Above Photo By Gail, All Food Photos Courtesy of Berk Communications
I can’t be the only fan who was disappointed see Chef and Restaurateur Richard Sandoval get eliminated so early in the competition on the most recent season of Bravo’s Top Chef Masters. Hopefully there will be a next time for this talented and enterprising chef to compete on the show, because Sandoval’s Zengo and Raymi are two of my favorite restaurants in New York City!
Right now, Zengo is taking its ever-revolving blend of Latin-Asian cuisines on an adventure with Peru and Malaysia. I was recently invited to a press dinner where we sampled select new items on the Test Kitchen Menu. Here’s a preview of what’s new at Zengo!
Left: Pisco Elevation Cocktail, Right: Shiso Mojito
Made with the popular Peruvian Grape Brandy, the Pisco Elevation ($13) blends this potent liquor with Sweet Elderflower and fresh Lychee for a refreshing kick that goes down smooth. Mojito fans can enjoy the Shiso Mojito, ($14) featuring rum, shiso and citrus and garnished with Fuji Apple!
Spicy Crab Potato Sushi
A tasty and multi-textured addition to the Dim Sum and Antojitos menu is the Spicy Crab Potato Sushi ($10): Sweet shredded Crab flavored with Malay Curry, nested atop layers of soft Yukon Potato Cake and fresh Avocado, topped with a crispy Corn Cancha — which is like a Peruvian Corn Nut! Very unique and tasty!
Chicken A La Brasa Satay
A take on traditional Peruvian roasted chicken, or Chicken A La Brasa, ($13) is presented as a skewered appetizer, loaded with tender chicken thigh meat grilled with a black bean glaze. This hearty starter is served with another traditional favorite, Potatoes Huancaina, which I have previously enjoyed on a visit to Raymi. Additional flavor and texture is added by the fresh Cucumber Rocoto Salsa and finely chopped toasted peanuts!
Arroz Con Mariscos
Arroz Con Mariscos (Rice with Seafood, $14) is Zengo’s take on paella: Malay rice studded with a generous portion of Mussels, Shrimp, Scallops and Clams dressed with Thai Basil. This dish was a hit with everyone at the table, and the gently-cooked seafood is extremely tender and tastes fresh-caught.
Char Roasted Skate
Skate may sound like an exotic dish, but you don’t have to be too adventurous to love Zengo’s Char Roasted Skate in a ginger chile marinade ($28). This flaky white fish is mild but has a distinctive flavor. The dish is served with a Crispy Lentil Rice Cake and Sambal Butter Sauce — delicious!
Profiteroles
While is is not commonly considered appropriate to lick ones plate in public, the above dish of Profiteroles ($9), stuffed with Toasted Coconut Ice Cream and served with a drizzle of chocolate sauce and fresh, ripe strawberries had everyone at the table scraping the plate with their forks to get an extra drop of the dulce de leche flavored Manjar Blanco that was puddled under each delicious morsel. What a fantastic ending to a very special meal!
Zengo is located at 622 Third Avenue on the Northwest Corner of 40th Street. Dinner is served Monday to Saturday from 5:00 to 11:00 PM. Lunch is served Monday to Friday from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM.