Toro, NYC
Cuisine: Spanish Tapas
Location: 85 10th Ave. (South Chelsea/Meatpacking)
Ambiance: Industrial, Trendy
Price: $$$ out of $$$$$
Background: Situated in the former Nabisco Factory in South Chelsea (borderline Meatpacking), the often difficult to find Toro, NYC restaurant conveys a Barcelona-style tapas bar vibe. The decor is a mix of industrial elements, dim lighting, an open kitchen, and large pieces of cured meats hanging throughout the massive warehouse. The broad 18-foot windows that give way to views of cars rushing down the Westside Highway add to the liveliness of the 125-seat dining and bar area. The concept comes out of Boston and is headed up by the James Beard award-winning chef, Ken Oringer. The space opened in 2013 and has become one of the go-to restaurants for Spanish tapas for many local New Yorkers.
Menu: Chef Oringer’s menu delivers shareable tapas that range from the traditional croquettas to adventurous sea urchin. It is best to order a few dishes from each category, which are brought to the table as they are prepared. I absolutely recommend ordering a paella since the balance between moist and crisp rice is done to perfection. Additional recommendations on menu items include Datiles Con Jamon, Tortilla Española, Manchego, Jamon Serrano, Pulpo, Maiz Asado con Alioli y Queso Cotija, and Patatas Bravas. Note: the paellas take 30-45 minutes to be prepared, so you should tell your server upon being seated.
Conclusion: Toro does an excellent job of bringing an authentic taste of Barcelona to the states. The accuracy of flavors and cooking techniques make for pleasingly hearty dishes. While this type of meal could be better enjoyed in a cozy, more intimate setting, I won’t hold its size against the joint. After all, their culinary cocktails, which favor gin and sherry as a main ingredient, draw a trendy crowd and make for a “buzzy” atmosphere. That said, Toro would be good for a first date or celebration with a group of friends.
Website: www.toro-nyc.com
Photo credit: @toro_nyc