Cuban infusion

We're guessing eating at your mom's place is nothing like this: At the new Madre's Cuban Cuisine in Teaneck (201-530-5100, www.kryptics.net/madres), expect dim lighting, sleek black furniture, crystal chandeliers-not to mention heaping plates of empanadas, paella, mofongo and other Cuban favorites.

We're guessing eating at your mom's place is nothing like this: At the new Madre's Cuban Cuisine in Teaneck (201-530-5100, www.kryptics.net/madres), expect dim lighting, sleek black furniture, crystal chandeliers-not to mention heaping plates of empanadas, paella, mofongo and other Cuban favorites.

"It has kind of a Manhattan lounge feel, where people can come in, eat and drink wine for two hours without feeling rushed," says co-owner Wendy Peralta, a Domincan native of Cuban descent who runs the cozy BYO with her husband, Ricardo Sanchez.

Of course, that leaves time aplenty to nibble on the complimentary fried plantain chips (served with salsa) and sample from Madre's sweeping menu.

The ropa vieja is a customer favorite-flank steak stewed and shredded with bell peppers, onions and white wine sauce, served with fried plantains ($15.95). Other top picks include pollo a la fricase (chicken steamed in a Spanish wine sauce with potatoes and raisins; $11.95) and camarones enchilados (shrimp in a Creole sauce with garlic, onions and peppers; $16.95).

Craving something sweet? Try one of the restaurant's freshly squeezed juices or smoothies, or sample homemade desserts like tres leches cake and guayabita Madre's (a warm guava cobbler topped with ice cream). Or simply split a pitcher of sangria, whipped up fresh for guests who supply the bottle of red.