By Faith Rein
Welcome back NY.
I love NY. We have everything. Uptown, downtown. Broadway and Boroughs. A not-so-hidden gem is and has been the UWS.
It’s been a few years for me to take in the charm and loveliness of the UWS.
Lincoln Center the Museum of Natural History. Brownstone lined streets and some of the most beautiful untouched architecture in all of Manhattan. Riverside Park where Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks meet in You’ve got mail. Central Park West is a setting ideal for any murder mystery. AKA Only Murders in the Building.
Jerry Seinfeld’s famous apartment and film and TV’s greatest location shots. Ghostbusters-55 CPW, Rosemary’s Baby-The Dakota, Heartburn-The Apthorp, Audrey Rose – Hotel Des Artistes.
Numerous TV shoots including the upcoming Billions.
NYC location shoots make this city as important as the second lead. As I do find myself acting more and more like my parents, one of my favorite parts in movie screenings is recognizing parts of the city and then announcing, oh I’ve been there.
The Upper West Side: A Little History
A search of this history from Wikipedia reveals how The Upper West Side experienced a building boom from 1885 to 1910, mainly thanks to the opening of the city’s first subway line.
The tall apartment blocks on West End Avenue and the townhouses on the streets between Amsterdam Avenue and Riverside Drive, which make up to the character of UWS, were all constructed during the pre-depression years of the 20th century.
It was first populated by African-Americans, and later on by Modern Orthodox Jews, as well as non-Orthodox Jews.
Melting pot is as all of NYC remains with the charm and uniqueness of the UWS.
Tasca NYC has that charm that has graced this amazing area.
Tasca joined the famous Columbus Ave row of eateries in 2020. Surviving the Pandemic and getting to know the neighborhood and its tastes.
As mentioned on their website: Years ago, restaurateur Jay Espinal and his wife Norisa craved authentic expressions of the Latin-Caribbean cuisines they had affinity for. This led the opening of their own successful restaurant, Don Pedro’s on the Upper East Side, which won rave reviews including Top Latin Restaurant in Manhattan by Zagat.
Now, they brought their new project, Tasca, to the food-loving locals of the Upper West Side.
Taking the space and creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Lovely staff that greets you on the sidewalk without the pressure of little Italy yet more like Beauty and Beast, Be our guest. Staff lined up with smiles as if you’re boarding a luxury cruise to exotic places.
Tasca NYC: THE FOOD
- PULPO A LA PARILLA
Grilled octopus, Peruvian potatoes, mojo Gallego
- SETAS Y GAMBAS, SALSA AZAFRAN
Organic wild mushrooms with shrimp in Cain garlic and saffron broth
- HALIBUT SOBRE CALABACIN Y SETAS
Seared halibut over zucchini & over wild mushrooms topped with a cava saffron reduction
- FILETE MIÑON, PASTEL DE YUCA, CABRALES Y OLOROSO
Filet mignon, yuca cake, cabrales and oloroso reduction
Our starters as suggested by our server for the evening – octopus. My new adventure has been octopus.
Is this the new calamari? It should be.
Tasca’s Octopus
This Octopus was lightly grilled leaving a smoky nice texture which like Calamari can go wrong quickly and become a sponge.
Tasca’s Pulpo a La Parilla is the model for Octopus with its lovely grill sitting on top of the Peruvian potatoes lightly wading in the mojo Gallego. A beauty seeming to pay homage to a Monet.
Setas Y Gambas, Salsa Azafran – I love mushrooms, I love shrimp. Now add saffron broth and you create another masterpiece.
This is a MUST have.
The Halibut
Our Entrée in simple explanation. Halibut and a steak. Not so simple,
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HALIBUT SOBRE CALABACIN Y SETAS
A beautiful presentation with a perfect Halibut. Plate licking after Instagram posting. Yes, yes yes.
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FILETE MIÑON, PASTEL DE YUCA, CABRALES Y OLOROSO
A generous cut of beautifully prepared Filet was strategically placed over Yucca Cake. with a gorgeous oloroso reduction.
Every dish was an expression of artistry for the eyes and taste.
Culinary Art as its best.
Tasca NYC has elevated the Latin tastes and honored the history and diversity of this neighborhood.
Photo by Faith Rein
The Hospitality
Jay Epinal understands hospitality.
As he stopped by a few times to assure our comfort and extended the welcome he instills in his staff. I noticed we were not the only ones he offers his time and graciousness.
Every table and every guest is made to feel they are special guests. Then he makes them feel like family.
We are so fortunate to have so many amazing food options in NYC. So many it is difficult to make repeat visits. Finding that favorite place, your go-to. The place you always recommend to friends.
Tasca has become that in one shot. Check out their Facebook page.
Brunch…they do a bottomless brunch that offers a 2-course brunch 25.00 – bottomless red sangria 15.00 (90 minutes)
THIS is the FIND!!!
Jay said please come back…Please and thank you.
I will be back.
Want to read more of our latest reviews? Check out our review of Limani NYC in Roslyn.
Living and loving in NYC, food has been a passion of hers. East Coast to West, Faith’s goal is to explore and learn with the contribution of other like-minded foodies. Faith Rein has written for 2Girlsfromabar@blogspot.com. Youtube channel – faith.rein, love food love faith. You can find her @: Faith.rein/facebook (always looking to add friends) / faith rein@twitter / faith.rein@instagram / faith.rein@gmail.com
