A flair for Mexican fare: La Palapa: Restaurateurs Barbara Sibley and Margaritte Malfy are often...

Walking east on St. Mark's Place--past the chaotic host of stores and cafes toward a more serene semblance of normality--you will find La Palapa Cocina Mexicana. It's another world, one you might be unfortunate enough to pass by unless your curiosity about the name lures you in, or you have dined there before and know exactly what you would be missing.

La Palapa restaurant opened in New York City in late 2000; it is the home of authentic Mexican cuisine-- por fin! created by Barbara Sibley and Margaritte Malfy, who have gathered recipes from various regions of el mundo