Yuca is where local power players and politicos gather to swap stories and trade favors. With a great location overlooking Lincoln Road, the restaurant offers diners a picture-window perfect view of what’s going on outside, even though the real show is inside. Perched on a corner and beautifully lit, Yuca draws you in with a promise of what’s to come. The first Yuca, in Coral Gables, was co-founded by Nuevo Latino king Douglas Rodriguez. Although Rodriguez has moved on, the food is still invigorating and exciting, thoughtful evolutions of old traditions. For something different, try a crisp plantain basket filled with shrimp and conch. Additional standout options include the rack of lamb, and the pan-seared tuna with coconut curry rice. Upstairs, Yuca boasts live Latin music on Saturday nights, making it a weekend date magnet. Its namesake young urban Cuban Americans swish and sway to the energetic salsa beats. A two-drink minimum is a small price to pay for entree into this industrial-chic bistro that has spice to spare.