Peachy Picks Manolito
Manolito was first featured in Terrific Takeout:
Manolito is a quaint yet vibrant Latin themed restaurant located on 2nd Avenue 82nd Street Upper East Side . Upon entering, there is a bar followed by the dining area.
Following this, we began our main courses, sampling the Salmon Latino a la plancha, which was prepared with chimichurri herbs and accompanied by a delicious sweet potato mash. Others sampled the churrasco, which was so flavorful (better than steak we have eaten in Buenos Aires 
The plaintain chips served at the bar come in a wooden cigar box….great touch, and in line with the feel of the place. Cristina, the owner, has named a Paella for herself. Not in an egocentric way, though, but proprietary, proud of the dish, and of her restaurant. She recommended the wine we try: do Zoe Alberino 2009. Wonderful with the entire dinner. And they brought a pony of white porto for each of us to the table. To whet the appetite, Cristina from Portugal, said.
Cristina Gentile, Owner of Manolito!
For whom Paella Cristina is named!
& then it was featured in Tasty Tidbits:
If you know Peachy Deegan, you know she is about as Latin and into Latin as it is balmy in Manhattan in January. She wears her Brooks Brothers Polos with the collar up and her Farmington ring day in and day out since the day she earned enough brownie points to get it. Her favorite shoes are her Ralph Lauren penny loafers and other than being hugely patriotic she loves Ireland and England. And though she's not French or Italian she loves their shoes and food. It is not too often that she finds something so fabulous that is of Spanish origin, but the Paella Cristina of Manolito has her thinking she might even change her name to Cristina. It is THAT fabulous. And, she was smart enough to bring three panelists that speak Spanish. Peachy does not. Our point is even if you think you don't like Spanish or South American food think again. You will like everything Cristina has thought of. Peachy is not one to take suggestions from the outside but Cristina convinced us to order the Paella Cristina in the Takeout review, and she was right as we cannot stop talking about it.
Not only is Manolito outstanding overall as a top newcomer to the upper east side, it is also notable that it is our first of the Terrific Takeout features that has graduated to Peachy's Picks. This is no small feat as the Terrific Takeout column is one of the site's hottest during this cool winter in Manhattan.
We predict the biggest draws on the menu will have items with the word "lobster" in it. Maybe we'll see a Lobster Cristina next. Peachy Deegan is absolutely in love with the lobster mashed potatoes. Now her new love is the South American Lobster Bisque! Shown above, it was absolutely creamy and divine and every drop melted in her mouth. Manolio masters seafood. We could go on and on about Paella Cristina-its saffron rice with shrimp, clams, mussels, lobster, piquillo peppers and peas is out of this word with flavor and freshness and the harmony of its ingredients will delight your senses. If you aren't in love yet just look at this exquisite chocolate mousse:
From the moment we sat down, Ismael Rosario, below, was an absolute peach and that is a huge compliment coming from yours truly. You should clamor to get him when you arrive. Not only is their food amazing, but Manolito totally knows what they are doing with alcohol, which we may be even more accomplished judges of. The amazing Cristina is Portuguese - so to begin the night we started with Portuguese white wine-Porto. Peachy also enjoyed a Shiraz and white sangria complete with peaches. Boy did they know who was coming we love places that love detail!
Not only does Manolito nail the food and the alcohol, but they even show football games if you get the seat with the right angle. Peachy loves it! But listen to the panel now.
Not only does Manolito nail the food and the alcohol, but they even show football games if you get the seat with the right angle. Peachy loves it! But listen to the panel now.
The lighting was ambient and the music was authentic Latin.
Overall, the restaurant seemed to be bustling with activity and few tables were open during prime dining hours on Saturday night. The restaurant would be a good date spot with plenty of excellent choices on the menu, including appetizers such as various ceviches, pinchos, tapas and salads. For drinks, the menu has many tempting choices such as the red or white sangria, excellent South American wines (Chilean and Argentinian)—Malbecs, Pinot Noir’s and Spanish wines.
Upon entering the restaurant we were greeted by the manager/owner Cristina Gentile, a very friendly, knowledgeable Portuguese woman who attended to all our requests with prompt and gracious service.
For starters we tried the Salmon Ceviche, which was divine, refreshing and just the right size. For another starter, we sampled the mejillones (mussels) in a spicy green tomato sofrito sauce with wine. Hands down, the best mussels we have ever tasted due to the sauce, shown above. We also dined on the chorizo asado for an appetizer. For drinks, we were each treated to a glass of porto.
Overall, Manolito is one of our favorite Latin restaurants in the city with unique, flavorful choices, outstanding and attentive service, reasonable prices and a lively atmosphere. Best to arrive early to ensure getting a table, as it tends to book quickly for dinner. We had a wonderful dinner, forgetting we were in NYC for a moment given the authenticity of the restaurant’s surroundings, vibrant Salsa music and savory dishes.
Google “Nuevo Latino”, and you’ll find it’s already considered a category of restaurants in NYC. The cuisine has been years, if not decades in the making, and New Yorkers benefit the most from this wonderful array of flavors. Eating out has never been so good. But forget about the big, and go for the intimate: Manolito’s, on the Upper East Side is just the place for a great meal, a great drink, and great service.
The sweeping bar reads modern, contemporary, but the interior has a sense of Old World tropical, with airy curtains, and carved wooden fans providing atmosphere. There are nights with live music, but this evening, we are in a space with families, and groups celebrating birthdays. Ismael, your waiter, is bound to become your best friend. He’ll remember what you like to drink, and how you like your meat cooked. He’ll suggest substitutes, and specials, with your taste in mind.
Go for the sangria. Ismael says so. He’ll explain the ingredients as a father would tell you about his child’s first words. In detail. Ah, delicious! We have the red: redolent, fruitful, and refreshing, even on a winter’s eve.
The plaintain chips served at the bar come in a wooden cigar box….great touch, and in line with the feel of the place. Cristina, the owner, has named a Paella for herself. Not in an egocentric way, though, but proprietary, proud of the dish, and of her restaurant. She recommended the wine we try: do Zoe Alberino 2009. Wonderful with the entire dinner. And they brought a pony of white porto for each of us to the table. To whet the appetite, Cristina from Portugal, said.
You must try the mussels as an appetizer. My codfish croquettes, shown above. (and I’m passionate about bacalao!!!) took second place to those mussels. Such a flavor, such a sauce. Just the right hint of cilantro.
The special salmon of the evening included, as one member of our panel put it : everything: capers, shrimp, sauce……….with a fragrant and beautiful presentation. It is usually served with their special lobster mashed potatoes, but tonight, they substituted “plain” mashed potatoes. The lobster/potato blend is so popular, I’ll have to go back just for that! The shrimp weren’t necessary on the plate. The salmon was cooked to idyllic perfection, and the capers added the right touch. Happy with my potatoes, and happy with the entire meal.
And then came dessert. Now, my latin friends: we all know “tres leches.” It’s a cake every grandmother has a recipe for. A cake we all kill for. Our hips suffer because of this cake. Try Cristina’s Tres Leches. Oh, the lightness……and with coconut, toasted on top to add just a tiny bit of crunch. And the chocolate mousse! I had to infringe on my panel to try their desserts, too.
By the way, the children in the room gave their opinions, and told us how much they loved it there. The “pinchos” are perfect for little fingers. But that’s another review.
Upper East Side: Hidden Gem: Manolito’s. I wonder if they deliver all the way to Soho???????
Located on the Upper East side, this latin-style restaurant is a gem! Neighborhood residents have noticed, and Manolito takes a marked pride in their notable accomplishment which became our dinner! Comfortable, festive and unpretentious, Manolito has formal dining in the depth of the restaurant and a welcoming bar to greet you when you walk in. Dishes range in origin from South America to Portugal, and the consistent quality exuded through each and every item we tried was excellent. The portions are generous and you will leave feeling tremendously satisfied with not only the quality but also the quantity. To start,we highly recommend the salmon tartare. The portion is large and delicious with touches of cilantro, avocado and chile oil. The main course staple is the churrascos, a grilled skirt steak with chimichurri sauce!
Peachy Picks Manolito!
1586 Second Avenue
212 717 4666
