The ABC's of eating in NYC

"ABC Cocina" opened last year. It's the latest and most affordable restaurant in acclaimed Michelin star chef Jean Georges Vongerichten's stable and I had been dying to go. 

It's housed inside the "ABC Carpet & Home" store on 19th street between Broadway and Park Ave South, and one of my dearest girl friends in NYC met me there for lunch last Friday.

First of all, "ABC Carpet & Home", situated just off Union Square, has always been how I'd imagine Aladdin's Cave would look. It's one of my favorite stores in NYC, as it's unrestrainedly fanciful with a hipster vibe. The first floor is the most interesting to me, having all sorts of eclectic collections of table top items; an amazing array of pillows; unusual clothing; beautiful stationary and one-of-a-kind vintage jewelry. All of these items are artfully and creatively displayed. You might glance in one direction and see a table set for a sushi dinner, with delicate cracked glass dishes and tiny dipping bowls in a range of pastel colors; or in another direction spy a mannequin with intricately carved wolf's head wearing a stunning burnt orange, funnel neck, nubby wool coat - (a wolf in sheep's clothing - get it !?!) - or in another, a large stone statue of Buddha.

It's a visual feast for the eyes, almost to the point of being overwhelming, and a great place to go and hang out and browse. It's pretty fabulous for people watching too - a few months ago I stepped back and nearly stood on the model Amber Valletta.

"ABC Cocina" is located behind stunning Art Deco style glass doors at the back of the first floor (or can be accessed directly from another entrance on the street on 19th).

In contrast to the store,  the decor is funky but minimalist cool. It features interesting light fixtures; distressed and textured concrete on the walls and smooth concrete on the table tops; and a dark beamed ceiling. The menu is inspired by Latin America and features small bites, meant for sharing. The portions are, in fact, perfect for two girlfriends to share for a light lunch. We were in a celebratory mood, and it was Friday, so we ordered oysters on the half shell and a glass each of rose champagne - a fantastic combination and such a treat. 

I had read a review that said the speciality of the house is their range of tacos, so we also ordered one each with sauteed mushrooms, chocolate mole sauce, limes and shredded kale; and one each featuring crunchy fish with aioli cabbage-chili pickle. The ingredients combined in such an incredible way that the flavors just burst on my tongue. The mushroom taco was dark and rich and earthy but the lime gave a little zing; the fish taco light and crispy, clean and fresh but with a little kick from the chili - both absolutely delicious.

The range of tacos - a speciality

Through the window facing onto 19th street, I could see it had started to rain again, a light grey, dreary drizzle. Inside, the restaurant was buzzing; our waiter attentive; our food transporting us miles away to a climate that was vibrant with color.

After lunch we wandered the store a little more and lingered in front of the vintage jewelry cabinets, happy to chat and browse before heading our separate ways on the subway - back to the real world.