La bandera, mofongo, and the colmado culture

"La bandera dominicana" is the daily lunch plate: rice, red beans, stewed meat, and fried plantain. Mofongo (mashed green plantain with garlic and pork) and sancocho stew are the celebration dishes. A colmado is the corner store where neighbors sit outside with a cold Presidente beer and bachata on the speakers; it's the real social scene and the cheapest drink in the country. Fresh juices (chinola, morir soñando) are everywhere. Tipping is 10% on top of the service charge for good service.