DINING
Restaurant Roundup
By Hillary Latos
A
s spring is beginning to emerge ending one of the longest winters in the history of NYC, it’s time to shake the blues and come out of hibernation to experience the myriad of flavors that NYC has to offer. From American comfort food to the elegant and classic Mediterranean cuisine, to the vibrant flavors of Korea, Thailand, and India to the exotic fiery flavors of Mexico & South America, the foodie scene is alive and well in NYC, and we have scoured the city and beyond to give you our favorites this month.
Amaranth Set in the heart of NYC’s most exclusive shopping district on Madison and 62nd Amaranth is a Mediterranean neighborhood hotspot frequented by the area’s well-heeled denizens. In a sea of expensive clichéd Madison Ave restaurants, Amaranth is an inviting space serving authentic Italian and French Riviera favorites that regulars - consisting of billionaires, Russian beauties and ladies who lunch have become accustomed to when stateside. Indulge in the brick oven baked Foccacia Robiola- a Portofino favorite, the near transparent thinly sliced octopus carpaccio, pan seared sea scallops, or dine like a lady who lunches on their hearty lobster salad. The fresh pasta dishes taste like you are in Rome with classics such as Spaghetti with pancetta and peas and risotto with wild mushroom. To ensure authenticity in their ingredients, the Parma ham is actually from Parma and the buffalo mozzarella is flown in weekly from Naples. Masq Restaurant and Lounge, 306 East 49 St. NY, NY 212.644.8294 www.masqbar.com
Amaranth 21 East 62 St. NY, NY 212.980.6700 www.amaranthrestaurant.com
Masq Restaurant and Lounge Though Mardi Gras only comes once a year, relive the excitement at Midtown East’s latest Mardi Gras themed eatery, Masq which is adorned with Mardi Gras beads and masquerade masks to get you in the mood. Even if you can’t make it to New Orleans for some Cajun cooking, Masq whips up the Big Easy’s specialties such as Shrimp Etoufee, spicy Jambalaya, authentic Maryland crab cakes, Muffalatas, overstuffed Po Boys with fried catfish or shrimp, as well as artisanal flatbreads with toppings like fig and prosciutto and grilled vegetables. Leave room for dessert, sinful treats include the freshly baked chocolate cookie ice cream sandwiches or the chef ’s rendition of a bananas foster with goat cheese stuffed wontons drizzled with brandy laced caramel and bananas. Day or night, it’s always Fat Tuesday here as the lively happy hour features live music in the back lounge playing the best of Zydeco, blues, rock, country, and jazz.
Zengo As Top Chef Richard Sandoval scours the globe searching for to pair tastes and cultures from Latin America and Asia, his latest test kitchen combination is Japan to Mexico which is one of his most scrumptious collaborations to date. Though both countries are just an ocean apart, Chef Sandoval seamlessly weaves flavors and techniques from the street foods of these vastly different cuisines. New to the menu are the Achiote Shrimp Tempura Roll with crunchy achiote jicama and chile toreado aioli, and an Octopus aguachile toradito in a ginger green chili broth with soy, Asian pair, avocado and Nori. Meat dishes include teriyaki pork belly sliders with Oaxaca cheese, guacamole, and caramelized pineapple, and a kabayaki glazed lamb shank barbacoa enhanced with ginger, chilies, tamarind, and pickled vegetables. With the hints of spice, nothing pairs better with the spicy and robust flavors than the test kitchen cocktails. Wash it down with a shiro margarita or a calamansi Old fashioned with Japanese whiskey, calamansi juice and bitters. Don’t wait too long as the Test Kitchen menu changes every few months.
110 • Resident April 2014
Zengo 622 Third Avenue NY, NY 212 808 8110 www.richardsandoval.com/zengony/