What’s New Down Under

Legacy Records

I mean Hell, not Australia.  Its been a while since I had some Hell’s Kitchen news but I’m still there at least once a week munching around prior or after a tour.  Here are some recent developments including some tweaks to the Hell’s Kitchen tour:

Legacy Records – Hell is apparently shrinking.  38th street between 10th and 11th and immediate surrounding area to the south is now being re-branded by the giant real estate firms to Hudson Yards.  Well, until I get subpoenaed by the president, I’m not adding another section to the blog.  This is Hell’s Kitchen as far as I’m concerned and will remain so for the time being.  Delicious Hospitality, the team behind downtown restaurants Charlie Bird & Pasquale Jones has opened another Italian, Legacy Records in Hud..err.. Hell’s Kitchen.  After one quick solo meal I’m not quite ready to give you the ye or niet, but I know these guys and what they are capable of.  It may be the most hidden pre theater option out there

Tehuitzingo – Reliable Taco joint and home to the best Lengua in town simply closed with no explanation.  Their other location closed months ago.  As to the reason, I only heard rumors which I’m not willing to share, but its nothing to do with food.

City Sandwich – Sort of under new management, but this is not exactly bad news (departing manager may disagree).  One of the partners is still around, with a new experienced one joining in.  Still the same great Portuguese inspired sandwiches except some weekly classics like the great Roberto are now available daily.  Still the same great bread and mini egg tarts coming from Portuguese bakeries in Newark.

The Roberto

Chaan Teng – Is now Qi.  Same decor, same sex toys, and some of the same staff, but different menu.  The main chef/owner left and they needed to change

Ñaño Ecuadorian Kitchen – Ñaño continues to fire on all cylinders.  I know they are out there but this is the only Ecuadorian I know, and visit from time to time.  A staple on the Hell’s Kitchen Survival Guide since day one.  Try the Seco de Pollo, chicken stewed with Naranjilla (sour fruit grown in Ecuador), herbs and spices.  As the city continues to gentrify and become more corporate (See Legacy Records), we need to cherish these mom and pops that survived the storm.

Nano

Gotham West Market – This is not your ex’s GWM.  If you havent been in the last year or so, you will find a totally different and a lot healthier market today.  The fish happy Seamore’s replaced the meaty Cannibal so expect some elevated poke bowls and other raw goodness.  El Colmado space is now part El Colmado (spanish tapas) and part Whirlybird serving rotisserie chicken.  There’s now Jianbing (Beijing style crepe) by Jianbing Company.  And Waffle de Lys doing their French waffle thing.  All joining Corner Slice, Ivan Ramen, Choza and Genuine Roadside.  This is the most interesting lineup in a while

Hell’s Kitchen Tour – Its been a year and a half now since I quit my day job in order to start my own tour company.  During that time I’ve seen the East Village and Brooklyn tours morph into something I’m proud of, the original Hell’s Kitchen tour pretty much stayed the same.  Until now.  Some new developments in the area made me make some tweaks that I’m very excited about.  So while the reviews mainly focus on the other two tours, I’m here to tell you to give Hell’s Kitchen a chance!  BTW EWZ Tours is now #8 on Trip Advisor Food Tours (Out of 105).  Who said rankings on TA is meaningless!