Forget Rio, Latin Getaway on the Lower East Side

Forget Rio

Latin Getaway on the Lower East Side

nobody tells it like Urban Daddy

Rayuela

165 Allen (between Stanton and Rivington)

212-253-8840

rayuelanyc.com

You'd love a vacation to Buenos Aires, Rio or even the Latin section of Queens (OK, scratch that last one), but sometimes your schedule demands you settle for a more accessible option—like dinner at Rayuela, soft-opening Wednesday.

A self-proclaimed "destination restaurant," Rayuela is your trip to South America, sans jet lag, rental cars and a bout of tap water-induced "discomfort." As you step into the bi-level space, the foliage alone will make you feel as if you're in another hemisphere: A massive olive tree grows up through the center of the restaurant, and a flower-strewn pool gives you that good old Peruvian oasis feeling.

You can accelerate the Latin vibe with a Caipirinha from the downstairs bar or, in the upstairs ceviche-only bar—that's right, a bar dedicated solely to citrus-marinated seafood—tasty Barnacles shipped from Chile. Once you finish experimenting, order an Estilo Libre Latino ("Freestyle Latin") dish like Langosta Revolucion ("Lobster Revolution"—because it's not a vacation without lobster, and it's not a South American vacation without a little rebellion).

But the candle-lit bathroom area, complete with a chaise lounge and grand communal sink, is the real hotspot. The room is designed as a meeting place for you and other eye-catching guests. And if it's meant to be, Rayuela can even host the wedding (they've booked a couple already).

There's something to be said for the next best thing.