has something those others don’t: texture. That’s thanks to the layers of Pavesini biscuits instead of soaked ladyfingers. You can ask for a glass of the same amaro they use to soak those biscuits. We did that once, and it’s our happiest dessert memory. Reservations go live on Resy at noon 30 days in advance.

1 month ago | theinfatuation.com | Will Hartman |Alana Dao |Virginia Otazo |Patrick Wong

Crevette opened in February, but the NYC restaurant is really a summer child, with its aperitifs, seafood plates, and pastel dining room. On this prime people-watching corner, the pastis gimlets are poured over crushed ice and a coriander mignonette takes oysters to new heights. When the sun dips low and you want something cozier than a crudo, go for the half-chicken with fries. Leopard-spotted pizzas. Tropical cocktails. Swaying under a disco ball in a packed room.