Cabana Restourant

Summertime is one of my favorite times of the year to go out and find the best Vanilla Ice Cream. I love all flavors of ice cream, but a scoop of true pure vanilla is the ultimate sophisticated dessert. Vanilla ice cream is available everywhere, so how do you decide which one is right for you?

I started my quest for the best by strolling down the frozen food aisle in my local grocery store. The cartons claimed “creamiest”, “old fashion”, “slow churn”, “natural”, “fat free” and much more. I have no idea what most of those statements mean. I do know that low fat ice cream sounds to good to be true so I skipped right over it. I would rather eat a little less of the good stuff then load up on inferior ice cream.

In order to determine what all those claims meant on the cartons, I turned them over to the list of ingredients. Typically, ice cream is made from: milk, cream, sugar, eggs and flavoring (like vanilla, chocolate or fruit). I was amazed to see a list of ingredients on the side. Most commercial brands had high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavorings and a whole list of chemicals most individuals can not pronounce or know what they mean. I decided to give up on the grocery store and head to the local parlors.

Luckily, I live in a populated area that has many local and chain outlets. The chain outlets offer several variations ranging from frozen custard, frozen yogurt, soft serve and hard ice cream. Most of these are mass produced and no different from the grocery store offerings.

I did enjoy sampling several different varieties from the local parlors but even those ranged in quality. The smaller parlors served locally made ice cream made with all natural ingredients and milk from cows not given the bovine growth hormone (rBGH). These stores did provide the best store bought product available. Unfortunately, they did carry a hefty price for a scoop.

New York is full of amazing restaurants and has a thriving Latino culture. As you can imagine it was no easy task compiling a list of must-eat Latin restaurants. In order to narrow it down, some guidelines were established. Each restaurant was nominated by a panel of locals. Restaurants were then evaluated based on authenticity, quality of food, and accessibility to anyone regardless of budget. After much labor, it is a pleasure to present this fantastic list. A beber y a tragar, que el mundo se va a acabar!

Flor De Mayo

484 Amsterdam Avenue (Upper West Side)

(212) 787-3388

This somewhat divey favorite is one of the few remaining Chino-Latino restaurants in New York. The interesting brand of cuisine was birthed when Chinese that immigrated to countries like Peru and Cuba fled conditions in South America and came to New York. History aside, the restaurant’s pollo à la brasa, a Peruvian rotisserie chicken, could go head to head with any Latino offering in the city. The savory, flavor-packed bird won’t set you back too far either. Be sure to try a glass of the red sangria.

El Parador Café

325 East 34th St # 1 (Midtown East)

(212) 679-6812

Originally opened in 1959, this sleeper of a Mexican restaurant serves some of the best contemporary Mexican to be found in New York. Diners can enjoy a variety of exceptional dishes including a braised shredded flank steak, mole pablano, paella or for the less adventurous quesadillas and enchiladas while sipping on El Parador’s strong but tasty margaritas.

Victor’s Cafe

236 West 52nd St # 1 (Midtown)

(212) 586-7714

Another oldie but goodie, Victor’s Cafe has been serving Cuban food to New Yorkers since 1963. This theatre district favorite maintains an upbeat environment with live salsa music without falling into the trap of most of the area’s restaurants which sacrifice food quality for atmosphere. Delicious offerings include lechon asado, ropa vieja, roast suckling pig in sour orange, olive oil, garlic and herbs, and florida red snapper. If you’re drinking, you can’t go wrong with their mojito.