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Dinner and Dancing

If, like me, you're addicted to "Dancing with the Stars" and have been longing to learn some sultry Latin dances then it's time to bring your appetite and your best dancing shoes to Papa Ningo in Shockoe Bottom .

Since 2005, Polo and Marianna Estevez have made us fall in love with Dominican cuisine at their tiny and colorful restaurant in Shockoe Bottom, and now they're going to share some of their sweet and spicy culture with us as well.

They've just completed a massive renovation on the abandoned building next door, and not only will the restaurant triple it's size in the brand new space, but a massive dance floor and professional instructors are going to teach Richmonders the fiery Latin dances that are an integral part of the culture. Soon you can both eat your salsa and learn how to shake it off, after enjoying your home-cooked Dominican dinner.

The original space with its colorful pink, green, and yellow décor will continue to serve breakfast and lunch, while dinner service will move next door to the new dining room. A large, bi-level bar divides the dining room from the dance space, which will also be available to rent for private parties and events. With the same colorful décor, the expanded Papa Ningo party space will be in full swing by the end of the month.

While Marianna may surprise us with a few new additions to the menu, you can still enjoy her Dominican-style comfort food favorites like Pescado con Coco, tilapia with coconut milk sauce and Chicharron de Pollo, soul-satisfying deep fried chunks of chicken.

On my recent visit, I got my fried food fix with the Platano Maduro con Queso, an appetizer platter of fried cheese and sweet plantains ($3.95). I love the sweet and salty combination, as well as the differing textures, and the portion is big enough to share.

Since a fall nip was in the air, I chose the Roast Pork Pernil ($9.95) for my entrée. The pork is fork tender, and is accompanied by a mountain of yellow rice and a bowl of Marianna's tangy red beans in sauce to use as a topping. If you crave that sweet and salty combination, try the grilled chicken breast with shrimp and pineapple, or one of the Mofongo specialties. Mofongo is the Dominican take on mashed potatoes, combining mashed sweet plantains with various meat, vegetables or seafood. These run from $5.95 for Mofongo with Gravy to $11.95 for the shrimp version.

Traditionally sweet desserts include Flan, Tres Leches (three milk cake) and Guava shells with papaya and cream cheese ($2.99-$3.50). Lunch options include a wide variety of salads, including an exotic choice with octopus, several soups, and a long list of hot and cold New York style submarine sandwiches ($4.50-6.99). The soups are entrée sized, and the special Beef Stripe Sopa and Dominican Sopa are only offered on weekends.

The service at Papa Ningo is warm and friendly, making you feel like an honorary member of the family. Don't be surprised when passing locals pop their head in the door to yell out "Olá" to Polo and Marianna, who have become an integral part of the Shockoe Bottom community.

I'll still be dropping in to the cozy and comfortable Papa Ningo of the past for a Café con leche, but I'm looking forward to the excitement and energy of the new addition to this family's restaurant home.