Located in NYC’s section of Gramercy is a Spanish Brasserie from Michelin Star Chef Dani García called Manzanilla. The restaurant has received many great reviews from the critics, and has been on my To Dine List for months. Finally I stopped by with a colleague for lunch. The dining room is spacious and beautiful – with marble floors, wood ceilings, communal tables, cozy booths and views of the blue-tiled open kitchen. Throughout my meal I kept peering into the kitchen to see what tasty dishes were being prepared.
The lunch menu includes tapas (from croquettes to octopus salad to fried branzino), charcuterie plates served with pan de tomate, bocatas (sandwiches), and entrees like seared iberico pork with tomato pesto, potato and bacon terrine, asparagus and pan seared dorade.
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| Ensalada de Hinojo Asado |
For starters we had the Ensalada de Hinojo Asado made with grilled fennel, avocado, pistachios, grapefruit, sherry vinaigrette, manchego cheese, romaine hearts, and mesclun. The salad was delicious and had a lot of textures and flavors that complemented each other.
The Hangar Steak was an excellent dish with crisp broccoli, potatoes and a red wine sauce. The Hamburguesa de Rabo de Toro is not your typical burger. Served on a toasted brioche bun is slow braised oxtail brger, havarti cheese, pickle, arugula, oxtail mayonnaise with a side of salad and fries. Each bite is savory and rich. Definitely worth a try.
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| Hangar Steak |
Overall, a great spot for lunch. It’s best to come in a group so you can sample many of items on the menu. Also, we recommend that you come early to beat the crowds.
Fun fact: Chef Dani García was one of the first anywhere to use liquid nitrogen in a professional kitchen.
Manzanilla
345 Park Ave S
New York, NY 10010
Tel: 212 255 4086
manzanillanyc.com
