The rich flavors of Latin America are being celebrated at La Central in Chelsea. The restaurant, at Hotel Americano, is a collaborative effort led by Chef/Partner Franklin Becker with recipes from Mexico, Peru and El Salvador, along with other influences. In fact, anyone who works at the restaurant can contribute a dish. Among the offerings, Savory Churros with garlic-jalapeno butter and queso; Octopus Carnitas with avocado, sesame-pipian and chicharron; and Mariscos en Caldo de Camarones featuring shellfish in a spicy shrimp broth for two. Cocktails also offer Latin flair with drinks like Smoke & Fire made with cachaça, charred pineapple, taijin "cured" lime and cane sugar; and Abuela’s Secret with pisco, aperol, grapefruit, honey, lemon and egg white. Michael Parish, formerly of  Broken Shaker and Prime Italian, is overseeing La Central's beverage program. The modern space, which seats 50, boasts floor-to-ceiling windors, marble tabletops, fun yellow and brown seating, and chrome pendant lights. There's also an outdoor patio (heated in winter) for guests to enjoy. See more

- Thomas Rafael