I panicked! As I often do in situations like this. Whenever the opportunity for a quick wish presents itself, I normally panic and wish for something that I already have or something that emotionally stable Middle Aged Americans should not be wishing. So when I was given a crack at the Turkey wishbone a few weeks back, instead of wishing something more meaningful like good health for my family, a healthier college savings account, or an unlimited supply of Poo Pourri, I wished for Tapas. I’m not even sure what it means, nor I recall what I was drinking. I just panicked.
But the wish was granted when I was invited to the launch party of Espoleta, a new Spanish tapas and wine joint in NoHo. Yes my friends, Mrs Z and I continue to move up the NY social scene at a furious pace. Espoleta means Wishbone (ha!) in Spanish. Former tenant Forcella means Wishbone in Italian. Coincidence? I think not. Both sides of the Wishbone are held by Giuilio Adriani, pizza master of Forcella, now running the show at Espoleta. But that’s not the only big name there. Suenos fans can finally come out of their Tapa hibernation as Sue Torres is consulting here. I was told she’ll be in the kitchen once or twice a week.
Chef de cuisine, Francis Peabody, the famous “American physician born November 24, 1881”. Wait that makes no sense, googling some more… Well, not finding much, but Ariel Lacayo, the manager once voted Best Maitre D in New York City by NY Mag says Francis Peabody is a Daniel, and more recently Le Bernardin veteran
Since this was more of a party with mass produced food, we only got a small taste of what Espoleta has to offer. We munched on various Pintxos, Tapas and Paellas. Japanese squash, jamon, artichoke with manchego, various croquettes, Shishito peppers and more. My favorite was perhaps the Goat Empanadas with raisins and salsa verde (top). Excellent Spanish wine here, too excellent perhaps for me to remember to note it down.
Espoleta, with its big names, looks very promising and is one to watch. Check it out peeps.
Espoleta
334 Bowery
Menu: http://www.scribd.com/doc/249293660/Espoleta-Menu
Eating With Ziggy 