Peachy Picks Malaga
Malaga really was Terrific Takeout:
So it graduated to Tasty Tidbits:
We knew of the live music, featuring the guitar and vocals of Gregorio Uribe, every Sunday evening from 6:30 to 9:30 pm so our panelists visited Malaga on a Sunday! The music was pleasant but not overpowering and Peachy was able to converse with the extraordinarily fun panelists with no problem while they dined in total bliss. It was a continuous hit parade of one amazing dish after another from tapas to paella and even if you are not Spanish (Peachy!) you will become transformed and wonder how you ever lived without this amazing cuisine. Malaga is absolutely miles ahead of any Latin/Spanish place we have ever encountered. You'll see that the ratio of Italian places to any other cuisine is overpowering and we have only featured Manana of The Serafina Group that has similar cuisine of this caliber. Peachy Deegan began with a full bodied Tempranillo Conde de Juarregni from the Rioja Region, and if she is not drinking The Peachy Deegan, this is a standout red to sip on!
We began with three amazing selections from Tapas, and above are the roasted piquille peppers stuffed with bechamel and meat-simply exquisite! The atmosphere of Malaga seems so authentic as well, and Peachy says seems because you know she's an Anglo/Francophile and has not actually been to Spain. Actually, she is an Irishophile the most but we're not sure that is a word. From the gorgeous well-stocked bar with the tile roof, to the beautiful ceiling, to the good taste in showing The Masters (ooh we love golf see Peachy on the links! ) on the tv at the bar, it was a totally welcome atmosphere. Second-generation owner Ana Alvarez is one of the most diligent, charming, upbeat and overall fabulous restaurateurs we've encountered and give us five Ana, you are one of the few women doing so.
The tapas hit parade continued with the mushrooms with crabmeat and shrimp, and they bursted with true flavor! The best, below, was the shrimp in garlic sauce and if you love shrimp and you love garlic, like Peachy, you'd be hard pressed to find a better version of this tapas anywhere in Manhattan. In fact, we think you won't.
All of the tapas are only $8 which is a total steal. We are never price sensitive at Whom You Know because our only focus is quality, but we cannot believe this deal. You know we are total carnivores at Whom You Know and you must be informed that the Broiled Skirt Steak with chimchurri rivaled the steaks we have had at some of the best steakhouses in the city:
And the paella definitely is the best in the city:
No meal is complete without one of Peachy's favorite food groups, chocolate:
In all of our restaurant reviews, we must say this is one of the most undiscovered gems! Tucked away on a street rather than an avenue, Malaga is a total haven for those with discriminating taste who want to go to an extraordinary place! Don't listen to just Peachy, though! The panel comments:
Everything is right about Malaga. It starts with the decor which really does feel like what you’d imagine Malaga, Spain to be like. In the background is sonorous guitar music from Gregorio Uribe. The music is soft enough to allow conversation but loud enough to be enjoyed. Our server, Frank, above, impressed us with his generous pours, and when I asked what was in the Sangria that I had ordered, he instantly gave me the recipe. He was helpful, good-humored, and seemed proud of his work. I loved the tapas (Spanish hors d’oeuvres) including garlic shrimp and also stuffed pepper. The main course was lobster paella, which was bursting with flavor. The rice was American-style in that it was cooked all the way through, as opposed to Spanish-style, which would have been just undercooked enough to be faintly chewy. That’s probably a good accommodation since the Spanish-style takes a little getting used to. (Full disclosure; I lived in Spain for two years, so I’m familiar with Spanish rice.)
Last night I had the distinct pleasure of dining at Malaga, with Peachy herself and another member of the food panel, for a highly enjoyable and totally NY unique dining experience. Malaga,the delightful "Cocina Espanola" located at 406 East 73rd Street, offers atmosphere, good tapas, fine wine and a guitarist ( Sundays) to accompany our delicious lobster paella and steak dinner. The lovely 2nd generation owner of this charming restaurant visited with us which made our evening even more enjoyable. And, ps, the service was superb.
Peachy Picks Malaga!!!
Bravo Ana.
