Orchid Caribbean/Soul Cuisine (CLOSED)

This earnest little Hell’s Kitchen spot is a classic mom-and-pop eatery: Married co-chefs Mel (a local boy) and Trinidad-raised Anesha met while working at Macy’s nearly 20 years ago and realized their restaurant dreams meshed. His family’s soul-food recipes and her island dishes are popular for take-out, but dining in the restaurant is also a treat. Festive with twinkling little lights, palm trees and orchids, the place feels more like a beachfront jerk shack than a Ninth Avenue storefront. Jerk preparations are filled with pungent brown spices, and the slow-cooked curries, ribs, oxtail and roasted chicken are crowd-pleasers. Mel’s supreme potato salad, made with secret seasonings, is so good he won’t even share the recipe with the missus.