I get emails from publicists on a daily basis, asking me to write about their clients, let my fans know about their client's latest product, events, etc. I don't respond to all of these. Sometimes, I get invited to restaurants I've been wanting to try, and it is fate. Take Oficina Latina, a Nolita restaurant I had walked by, but never entered. A press invitation to a tasting led me to discover a delicious joint inspired by the Pan-American highway. Every dish I ate was great. It's a cool spot, perfect for a drink, some wine, and tasty bites. You will totally enjoy it!

Calamari and scallop ceviche was fabulous. Lime poached calamari and scallops mixed with celery, cilantro, and pineapple. This dish had the perfect balance of acidity to sweetness.

From Peru we traveled to Ecuador and had grilled octopus with cilantro dressing, served on a potato and celery salad. Great smokiness. Delicious.

Another Ecuadorian inspired dish of grilled tuna skewers with pear, bell pepper, and onion, in a mix herb salsa was awesome! When I first heard we were getting tuna skewers, I did not expect to get wowed. But I did. That tuna was juicy and tasty as can be. The pickled onion on top gave it some great acidity. It's a great dish.

I've been trying to not eat as much red meat as of late, but glad I broke this diet when I consumed the Colombian inspired fried blood sausage, chorizo, and arepitas, served with a side of creme fresca. This dish was pure perfection. Perfectly cooked, splendid flavor. And I never saw or tasted a cuter looking arepa; an arepita.

Oficina Latina is a great restaurant. I don't know any other NYC restaurant that is taking people on a culinary journey along the Pan-American highway as Oficina Latina is doing, and their execution is spot on perfect. A place for sharing drinks, sharing food, and sharing stories, it's a fun spot for sure. A magical night is sure to be had.

Oficina Latina
24 Prince Street (bet. Elizabeth and Mott)
New York, NY 10012
646-381-2555
www.oficinalatinanyc.com