Call it an ideal romantic destination or a comforting winter escape – Cucharamama (233 Clinton Street) is both. Step out of the cold and into the embracing warmth and enticing aromas emanating from the wood-burning oven. Sip a tropical Brazilian caipirinha and dream of destinations in the sun, toast your valentine with a sparkling glass of Cava, or fortify yourself with a rich Argentinian Malbec.

You can make a meal of small plates like potatoes in a creamy cheese and peanut sauce, stuffed Spanish piquillo peppers, miniature empanadas filled with onions and Cabrales blue cheese, or a velvety white bean soup spiked with Merken, a Chi lean pepper blend. Entrees like pollo asado with plantain and eggplant mash or churrasco steak with chimichurri sauce are comfort food classics with South American style.

For dessert, there’s flan of course, but don’t overlook the milhojas argentino. Finish the evening with the spicy Venezuelan hot chocolate. The flavors linger like the memory of a perfect kiss. Visit www.cucharamama.com or call 201-420-1700 for details.

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