before dining in la palapa rockola,NYC, i had been given the heads up as to it’s sign, which was leo (opened in early august). i also knew that the theme of this palatial hut was vintage film stars from a bygone era, which heralds back to it’s prohibitionist roots. spanish for thatch hut, this authentic mexican restaurant resides in what was once a speakeasy. i knew to expect photos of old film stars on the wall… and leo’s make great movie stars, so this was of no big shocker. but what really caught me by surprise was the other elements of decor, which were so leoan in character. read on dear bloggers…

omigod, again! the walls are warm shades of orange and yellow! hello… orange and yellow - colors of the sun, leo’s ruling planet (or star)!

leo is the element of fire, and there is certainly no lack of that, with the hundred or so candles that garner the interior!

black and white vintage photography grace the walls of this fine establishment. movie stars from the roaring 20’s are a focal point, and you can’t get more leo than this! the sign of the performer, this cat wants to be seen, photographed, worshipped and lusted after.

and lastly, the sun, center of our solar system, and ruler of leo, hangs grandly from the ceiling of la palapa rockola. a gentle reminder that you are dining in a fat cat’s lair.

oh but you’d like to know about the drinks? they were spectacular. of course. anything leo is going to be good. i had the unbelievably delicious house special which was rimmed with chile piquin salt. my friend sampled the watermelon mojito which was refreshingly smooth. i didn’t get a chance to try the prohibition margarita (somebody’s gotta drive!), but i was told it was to die for. the other libational offerings include about thirty different types of tequila, sangrias, caipirinhas, margaritas and creative cocteles de las casa. the tamarind cosmo, the diva margarita with hibiscus, and the traditional mexican grapefruit soda drink, the dove, are but a few. if you happen to be preggars, la palapa’s got ya covered with several virgin frescas: hibiscius iced tea, hibiscus, tamarind & watermelon limeade and homemade ginger ale.

now let’s talk food. my carnivore friend had the tequila seared steak and loved it. myself, a vegetarian, enjoyed a cactus paddle amongs other veggie delights. if you’ve never tasted cactus, here’s your chance. it’s definitely different than broccoli. september is cactus month so swing on by to sample some mexican specialties.

visit either the west or east village branches of la palapa for a tasteful, and tasty, experience.