When I first walked up to Super Linda in Tribeca, it looked like a dive diner I would have expected to find on Third Avenue. Much to my surprise, the upstairs proved to be reminiscent of a quaint Caribbean restaurant, and the downstairs, or El Jockey (Super Linda’s exclusive lounge), offers two main tables that are compartmentalized in to their own sections, along with a seating area with small tables. The walls are covered in wooden panels and paintings of horses (fitting for its name), and the bar is all lit up in pink lights.

With a charming Australian manager, a welcoming staff, and delicious Latin American fusion food, Super Linda is a little getaway right in Manhattan. I got a chance to catch up with Super Linda’s head chef, John Martinez, who talked about the inspiration behind the food and the restaurant. Check out what he had to say…