A special dining experience with a historic view at Paté Palo in Santo Domingo

This week, I’m returning to regularly scheduled programming about my travels to Santo Domingo. Our first day in the DR was full of meetings and eating and touring. For our first dinner out in Santo Domingo, Francina took the hubs and me to Paté Palo, a European brasserie with international flair.Of course, because we were with Francina, we had top-notch service with dishes personally curated and delivered by Chef Saverio Stassi himself. What ensued was a most memorable experience.Firstly, we were dining al fresco on a buzzing patio right across from the famous site of Alcazar de Colon, or Columbus House, in the historical Zone Colonial. Even with my fuzzy vision, I could detect warm light from afar lighting what must be an old colonial building.Our first course was a samosa (that’s right, Chef started with an Indian dish) stuffed with Guinea hen. A jalapeño yogurt was served on the side for dipping. It was a nice familiarity but elevated by the unusual protein of choice.Second course was a Chilean sea bass with black beans and ginger. It was reminiscent of Chinese-style steamed fish with fermented black beans and ginger. Again, I appreciated the chef taking a solid classic Asian dish and making it gourmet by selecting more refined ingredients.The meat and final savory course came next: an aged beef tenderloin with umami-bomb porcini mushrooms and unctuous foie gras, accompanied by some simple rosemary potatoes. This dish was definitely more classic European French.For the final sweet course, the pendulum swung from traditional back to creative with a smoky tobacco, rum, and coffee dessert (pictured at top). I’m usually skeptical about food that arrives smoking at the table—I find them hokey—but it was interesting and, aside from the dome cover, not “gag me” over-the-top.Although my least favorite course, I still had to commend the dessert for showcasing what the DR is known for: cigars, rum, and coffee.Easily one of the best meals I had in Santo Domingo, I thoroughly enjoyed dinner at Paté Palo for the ambience, service, and food. The tab was taking care of so I can’t speak to whether or not the meal was really worth it, but I imagine it to be pricey.If you’re looking for a special evening with your S.O. or with family and friends, Paté Palo is sure to delight your fancy.Paté PaloCalle Atarazana 25Santo Domingo, Dominican RepublicPhone: +1 809 687-8089