Photos by Jacob Romoser
GREAT WALL ART AT EMPELLON
When I heard my friend Robynhad gotten a job at Empellon, a new Mexican restaurant that received rave review from the NY Times and NY Magazine, I knew I had to stop by and see what the buzz was all about.
The second I walked through the door of this white-washed eatery I was struck with a loud and electric energy. I marveled at the exquisite Festival of the Dead/Geisha-esque wall art, huge chandeliers and an enormous bar with rows and rows of tequila.
The second I walked through the door of this white-washed eatery I was struck with a loud and electric energy. I marveled at the exquisite Festival of the Dead/Geisha-esque wall art, huge chandeliers and an enormous bar with rows and rows of tequila.
¿POR QUE NO?
With so many different delicious choices, it was hard to narrow down to just one when I ordered my drink. Something about the mix of silver tequila, cilantro, serrano and pineapple in the ¿Por Que No? intrigued me immediately. It was deliciously smooth with a kick of spice at the end. I especially liked the extra side tumbler, as well as the fact that the bartender took the time to explain the various nuances of each drink on the menu.
By the time our table was ready my lips were tingling from the serrano. Hey, as my rooommate Libby would say—I'm not mad!
By the time our table was ready my lips were tingling from the serrano. Hey, as my rooommate Libby would say—I'm not mad!
OCTOPUS WITH PARSNIP AND SALSA PAPANTECA
Although all the marisco's looked scrumptious, (other choices included peeky toe crab, big eye tuna and black bass ceviche), I had to go with the Octopus. With a light smoky flavor from the arbol chile, chipotle and pumpkin seeds, the dish was cooked perfectly and seasoned in a way I've never tasted before. The pumpkin seeds were my favorite touch, adding a crunchy texture with each bite.
"AL PASTOR"
I've never eaten a pork shoulder taco (crazy, I know) so the "Al Pastor" was a natural choice. The pineapple, cilantro and onion brought a sweetness to the tender pork shoulder and kept the dish from being too dry. I would have loved just a touch more sauce, but I'm known for dousing my food into oblivion.
FISH TEMPURA TACOS
The fish tempura tacos with cabbage and lime mayonnaise were crisp yet light and the perfect end to a delicious meal. Succulent and savory, the fish was delectable all by itself.
Although Empellon is a trek from my Queens abode, I'll definitely come back for more of Alex Stupak's Mexican masterpieces.
Although Empellon is a trek from my Queens abode, I'll definitely come back for more of Alex Stupak's Mexican masterpieces.
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