Toro NYC
Located over on the far West Side sits Toro, one of last years biggest openings in the Meatpacking District. Of course this is a bit of a scene but actually not as over the top as I thought it would be. The inside is actually gorgeous; long threads of ivy line the walls, big windows overlook the Hudson River. It's definitely big and brash but it's also kind of fun. The three of us got a table right up front and just started ordering as plates zipped on and off our table all night. We began with a variety of Pinchos like these Medjool dates filled with marcona almonds, blue cheese and wrapped in jamon serrano.
Unfortunately these weren't that good. The ham and cheese was incredibly thin, not providing the balance required for the sweet date. Add the drizzle of honey on top and it was sugar overload. This being our first dish I was a little bit worried Toro was going to be a total bust but then the Deviled Eggs arrived.
The yolk was super creamy with layers of fat tuna belly and a dusting of chives on top. Fantastic! I was so happy Mr. T hated deviled eggs....this was one dish I didn't want to share.
The Bocadillo de Tetilla was tasty but too small. There was just too much bread and not enough black truffle and cheese inside for satisfying bite and the hefty $14 price tag.
The Salt Cod Fritters were delicious- moist and flaky with rings of fried lemon peel on top.
Unfortunately these weren't that good. The ham and cheese was incredibly thin, not providing the balance required for the sweet date. Add the drizzle of honey on top and it was sugar overload. This being our first dish I was a little bit worried Toro was going to be a total bust but then the Deviled Eggs arrived.
The yolk was super creamy with layers of fat tuna belly and a dusting of chives on top. Fantastic! I was so happy Mr. T hated deviled eggs....this was one dish I didn't want to share.
The Bocadillo de Tetilla was tasty but too small. There was just too much bread and not enough black truffle and cheese inside for satisfying bite and the hefty $14 price tag.
The Salt Cod Fritters were delicious- moist and flaky with rings of fried lemon peel on top.
The Filete a la Plancha was perfect...covered in cabrales butter and red onion marmalade. This tasted just like the one I love at Casa Mono, possibly even better.
Mr. T always loves grilled corn with cayenne, lime and cojita cheese...
...but he was even more impressed with the Ham and Pig's Head Fritters which had such rich, meaty flavor I think we all were swooning.
When the Roasted Bone Marrow arrived I leaned back a bit and let my two companions dig in. I knew this dish was at the top of their list. It wasn't until I realized they had completely stopped talking and were devouring the bone that I dug in. Whoa- super buttery, with some salty beef cheek marmalade on the side and a tart citrus salad on top. This was some serious marrow.
I was so full I only managed a bite of the Galacian Octopus that arrived as one long meaty tentacle with charred onions...
...and a small bite of the spicy Chorizo just so I could save some room for the Chocolate Cremeux with Olive Oil Ice Cream.
This was so worth saving room for...salty and robust ice cream; perfect for pairing with the smooth chocolate custard and a flurry of nuts.
The service at Toro was hit or miss. Our waiter was incredibly friendly and efficient at first, forgot about us for 30 minutes, then returned apologizing and attentive, to then leave us with the check for eons. I think my idea for a return visit is a solo seat at the bar and stick to one or two favorites. Oh and definitely on an off night instead of 10:00 pm on Saturday (craziness). That being said this is a seriously solid choice for food if your hanging in the Meatpacking District.
The service at Toro was hit or miss. Our waiter was incredibly friendly and efficient at first, forgot about us for 30 minutes, then returned apologizing and attentive, to then leave us with the check for eons. I think my idea for a return visit is a solo seat at the bar and stick to one or two favorites. Oh and definitely on an off night instead of 10:00 pm on Saturday (craziness). That being said this is a seriously solid choice for food if your hanging in the Meatpacking District.
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