OK, so Madre's matron Jennifer Lopez rarely makes an appearance. But the well-dressed young professionals hanging out at the busy bar, sipping mojitos and nibbling on croquetas, seem to be having a pretty good time anyway.

Those who might be doubtful that La Lopez was really that involved in this restaurant's creation are quickly put at ease upon visiting the website, where her name is plastered all over the introductory page. "Madre's, which is Spanish for Mothers, was created by Jennifer Lopez to celebrate her cultural heritage, and her family." "Jennifer, who is of Puerto Rican descent, wanted her restaurant to serve Latin food, just like she had when growing up." "Jennifer wanted the interior of Madre's to have an old style Havana feel." There, happy? Chandeliers hang over white lace-covered tables; heavy meats marinated in flavorful sauces add a little heft to all that lace. Most of the food—skirt steak, rack of lamb, lobster tail, paella—is good if pricey. This isn't a cheapo meat-and-cheese dive pandering to 3am cravings.