Pampano: The Best Restaurant in New York?

Pampano New York
209 East 49th Street, Between 2nd and 3rd Avenues
New York, NY 10017
Tel. 212.751.4545

Until moving to New York in the mid-80's, my experience with Mexican food was limited largely to chains, like Chi Chi's. The food centered on taco's, enchilada's and refried beans. It was not haute cuisine.

That changed with my introduction to Rosa's on West 50th street in Manhattan. It was a small family run restaurant serving upscale Mexican dishes. Later I would enjoy Rosa Mexicano (similar name, but no relation), which began on the Upper East Side and now boasts nine restaurants in numerous cities. These restaurants served sophisticated seafood, poultry and meat dishes prepared with enticing spices.

Pampano expands on the traditions carved out by Rosa's and Rosa Mexicano and takes them to new level. Accordng to its website, it was born out of a partnership betwwen chef Richard Sandoval and maestro Placido Domingo. http://www.modernmexican.com/pampano/index.htm

My first visit to Pampano was a couple of years ago for a Bar Mitzvah of all things. That's right, instead pigs in a blanket and rubber chicken, I was treated to Margaritas, ceviche and pistachio-chile anhco crusted tuna. It was a wonderful alternative to a traditional affair.

We returned last night with two of my wife's cousins and their husbands, including the parents of the Bar Mitzvah boy. We had a great meal. For me it began with a simple Margarita, on the rocks no salt. Unlike Margaritas at the popular chains it was smooth and not too sour.

We then ordered a number of appetizers for the table, including a ceviche (citrus marinated seafood) tasting of shrimp, tuna and halibut, red snapper quesadillas and guacamole and chips. If there is a heaven, they must serve something similar. For a main course, I had the special, tuna in a coffee and chile rub. It was served with smashed plantains, spinach and a tomato salsa and was the best I've ever had. Others had the chipolte-misto marinated black cod and the Mariscada (shrimp, calamari, scallops and octopus marinated in anchiote-cocunut sauce). All were met with raves.

This was the best meal I've had in some time. Not surprising, as Pamapno is the Zagat's number one rated Mexican restaurant in New York. It just may be the best restaurant period.