taste
25A The Restaurant Group Brings Three Dynamic Dining Concepts to New York City
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By W.A. Muller
ounded in 1990 by Jeremy Wladis, The Restaurant Group is a special portfolio comprising of several distinctive restaurant brands with 20 different locations in New York, North Carolina, South Carolina and Washington D.C. The three restaurants represented are just a selection of the six brands underneath the Restaurant Group umbrella within New York City, satisfying eclectic tastes that offer diners anything from South of the Border barbecue to made to order customized pizzas. Common to all the Restaurant Group properties is that they are all neighborhood eateries that became an important part of the fabric of the communities they reside in.
Amigos Chef Alex Garcia has made Amigos Mex-i-que Mexican & Barbecue a popular neighborhood hangout by filling it with his own friends, including James Beard Award nominee Aaron Sanchez (Chopped, Taco Trip), Adrien Leon and Roberto Santibanez (author of Tacos, Tortas and Tamales), who will man the kitchen for monthly “residencies.” Highlights include the madeto-order guacamole (ranked fourth best in the US) as well as spicy dishes that straddle the line between Mexican and barbecue, like the Pulled Pork Sandwich with fries and coleslaw or the Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas with creamy tomatillo and avocado salsa with pico de gallo. 2888 Broadway, NYC, 212.864.1143 amigosnyc.com
Custom Fuel Pizza A Harlem eatery, Custom Fuel Pizza & Salads allows guests to “build your own” with a myriad of pizza crusts, sauces, and locally sourced, seasonal toppings to choose from to craft a personalized meal. Dietary restrictions like vegan, dairy and or gluten free can all be accommodated and customized by diners from a menu of artisanal pizzas such as the Brooklyn Bridge (Tomato Sauce, Fresh Mozzarella, Italian Sausage, Pepperoni, Rosemary, Cherry Peppers, Chili Oil, Prosciutto), the Prosciutto, Fig & Arugula (Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Fig Marsala, Prosciutto, Olive Oil, Arugula) or the Riviera (Olive Oil, Spinach, Mozzarella, Tomato, Garlic, Artichoke, Kalamata Olives, and Goat Cheese). Custom Fuel is also committed to green living, using pedal power for deliveries, and paper products with 50- to 100-percent recycled paper. 2288 Frederick Douglass Blvd, NYC, 646.524.5636 customfuelpizza.com Firehouse Immerse yourself in firefighter culture at this temple to New York’s Bravest. Enjoy Buffalo wings, which have been named best chicken wings in New York for over 25 years; Fireman Bob’s special chili in veggie, beef, or chicken; burgers and sandwiches; and gourmet style pizzas along with its décor featuring vintage firefighter paraphernalia. Wall-to-wall televisions make sure guests never miss a moment of the big game, while outdoor seating is ideal dining with friends over Firehouse Frozen Margaritas or seasonal draft specials. 522 Columbus Ave, NYC, 212.787.3473 firehousetavern.com 82 | 25A www.25Amagazine.com