Usually after the third or so trip to Spain and Portugal, you begin to understand their obsession with food and ingredients. You scratch the surface in the capitals and other large cities. But only when you get to regions like Asturias and Basque, you start to get it. It then becomes more obvious back at home which places are the pretenders and which are more legit. These days there’s no shortage, especially on the island of Manhattan. Real estate here makes them pricier than they should be, and “Tapas” and “Pintxos” hence redefined. But the techniques and flavors are certaintly there.
In no particular order, these are our favorite five. Other than the fifth (Newark), all in Manhattan.
Txikito – I still dont know how to pronounce the name, but according to the waitress I earned an A for what to order. Elevated Basque cooking in Chelsea by Spanish cuisine pioneers Alex Raij and Eder Montero. Always start with the classic octopus carpaccio. Then the decadent Arroz Meloso, and Cochinnilo (suckling pig). Pay attention to specials like Txangurro (deviled crab gratin). But my favorite these days is the sublime Pochas, a bean stew with shellfish. 240 9th Ave
Tomiño Taberna Gallega – NYC’s best if not only pure Galician. Meaning get the Octopus. We once met a couple from Galicia in Washington Square Park who shared their love for Tomiño. Since then I no longer dismiss it for being in the heart of Little Italy. The Galician octopus is the star, but I’m not sure I’ve had a bad dish here. I’m also partial to the Parrillada de Setas, the best grilled mushroom salad you’ll ever have. 192 Grand St
Tia Pol – In Spanish rich Chelsea, this is one of the more accessible names, and the closest we have to a Tapas joint in Spain. Opened over 20 years ago with the help of Alex Raij and Eder Montero from the mentioned Txikito fame who cemented the menu. The Txipirones en su Tinta, squid cooked with its ink and rice is the one must, but you cant go wrong with the Patatas Bravas, Gernika Pimientos, and other classics. 205 10th Ave
Leitao – One of my favorite discoveries during the last few years. Comfortable, fun, accessible, and a menu that reads like Portugal’s greatest hits. Even the infamous Francesinha is on it. The piri piri chicken, butterflied fish, and Polpo are some of the usual hits, but I wouldnt sleep on the fall off the bone Robalo, well marbled Iberico Ribs cooked with wine and topped with a toasted garlic and chili mix. 547 Hudson St
Sabor Unido – Three times in the past year makes Sabor Unido our most frequent Spanish or Portuguese and its not even in NYC. The Ironbound neighborhood in Newark NJ is essentially our Little Portugal even though many of the Portuguese restaurants are owned by Brazilian immigrants these days. Sabor Unido replaces Seabra’s Marisqueira as our favorite there. Smaller, more relaxed, and the food is outstanding. Octopus, shrimp in garlic, baked chicken with potatoes, always solid. And their wines and Sangria are top notch. 77 Jefferson St, Newark, NJ
Eating With Ziggy 