Calle Ocho Restaurant New York
Hotel food…ya no thanks! But wait, it just got real with the Calle Ocho and giving us roadies some hope in Hotel Food once again! Even in New York, yes I ‘stayed in’ and ate just because it is so good!
Calle Ocho Restaurant New York
Calle Ocho is an Upper West Side mainstay, serving up distinguished, exciting Latin fare and is known for its creative, bold use of flavors, unique cocktail list and bustling atmosphere, in the Heart of New York at The Excelsior Hotel. A restaurant that recreates Little Havana with a New York City flair, including flavor packed ceviches and tapas, savory steaks and a vast selection of seafood dishes to suit an array of palates.
So, as you might know, I am not a huge bread fan, but I’ll try it when it’s a starter on the table. WOW is all I have to say about the pandebono and the black bean dip they serve with it. Pandebono is a Colombian white cheese bread and Oh Baby you need to come here just to try the bread.
The Black Bean dip at Calle Ocho is out of this world, next time it could be a stand alone pandebono and bean dip night…
When I asked the waiter (who I might add was one of the best in New York) what I should get for an Appetizer, he pointed to the Chivita. Golden and Red Beets, Spanish Goat Cheese, Garlic Oil, Assorted Greens and one of the best I’ve had. The flavors of the Beets mixed with the Spanish Goat Cheese is a true taste bud treat!
For my main dish I went with the Mary Tierra…Grilled Flat Iron Steak, Grilled Jumbo Shrimp, Manchego Cheese-Hominy Grits, and Lobster Reduction. Not a lot of restaurants offer or can make a Flat Iron Steak, let a lone this good! The entire entree is a well crafted and flavorful Latin Master Piece! The shrimp and steak cooked perfectly and mixed with the Cheese-Hominy…… all I could say was YUM!
Calle Ocho Restaurant New York – A light desert to finish off this great dinner!
Calle Ocho Restaurant New York
I get carried away with the food as most chefs do, but we need to talk about the staff and ambiance! I am not going to single anyone out here as the entire staff needs a standing ovation. From the Waiters to the Chef and Expeditors, my experience was Awesome! Hotel Food is Back thanks to the Calle Ocho
Calle Ocho Restaurant New York – located in The Excelsior Hotel is located on 81st Street overlooking Central Park on the Upper West Side of Manhattan
Chef Reilly’s F.A.S.T. REVIEW:
Food – 4.5 Spoons
Ambiance – 4 Spoons (Makes you forget you are in a hotel)
Service – 4.5 Spoons
Taste – 4.5 Spoons
Chef Reilly’s F.A.S.T. Review total = 4.5 out of 5 spoons!
Stay tuned for more reviews and recommendations! Got a suggestion? Drop me a line in the comments!
On The Road Eats & The F.A.S.T. Review with Chef Greg Reilly
See Ya On The Road – Chef Greg Reilly
