What happens if you airlift a hot spot new restaurant from Calle Loiza and air drop it into Dorado’s main plaza square? ALBA happens! A renovated house with an unassuming facade, ALBA’s backyard, string lighted, wooden terrace is the definition of a hidden gem, the kind of place you instantly feel at home. Louie Ramirez runs the floor in shorts and tennis shoes, talking to his patrons like friends who came over for a house party. In the kitchen, Marco Melendez, shuns the label of Chef and states “we’re just a team of people who love to cook”. So it’s no surprise Alba is genuine and warm, with charming dishes that reflect a lack of pretentiousness and a love for hospitality.
The menu has multiple nods to traditional Puerto Rican comfort food, which was perfect for the rainy day we dropped by for a tasting. The Sorullo con Guacamole was the best fracking sorullo I’ve ever had. Lightly baked and elegant with the Guacamole replacing the usually vulgar sweetness of extra sugar. Other appetizer entries like the Mejillones con Chorizo and a beautifully fresh Ceviche de Corvina prove an ability to sidestep into international dishes with ease.
For main course we paired the rich and hearty classic Guiso con chorizo y papas majadas with Innis and Gunn, a selection from the craft beer list. The menu treats these classic dishes with the utmost respect. These are not re-imagined or deconstructed, merely executed with a ton of love and passion and a penchant for getting all the textures you need to enjoy the flavors you expect.
One of the more fusion-y dishes that’s proved popular is the Prawns and Scallops over Jasmine Rice. I couldn’t have it (damn you allergies, damn you to hell!), but it has received accolades and plenty of buzz
Finally, these are the same folks who brought you Grappa, Dorado’s neighborhood Italian, so if you have been there you know the attention to details and intimate service to expect. Creativity is fostered and respected here so daily specials sometimes even outshine the regular menu.
Alba
Calle Mendez Vigo #314
787-961-6058
Mon, Thurs 5pm-10pm
Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm