The Spanish word “somos” translates to “we are” in English. This simple phrase inspires the people at Somos to celebrate Latin cuisines with a global perspective. For example, you’ll find pan-Latin dishes with hints of Brazilian, Mexican and Caribbean tastes; in addition to the Italian, Asian and other global flavors that continue to influence Latin American food. Now open, you can find Somos in North Arlington.
Location-wise, Somos occupies the 6,000-square-foot space that was previously the Euro Lounge. The restaurant is a product of Owner and Executive Chef Juan Andres Placencia. Born in Peru, he was most recently owner and executive chef of the Peruvian restaurant Costanera Cocina Peruana in Montclair. After training at the Culinary Institute of America, he went to work in New York City. Particularly, he has experience at NYC restaurants like Jean Georges, Eleven Madison Park, and Gotham Bar and Grill.
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While eating at Somos, you’ll find cozy booths, vaulted ceilings and vibrant architectural facades inspired by Trinidad, Cuba. Light fixtures with hand-woven shades and rich, natural tones are modern nods to traditional crafts. The design, overseen by Michael Groth, aims to “evoke the sensations of Latin American urban life,” according to Somos. (Via press release.)
Meanwhile, the restaurant seats about 150 inside and another 50 outdoors. The seating area in the back is bright and festive, making it ideal for celebrations. “An open kitchen and bar with colorful awnings anchor the space and create an open-air market feel,” the press release says. They also have a performance space with a stage and large wood-panel mural spelling out Somos; similar to how it was done for the Mexico 1968 Olympics.
The Menu
The innovative yet approachable menu offers small and shareable plates that are both traditional and modern mashups of different cultures. First, you can start with salad, a flatbread or ceviche (ahi tuna, black bass or shrimp). Then, main dishes include pollo adobado, which is achiote roasted chicken, Yukon potato puree and jicama slaw. Otherwise, another Somos standout is the frutos del mar cavatelli which has shrimp, pulpo, mussels, calamari, tomatoes and puiquillo.
Sides range from a daily market vegetable to rice and black bean hash or patatas bravas. Finally, for dessert, order the pineapple tres leches (pineapple cake, coconut-rum sauce and passionfruit) or arroz con leche; the latter contains coconut rice pudding, mango sauce and coconut.
Somos offers a variety of drink options as well. Particularly, you’ll find draft beers, bottle beers, Latin American and Spanish wines and specialty cocktails. Otherwise, you can order a glass or pitcher of the holiday sangria—housemade cranberry sauce, rosemary, allspice and apple brandy; or maybe try a Johnny Llamas, which is Tito’s vodka, housemade chicha and clementine.
Somos is located at 185 River Road in North Arlington. For hours, menu details & more, call 201-621-0899 or visit https://www.somosnj.com.
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © Somos Restaurant / Facebook
Additional Images (in Order) Courtesy:
Somos Restaurant / Facebook
Somos Restaurant / Instagram
