Mio

2012 Fall Dining Guide
By Tom Sietsema
Washington Post Magazine
Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012

Mofongo is in short supply in Washington. But the chance to dig into garlicky mashed plantains is far from the only reason to seek out the always-sunny Mio, best known for its Friday night Puerto Rican feast, in which a whole suckling pig is roasted to a mouth-watering mahogany hue, brittle skin clinging to succulent flesh. A yellow scoop of rice and pigeon peas, spiky plantain balls and hot pepper-and-garlic sauce turn the porcine pleasure into a last-meal request. There's more like that from the open kitchen of San Juan native Giovanna Huyke: cheesy arepas, smoky octopus, an island spin on lasagna that pairs ground veal with plantains. (Skip the lime-drenched seviche, however.) On a budget? Go at lunch, where a three-course spread -- maybe crisp pork with shocking slaw, winy salmon and a goblet of guava mousse -- goes for $20. Not bad for a vacation from the office cafeteria.