NEW YORK — You’ll find many ties to Dominican culture inside the Radio Hotel in Washington Heights, aka the Little Dominican Republic.
If you dine at Jalao NYC, the surroundings might make you believe you are in the Dominican Republic.
“The Washington Heights community is considered a little Dominican Republic, because we have the largest population of Dominican immigrants,” said Chantal Montilla, general manager of Jalao NYC.
As Chef Wilmer Chuquillanqui prepared three classic Dominican dishes – sancocho, mofongo, and chicharron with cassava – CBS New York entered the kitchen to capture the culinary experience.
Naturally, we had to conduct a taste test.
The sancocho, a beloved dish during the winter season, consists of a delightful combination of beef, pork, and chicken. Mofongo, on the other hand, primarily relies on mashed plantains as its main component, while chicharron is derived from succulent pork belly.
Chuquillanqui explained that there is a significant amount of preparation involved. The majority of our dishes require labor-intensive steps, as they involve marinating and completing the actual cooking on separate days.
Almost half, or approximately 48%, of the residents in Washington Heights were born in a foreign country. Out of this group, a significant majority, around 62%, are of Dominican descent.
Montilla’s objective is not only to serve delicious dishes but also to create an atmosphere that transports visitors back to the island.
She explained that discussing the Dominican Republic involves more than just experiencing the Dominican atmosphere; it also entails staying true to the culture. Despite having a sophisticated appearance, the elevated style still manages to provide a sense of comfort reminiscent of home, thanks to the flavors.
- In:
- Dominican Republic
- Hispanic Heritage Month
- Manhattan
- Washington Heights
