First review of the New Year -- Happy New Year, my Yelpies!!
Good eats and grand vibes to kick things off!
This review is for Bokaguá, a Dominican-Asian fusion spot my brother found for dinner while we were in the Bronx. We didn't want to drive far, so he did what we all do -- hit Instagram. And let me tell you... IG did NOT disappoint.
The Vibe
Vibe check? PASSED.
The lighting is great, the atmosphere and ambiance are on point, and this place truly works for everything:
* Date night (fellas, this is an A+)
* Ladies night / girls night for tea and giggles
* Quiet dinner
* Catch-ups
* Family outings
It fits all the vibes.
You can really see the fusion throughout the decor. You're given chopsticks and regular silverware, there are multiple water options (still, sparkling, etc.), and the whole setup just feels thoughtful and intentional.
The Menu
The menu is built around sharing, which I love.
* Small Shares = appetizers
* Large Shares = entrees
Drinks? Also hit.
Now let's get into this food.
Small Shares
Mofongo Dumplings
These come with crispy chicharrón (pork belly). Whoever decided to mix these two food groups is a mad scientist -- in the best way. Not my favorite small share overall, but the chicharrón was crispy, juicy, and DELICIOUS, and the mofongo absolutely did its thing.
Caribbean Oxtail Samosas
Listen... the Caribbean in me loves a good oxtail, and these did me RIGHT. They come with yellow curry yogurt, watermelon hot sauce, and mango banilejo salsa -- yes, all of that. Even my brother, who does not like oxtails, tore these up. That should tell you something.
Korean Fried Chicken Wings
BABY. THESE WINGS.
Hands down my favorite small share. Tender, crispy, great size, and the sauce?? EVERYTHING. It's a Dominican rum + gochujang glaze, served with an avocado lime crema. We were dipping. We were eating. We were happy. I'm already planning to order these again when I go back -- because I will be going back.
Large Shares
Fried Crispy Red Snapper (my brother's dish)
Served with green curry sauce, papaya chili salad, and coconut rice. This was our least favorite dish. The fish itself was bland and very heavily breaded, which made it hard to enjoy the snapper. That said -- the coconut rice was delicious, and the papaya chili salad was something I didn't know I needed.
Jjajang Braised Short Rib
THIS was it for me.
It comes with sweet plantain purée, tostone crumbs, and a chayote starfruit slaw. The short rib was tender, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The best bites were when everything was on the fork together -- absolutely worth it and zero disappointment.
Dessert
We finished with Dulce de Coco Enyucao -- vanilla ice cream, passion fruit caramel, cassava and shredded coconut cake roll. It was my first time trying it. I didn't love it, but it was a cute, sweet way to end the meal.
Drinks & Service
My brother got an espresso martini -- on point. I like mine sweeter, he likes his more bitter, and it worked for both of us (which says a lot). I let our server choose my drink and he nailed it with the Coconut Limonada -- smooth, refreshing, and a cute little buzz.
Service was great. Our server gave solid recommendations, checked on us, and made sure we were good. Tip was included in the bill -- not sure if that's automatic or time-based, but just be aware.
Final Thoughts
I definitely recommend Bokaguá. It's a fun fusion, great vibe, mostly strong dishes, and an experience worth trying. Go check it out and let me know what you think.
New year, new eats -- and this one started us off right. read more