A Peachy's Pick Since 2012 and #Best #Spanish #Restaurant in #Manhattan, El Pote Espanol #ElPote #ElPoteEspanol Since 1977 by New Owners Nicolas Ahuatl and Juan Costa Fall 2020 #WhomYouKnow #PeachysPicks @ManhattanPeachy #PeachyDeegan
Owner Nicolas Ahuatl and Executive Chef Francisco Bravo
Paella Valencia
All salads are not the same: some are just superior.
El Pote had earned our highest recommendation in January:
We've been going there since 2012. When a venue earns our Highest Recommendation it's rare they get better, but El Pote actually did which is especially incredible considering the current climate. First of all it has the best bathroom makeover we've seen in recent memory. Obviously we go to the bathroom first and wash our hands and if you didn't learn that in life before this year you ought to be doing it now.Not only does El Pote have outdoor seating in front now which they never used to have but far better they have a garden in back which is where we ate and we loved it. New Owner Nicholas Ahuatl in his genius creation:
This is the best vacation now it is ambient and the nastiness on any sidewalk cannot happen in a private garden!!! Obviously he has thought of space heaters etc. and we like the plants.
Inside there are 6 tables for 12 people right now per the utterly crazy unfair regulations imposed on restaurants in particular.
El Pote is now open seven days a week and though we do not review brunch or eat brunch, if you do we are confident it is fantastic. Also on the brunch menu is the green salad we had:
We never edit pictures. You serve the best or we don't feature you!
Mango, avocado, mixed lettuce, red onions, lemon, cherry tomatoes and grilled chicken are terrifically spectacular and this is the perfect way to start. This is a new menu item.
You cannot pass go and collect $200 without eating the succulent garlic shrimp. If you took six years of French like Peachy you will be pleased to know anything Spanish on the menu is also in ENGLISH. Gambas al Ajillo beautifully dance in garlic butter to ignite your appetite and they are just as good as they were when Enrique and Jose did it, a rare feat in this discipline. Below, meet Champinon Rellenos:
The shrimp used to be our favorite appetizer but these tie for #1 when you consider the sensational crabmeat that inhabit these mushrooms. Make sure on both accounts-shrimp and mushrooms-you wait for them to cool before you dive in and burn your mouth. Of course food is served hot here!
All of the soups are incredible but this time we chose the Garlic Soup as Dr. Peachy thinks it will make her immune system fabulous in addition to the knockout flavor. This is also just as spectacular as it was under Enrique and Jose, and if you like garlic you are going to want to order more to take home with you because there is no way anyone else makes this as well as El Pote.
Paella Glamour Shots:
Be prepared to enter Paella heaven! Classic chicken, seafood, sausage and rice sing a symphony of exquisite flavor that will culminate in your happy addiction to the El Pote paella, unparalleled in quality. The singular sensation of each ingredient is alone terrific and when they are teamed up, the result is tastebud fireworks! Just what you need on a chilly night in New York!
You should know that Executive Chef Francisco Bravo has been at El Pote since 1981 (no one would have taken us seriously then as a food critic) and Sous Chef Roosevelt Arista has been there since 1990: both evidence their tremendous experience in the utmost quality on your plate consistently. For our meat entree we chose the Ternera Plancha: Broiled Veal. Joined by a trifecta of fabulous vegetables including favorites string beans and red pepper, this is an example of what you believe might be straightforward dish executed at an amazingly high level.
Also important to know is the wine list boasts both quality and depth and we're going to give the wine brands they highlight a chance to be reviewed in Champagne wishes.
Popeye and all spinach enthusiasts will be wowed with the creamed spinach that joins the Broiled Catch of the Day: Red Snapper! Pescado del Dia (fish of the day) is not only a generous portion but also grilled to a smashing flavor that will leave you truly impressed. If you are looking for something signature, the best paella however in all of New York can be found at El Pote. There is more than one version and the version we had this time was Paella Valencia:
El Pote continues to Earn Our Highest Recommendation.
