.::|TheDish|::.

Orinoco

Rating: 5 forks

Nestled on the corner of 477 Shawmut Street in Boston's South End, you'll find a little nook of a restaurant called Orinoco. Though the footprint is small - only about 600-700sq/ft, the experience is quite famous. The food is Venezuelan, marked by Latin spices like Adobo and chipotle, and dishes featuring sweet plantains, avocado, cilantro, manchego and even a little mojo.
Hungry yet? Or at the very least, intrigued?

The atmosphere is quite lively, with only about 10-15 tables, a small open kitchen, and no bar. Don't fret, though, you'll be sure to have a glass of wine or a cerveza in hand within minutes of arriving, which makes the (at times) lengthy (often standing) wait a little more palatable. Plus, it's really a fun place, with vibrant decor, and super friendly staff.

When you do finally get seated, I really think you can't go wrong with anything on the menu; and, every item is under 15 bucks! We chose appetizers of shrimp ceviche and a portabella mushroom arepa from the long list of specials featured on the inside flap of the dinner menu, and both were out of this world. Mike chose to go 3 for 3 on the specials list, and ordered-up a perfectly grilled rack of lamb, and a side of those oh-so-irresistible plantains. And I went straight for the Atún, adobo-rubbed tuna with frisse, radish and toasted calabaza seeds, I think the best tuna I have had in the city.

We have a new favorite dining spot, full of character, fun, and affordable international fare that breaks away from the somewhat monotonous menu themes that seem to be saturating this city. Fiesta!

Orinoco
Website
477 Shawmut Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02118
617.369.7075
or
22 Harvard Street
Brookline, Massachusetts 02445
617.232.9505

[image via]

Réunion, the "Intense" Island

I came across another interesting destination worth considering for your next tropical vaca. Referred to as an "intense island", Réunion spans 30-miles in the Indian ocean (close to Mauritius and Seychelles), with plenty to offer any vacationing-type, from total relaxation to wild adventure. Most island inhabitants speak French or Creole, though the culture is described as a blend of French, African, Indian, and Chinese; here, you'll find "all living together in true island harmony", according to ReunionIsland.net.

The rugged interior of the island is marked by an extinct volcano and an active volcano, called Piton de la Fournaise, which has been termed one of the most active in the world. The most recent volcanic eruption was this past October, and it was a biggie, sure to add an element of surprise and risk (and worry?!) to any trip! Additionally, Réunion is known for its three cirques – volcanoes that have collapsed on themselves – yielding an incredible terrain, as  well as contrasting lush forests with rare birds and numerous waterfalls that are particularly active in the rainy season.

On the west coast you'll find chill beaches with a choice of watersports like surfing and scuba (yes!!!). Towards the north, there is a variety of dining options featuring French, Creole, Indian, and Chinese fare. And towards the east, amazing gardens, vegetation, and sugar cane and vanilla fields.

Sounds like Réunion has made it to our list of island honeymoon considerations. Let me know if you have been!

[image via Runweb and ReunionIsland]

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