Kitsch 'n' cool Paladar is a party cabana where the drinks are fruity and the pan-Latin dishes snappy updates of old favorites. Empanadas are filled to bursting with chicken picadillo and served with smoked tomato salsa; a plantain "canoe" is split down the middle and stuffed with a bacalao mash. The bold flavors (and meek prices) are courtesy of chef-heartthrob Aaron Sanchez, the son of restaurateur Zarela Martinez. On weekends the place fills up, so be prepared to perch at the bar with a passion-fruit agua fresca or two. Subway: F, V to 2nd Ave.