It’s the weekend again in NYC… so why not head to one of the trendiest spots in all of Williamsburg? I found myself watching a dancer dancing to Brazilian music with my friend as I sipped on a lavender cocktail and cheered them on. Where was I? Republic Latin Fusion, of course, during their Latin night.
I brought my sweet friend Allie, a Libra queen, out for her birthday dinner. Upon arriving at Republic Latin Fusion, we were greeted by the kind hostess who led us to a cute little table in the mix of the dancing frenzy, mirrorball and all. The music transported my mind to the warmer months as the server took our orders.
We started with violet drinks. Allie chose La Luna, a peach-rosemary flavored vodka, St. Germain Elderflower, verjus, simple syrup, starfruit, and blue pea flower; she reports it was a stiff drink that not only looked beautiful but had a herbal yet fruity taste.
I opted for the Miami Lychee a feminine, gin-based cocktail blend of violet and maraschino liqueur, lychee and lemon juice, and garnished with a lychee and a pretty flower.
Of course we couldn’t drink on empty stomachs, so we ordered a round of Crispy Calamari. We chatted for a short while about her wishes for the big 24, when an adorable plate arrived. The dish consisted of shrimp and octopus, deep-fried with a thinly yet super crispy exterior. Some baby bok choy and onions were mixed in too, and the dish came with a fresh, herbal avocado aioli. The flavors were well-balanced between savory, crunchy, and finger-licking and it was the perfect accompaniment to our cocktails.
While we were finishing our calamari, the lights grew dimmer and the music came more alive as people were celebrating birthdays, promotions, and other joyous events. That’s when a beautiful woman in a carnival outfit (bright sapphire blue and completely bejeweled) came out dancing to the heart-pumping beat of the music. Allie and I clapped along as the dancer flitted from table to table, flashing her megawatt smile. She grabbed Allie’s hands to dance as they shimmed under the disco ball.
Soon it was time for our main courses. I read the description for the Seared Duck and just knew I had to order it. This gorgeous dish came out looking like edible art. The aged duck breast had flavorful and crispy skin that was a delight to eat. This dish came with four different sauces: a carrot puree, gravy, orange duck sauce, and red wine reduction. These additions had a multi-flavor effect on my tastebuds; some more sweet, some more tart, some more smoky. To contrast the duck were bits of vegetables consisting of carrots and shaved Brussels sprouts. The flavors were dancing in my mouth just like the people shaking their hips around the restaurant.
Allie ordered the Seared Salmon with quinoa chaufa, sautéed vegetables, mango salsa, and salsa verde. I had a few bites; the salmon was flaky yet so tender, with quinoa chaufa seasoned to the heavens, and the veggies and salsa verde added a fresh-yet-spicy kick. Allie gave the meal two thumbs up.
Before we could head out for a night of dancing, we just had to get something sweet. We ended our night with Berry Bae, a cold-press juice filled with a berry trio of blueberries, blackberries, elderberries and combined with schisandra, lemon, coconut nectar, and vegan probiotic. Berry Bae was juicy, tart, and most of all: a delicious drink to end the evening.
But of course, we also had to get some real dessert, and so a Tres Leches landed in front of us. Between two spoons and the discussion of birthday wishes, we dug into the milky cake made of a citrus sponge cake with a layer of whipped cream, mango, lychee, and topped with toasted coconut and fresh strawberries. Our favorite part was the cake soaked in a cinnamon coconut milk that was unbelievably creamy. This decadent dessert was the perfect end to the night – before we headed out to a club downtown.
Reserve a table at Republic Latin Fusion for a night out, for your birthday, or for any other day of the year!
Find them at:
181 N 10th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
between Driggs + Bedford Avenues
______________________
