Chef John Manion elevates the normally trendy but unremarkable kale salad beyond healthful starter to healthful addiction. At La Sirena Clandestina, the ingredients are simple—kale, toasted pepitas, fresh jalapeño and cotija cheese. You won’t, however, be able to replicate the secret recipe for Manion’s roasted poblano dressing at home. What keeps us coming back is the magic sauce that coats every kale leaf just so and adds layers of earthy, smoky, herbaceous flavor.
