Caridad China

Restaurants probably don’t make a habit of pouring Puerto Rican style mojo de ajo on fried green plantains because they fear the plantains will become soggy. At Caridad China in East Williamsburg, there is no fear. And the fried green plantains swimming in tangy garlic sauce are unfathomably crisp. Start with these, then mix and match from the rest of the Chino Latino menu, with dishes like sesame chicken or steak with onions, in portions that will result in leftovers. Service is quick and attentive, and though there are chandeliers and big mirrors here, this is a casual spot with mostly solo diners watching TV while eating. A nice touch—each table has a different Latin American flag on it (we sat at the Peru table, if you were wondering).