The following TripReport snippet is taken from 2004/02 - RTGooch - RT Gooch Takes On Santiago, DR

PAPARAZZO: 19° 27' 387" N, 70° 41' 781" W

Having eaten at Paparazzo before, I knew what to expect. They bill themselves as "Fine Dominican Cuisine", but they are much better than I have had elsewhere. Tablecloths, waiters in suits, and excellent food. My dinner of Ceasar salad, some stuffed eggplant appetizer (outstanding) and Sesame Tuna ran to a total of $21, including the tip. Especially good was the guacamole that they gave you to put on your bread.

One thing about the service staff, however. They probably weren't moonlighting from their day jobs at the Dominican NASA. I enter, they ask me immediately about my drink and bring it, then let me sit there while they stare at me for ten minutes. When I finally get one over to my table and ask for a menu, he explained that, after they bring drinks, they allow their customers time to talk to each other before bringing the menu. Uh, I'm alone, I said. I guess that wasn't a planned contingency.

A taxi brings me to the now-open Gran Almirante where I play blackjack for a couple of hours and break even. Not satisfied with this, I insist on throwing away $10 in the slot machines before taking a taxi to Diversions.