It’s officially summer, meaning it’s officially margarita and guac season. I mean, come on guys. Who doesn’t loooove fresh guac? So why not whip up a batch yourself to make with these spicy margaritas? Perfect for (every) Friday night, or get togethers, or movie night, or…you get the point.
Happy eating,
XO.
A little while back a few friends and I went to see the Flamenco Ballet Festival that comes to NYC every year. (If you live in the area and haven’t seen it yet, you MUST get tix next year!) To keep with the Latin theme of the night I booked us reservations at a place nearby called Iguana, “the most spectacular Mexican Restaurant in New York”! Let me tell you, it really is.
I was skeptical of the place because it’s in a pretty touristy area. However when we first set foot in the restaurant I was 1. in awe of the size of it (it’s massive for NYC) and 2. the ambiance (hellloooo Spain). We got there before the bar and dinner rush so we had time to soak it all in. We started off with their signature tequilas – if you’re in to margaritas, you’ll feel like you hit the jackpot at this place. They have an entire page in the menu dedicated to margarita flavors, and the back of it is a complete list of their tequilas. Since we were going to the show right after we had to keep ourselves under control (i.e. no tequila flight tastings) but we did each have a delicious margarita – grapefruit, skinny Iguana, and kiwi.
True to form, we also started off with their guacamole. They made it fresh right in front of us, and it was some of the best guac I’ve ever tasted. Unfortunately (or fortunately for my taste buds) we filled up on the stuff. Because after that, we decided to keep to tapas and each ordered small plates to share.
I ordered the coconut shrimp that was fried and lightly brushed with honey. The shrimp were massive and felt like a meal in and of themselves. The mix of the sweet and salty was a perfect compliment to my margarita. Next up was the calamari (side note: my husband is so not in to latin food so he played it safe with the calamari, but even he admitted how tasty it all was). Lastly, we ordered something a little more hearty, empanadas, and they were melt in your mouth.
Aside from the delicious food and spot on ambiance, the staff was friendly without being overbearing and, yes, even the bathrooms were pretty amazing. (Guys, they had authentic hand painted Spanish sinks. For real!) If you couldn’t tell already, I highly recommend this place. It really is the most spectacular Mexican Restaurant in New York!
Happy Eating, XO.
Damn, I Can Make That! 