We went to a fabulous restaurant this week called Aldea. Chef George Mendes (pictured far right with TDF alum, Karin Lundell in the middle and TDF Prez, Melissa Joachim on left) named his new restaurant after the Portuguese word for village. The restaurant’s menu is inspired by the Iberian Peninsula and Georges’ heritage. He is a first-generation American born to Portuguese parents and he grew up with many elaborate, festive family meals. The interior design is of modern elegance. George is quite a skilled chef and learned his craft from a diverse group of chefs that includes David Bouley, Martin Berasategui in Spain, Alain Passard at Arpege in Paris, Alain Ducasse, and Kurt Gutenbrunner. You savor every mouthful and everything was so perfectly seasoned that I never even thought about going for the salt and pepper. And I admit it, I usually do.
Take a look at George's exquisite food...
For a pestiscos or small bite, we tried the Sea Urchin Toast with cauliflower cream, sea lettuce, and lime.
Our fave appetizer is the Shrimp Alhinho with garlic, coriander, pimenton, and pressed jus.
One of
our delicious mains was the Arroz de Pato, like a duck paella, that had duck confit, chorizo, olive, and duck cracklings in it.The other main courses we enjoyed were New Bedford Diver Scallops with farro risotto and Creekstone Farm's Hanger Steak and Short Rib with tamarind, red-wine shallot, and fall bean salad.
The address is 1 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011 and the phone to make your reservation is: 212- 675-7223 and you will be glad you did. George Mendes' food is divine.
Enjoy,
Lisa
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