Last week, I went to a Mexican restaurant called Toloache near Times Square on 50th between 8th Ave and Broadway. Toloache’s menu is divided into the following small plate categories: Guacamole $13; Ceviche $14-$15; Soups and Salads $9-11; Quesadillas $12-$15; and Tacos $10-$17. These plates are meant as appetizers but some like the Guacamole and Ceviche may be ordered as a sampler and this is best if with a group. Toloache’s main plates range from $18 – $32.
I first ordered the red sangria (depicted above). Unfortunately, Toloache does not serve this by the pitcher so beware how quickly the tab will add up. We started with the Guacamole sampler depicted below, and of the three, all of us liked the “Rojo” best. This is the one depicted with the queso fresco on top.
Trio de Guacomoles $24
After the Trio de Guacamoles were cleared we ordered a tasting of three different Ceviches. The chef included a special ceviche for us which was not on the menu and included fish from the special plate of the night. It is depicted below to the right. This turned out to be my favorite because of the inclusion of mango, but all three were tempting.
Tres Ceviches "El Acapulco Tasting" $27
For my main dish, the waiter talked me into the “Tumbada” which is described as Veracruz-style paella. The seasoning was perfect and the rice was delicious but the shrimp and fish in particular were over cooked and bit dry. If I were to go back again (based on the plates I saw being served) I would try the Camarones Tolache ($26) or Carnitas de Lechon ($26).
Tumbada - Veracruz style paella $27
The prices are in line with what one might expect from a NYC restaurant and the service was excellent, but in the US only NYC could pull off such prices for this sort of food. If making dinner reservations, I’d recommend requesting a table on the second floor overlooking the restaurant below or on a warm evening street-side tables for some al fresco dining. You can see the full menu as well as other locations in Manhattan by visiting, toloachenyc.com.
I find these lists a bit ridiculous, but I always peruse them. In case you are wondering Madge makes five appearances on the top 100 appearing respectively at #7, #36, #46, #86 and #87. I might have bumped her up a bit and included a few other of her CDs but this isn’t my list.
BosGuy 