From Espa??ith a Twist
Modern Spanish cuisine is invading local restaurants
By Wanda Mann
Two dynamic Michelin-starred chefs are shaking up any preconceived notions New Yorkers may have about Spanish cuisine by showcasing a new modern approach to traditional fare. Chef Manuel Berganza and Chef Dani Garcia are both relative newcomers to the New York restaurant scene, but they bring with them impressive accolades from their native country and the talent to back it up. Chef Berganza hails from Gijón in northern Spain and is the executive chef at Andanada 141 on the Upper West Side. Across town, Andalucian native Chef Dani Garcia and his team have transported the energy of southern Spain to the Big Apple at the bustling Manzanilla Spanish Brasserie on Park Avenue South. So, until you can make that trip to Spain, embark on a modern culinary aventura right here in Manhattan.
Manzanilla Spanish Brasserie
www.manzanillanyc.com
345 Park Avenue South (at 26th Street)
212-255-4086
Lunch: Noon ? 2:30 pm, Monday-Friday
Dinner: 6 - 10:30 (Monday ?Thursday), 6 - 11:30 (Friday), 5:30 ?11:30 (Saturday), 5:30 ? 10 (Sunday)
Don't worry if your busy schedule has made it impossible for you to jet set to Marbella for a meal at Chef Dani Garcia's 2-Michelin starred restaurant Calima ? you can experience his culinary magic in Manhattan at Manzanilla Spanish Brasserie. A partnership with Yann De Rochfort, the owner of NYC's popular Boqueria restaurants, the very spacious Manzanilla boasts dramatic high ceilings, luxurious banquettes, and an open kitchen where you can observe the chefs in action. This stunning décor provides a sleek stage for serious food with a hint of whimsy. The Suckling Pig has been getting rave reviews and the savory Squid Ink and Cuttlefish Croquettes are addictive. When Creamy Spanish Rice pudding topped with a cloud of Raspberry Cotton Candy arrives at the table, don't be surprised if you clap your hands in delight like a small child. End your meal with a decidedly grown-up and elegant glass of Manzanilla (Sherry).
Andanada 141
www.andanada141.com
141 West 69th Street (between Broadway and Columbus Avenue)
Tel: 646-692-8762
Lunch: 11:30 am ? 2:30 pm (Monday-Friday)
Dinner: 5 pm ? Midnight every night
Weekend brunch: 11:00 am ? 3pm
In Spain, the most passionate and enthusiastic bullfighting fans sit in the highest seating of the arena ? the andanada. With the exception of a striking mural in the dining room, the Upper West Side restaurant Andanada 141 is absent of toros and matadors, but patrons have been wildly enthusiastic about the cuisine of Chef Manuel Berganza. The first chef in Spain to earn a first-time, two-star Michelin rating, Chef Berganza's Andanada 141 menu displays a strong grasp of tradition and endless talent for innovation. For example, Patatas Andanada is his playful departure from the classic fried potato dish Patatas Bravas and showcases tiny potatoes resting atop a bed of olive "dirt". Other must-try dishes include Croquetas de Lomo Confitado (slow cooked pork loin confit croquettes), and the selection of paellas. New spring and summer dishes include Tartar de Vieiras (Scallop Tartare).
The ambiance at Andanada 141 is casually elegant and offers a variety of dining options in an intimate setting. The front section of the restaurant is perfect for ordering tapas at the bar or at one of the communal tables. The beautifully lit rear dining room is quietly romantic. Wine lovers will be impressed by Andanada 141's great selection of wines from Spain.
