Peterborough, NH – A touch of Puerto Rican culture is making its way to New Hampshire as the newly opened Domingo’s Puerto Rican restaurant brings not only traditional flavors but also the rich game of dominoes to local customers. Located on Grove Street, Domingo’s is the brainchild of childhood sweethearts Drew and Michael Gonzalez, who left the hustle and bustle of New York City three years ago for the quieter life of Peterborough.
“We grew up in the city and were childhood sweethearts,” Drew shared during a lively lunchtime at the restaurant. She has taken on the role of managing the front of the house, ensuring patrons are well taken care of, even if it means pulling away from her midday meal. “We wanted a slower pace of life for our three boys.” With the kids—Mikey, 16; Chris, 14; and Matt, 12—helping out after school and on weekends, the restaurant has quickly become a family affair.
But why open a restaurant? “We’ve wanted to open one for years,” Drew reveals. The culinary heritage runs deep; Michael’s grandfather Domingo was one of 13 siblings who learned cooking at a young age to support their family. “He taught Mike how to cook,” Drew adds, showing the bond shared across generations.
The menu at Domingo’s features classic Puerto Rican dishes such as pinchos (meat kabobs), papas rellenas (stuffed potato balls), and carne guisada (beef stew). Drew explains, “It’s not spicy, which is a common stereotype, but we have sauces to make it so. It’s all about sweet and salty combinations.”
Getting the right ingredients was initially challenging, but Drew reports, “Now things are flowing,” hinting at the popularity of their signature tostones (twice-fried plantains). Future plans include the addition of a full bar to complement the dining experience, as murals of Puerto Rican culture decorate the restaurant’s warm interior.
Meanwhile, on January 6, the Día de Reyes will be celebrated not just at Domingo's but also at Crocante Restaurant, where chefs Yamuel Bigio and Mario Pagán will host “Los Reyes: Three Chefs on Three Kings Day,” integrating Puerto Rican culinary traditions with innovative flair.
Día de Reyes is particularly cherished among Puerto Ricans, but it is lesser-known stateside. According to Bigio, “It’s not celebrated as much here, but I think for every Puerto Rican, it’s in their heart.” Pagán describes the day as magical, recalling childhood traditions of leaving grass under beds for the camels of the three wise men, evoking laughter and nostalgia. “Your parents would take it out and place gifts under your bed. It was more personal than Santa Claus!” he reminisces.
The upcoming event promises to be spectacular, with tickets available for $100 per person for the six-course dinner, each dish showcasing Puerto Rican flavors with personal twists from the chefs. “All three of us have different styles,” Bigio notes, “but we’re using contemporary Puerto Rican flavors, combining techniques and flair.”
Chef Lucca brings barbecue influences to his dishes, which include ribs and brisket; Bigio himself will provide rotisserie chicken alongside inventive plates, like traditional bacalaitos with avocado mousse and caviar. The dinner will not only celebrate the flavors of Puerto Rico but also provide live entertainment for guests.
“It’s the start of something wonderful,” Chef Pagán emphasizes. “We need to begin the month-long celebration of life and culture with this bang!” The three chefs agree on the importance of preserving and innovatively showcasing their culinary roots to engage both the Puerto Rican community and curious diners.
Overall, both Domingo’s and Crocante Restaurant exemplify the vibrant cultural and culinary traditions of Puerto Rico, aiming not only to share those cherished flavors with their community but also to infuse them with personal stories and family legacies tied intimately to their identity. These initiatives bring together food and culture to remind diners of the warmth and vibrancy of Puerto Rican heritage.
