Now Open: Marbella

As far as inspiration goes, German says he's done a lot of traveling in Spain, and he's especially influenced by the food of Barcelona. "Also," he says, "I'm Dominican, and Spanish cuisine is the biggest influence on our cuisine." Back in New York he points to one restaurant as well as an inspiration: Sala One Nine in the Flatiron district.

But really, you’ll want to come to this sultry red-walled den on your fourth or fifth date and head straight back to the snakeskin booth that’s slightly obscured under the stairs. From here you’ll summon a bottle of albariño, some croquetas and the paella for two, naturally.