José Enrique Restaurant
Morcilla
Bacalaito
Swordfish Schnitzel
Pollo Chupa Plato
Mofongo with Sauce Creole
Formerly part of in Santurce, and now occupying an unmarked white building on Ashford Avenue, José Enrique Restaurant self-defines as a Latin-Caribbean Brasserie, its Chef finding fame for his use of local Ingredients and classic technique to highlight traditional Puerto Rican fare.
Open from noon to 11.00pm Wednesday through Sunday, social distancing guidelines limiting capacity and making reservations a must, it is amidst largely unadorned walls that guests are seated swiftly, servers pleasant and quick to describe the relatively brief menu.
Awarded “Best New Chefs” accolades in 2013 by Food & Wine, the JBF offering a Finalist spot for “Best Chef South” two years later, José Enrique in 2021 carries a price tag somewhere between gourmet and casual, $12 housemade Morcilla enjoyable but not 3x so much as La Alcapurria Quemá though the $5 Bacalaito made like a Chinese Scallion Pancake is admittedly exquisite.
Ranging $21 to $44 for Main courses, a side of Mofongo with roasted Tomato Sauce featuring crisp edges around a succulent center, do be sure to order “Lick Your Plate Chicken” if the roasted Bird and Rice are available, but perhaps reconsider $23 “Schnitzel” that on this night featured perhaps 3oz of flavorless Fish pounded thin and fried with Panko.
www.joseenriquepr.com