New York City’s coveted restaurant week is in its thirty- second year.
“Created in 1992 as a one-time culinary event to welcome the Democratic National Convention (DNC), the program found a strong following among residents excited to dine at some of the City’s top restaurants.”
I for one am very happy that the city still continues to put on this event.
“Now NYC Restaurant Week returns this winter, running from January 16 through February 4 2024. The program will offer prix-fixe menus at $30, $45 and $60 at hundreds of participating restaurants and neighborhood favorites across the five boroughs“.
It gives us food lovers a chance to dine on some delicious prefixed menu items at a lower cost.
One of the restaurants participating in this year’s festivities is Calle Dao located in Chelsea.
“The Cuban-Chinese fusion cuisine, cocktails, and décor of Calle Dão
strive to transport our guests back to El Barrio Chino when it was at the height of its existence”.
Let me just say that they have accomplished everything described in their mission statement and then some!
Starting with their beautiful indoor decor.
Which really makes you feel like you are dining in the Caribbean.
The space here felt very light and inviting like you are eating at a friends house.
Now lets talk food & drinks!
I visited this restaurant on a Thursday evening I had an 6pm reservation.
Particularly so I was on time for their Happy Hour!
Conversely it is highly recommended that you make a reservation as this spot gets crowded.
Since there was a prefixed menu we decided to put in our drinks and food order at the same time.
Here is what I ordered.
Firstly we started off with some delicious Cocktails.
Mango Margarita/Mango Mojito
Not only were the cocktails tasty, but they were also well balanced.
Following that some very yummy appetizers arrived at the table.
CUBAN SANDWICH SPRING ROLLS
STEAMED SHRIMP WONTONS
CUBAN SANDWICH SPRING ROLLS
Roast Pork, Ham, Salami with Mojo Lime Mustard
STEAMED SHRIMP WONTONS
Citrus Soy Sauce, Chili Oil with Soybeans
Absolutely delicious each appetizer unique with its own flavor combination.
After that we moved on to our scrumptious entrees.
CHICKEN AND YELLOW RICE
Grilled Soy Chicken Breast, Saffron Rice, Chorizo, Peas, Sofrito, Scallion-Ginger Sauce
LOBSTER XO NOODLES
Lobster in Miso Butter with Crispy Plantain Crust and Sautéed XO Noodles
Supp $12
Even though both dishes were really good the Lobster Noodles were a favorite.
The chicken dish was well flavored but could have used some extra sauce.
Finally after that we indulged in some delicious desserts.
TRES LECHES
Sponge Cake Soaked in Three Kinds of Milk, Green Tea Powder Dusted
CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKE
Molten Chocolate Cake
