Sophie’s, Tribeca

I love Cuban food because it’s hearty and meaty and sort of feeds your soul as well as your stomach.

I hungrily stumbled into Sophie’s on a Thursday afternoon. The place was busy with Wall Street types on their lunch break, and I pretty much sat elbow to elbow to the fellow at the next table. But the quick service made me forget how uncomfortable I was.

The plate arrived with lovely, saucy shredded beef and rice and beans that seemed to go on for days. It was a lot of food. But not for long.

Cuban food isn’t typically spicy, but Sophie’s has this green sauce that easily qualifies as liquid crack and adds a bit of a kick.

I’ve since been back three other times. The ropa vieja, oxtail stew (pictured), and goat stew are all delicious. But so far the pernil is the big winner, hands down.