#PeachysPicks #Alcala A Peachy's Pick Since 2012 Winter 2025 by #Founder #ExecutiveChef and #Owner #JesusMartinez 246 East 44th Street Manhattan
It is a massive understatement to say Peachy Deegan is obsessed with the Garlic Shrimp at Alcala. Of course it was the first thing she delicately devoured! Try to let it cool a tiny bit so you don't burn yourself in your extreme enthusiasm.
Also don't miss the Arroz Confitado:
It's not who you know, it's WHOM YOU KNOW and we first met Executive Chef, Founder and Owner of Alcala, Jesus Martinez, way back in 2012. In 2024, Alcala was one of the best performers among Peachy's Picks starting last February, and they were last featured in the summer. Additionally, they earned accolades in our newest culinary column, Sensational Salads.
In the dreary days of February, a culinary extravaganza from Spain is exactly what you need to perk up your life! We began with Ensalada de Navarra: a total classic. Check out how fresh the produce is! Jesus personally goes to the market for sourcing and takes tremendous pride in each and every dish that he serves you. Grilled asparagus, Piquillo peppers, tomatoes, Idiazabal cheese and scallion vinaigrette over mesclun salad await you. Next, we had a bowl of Caldo Gallego: Galician style soup with spanish chorizo and potatoes which is exactly what you need to warm up!
Benito Martinez and Juan Martinez, Jesus's brothers, also work at Alcala and we were delighted to meet them this time. Of course, they are all the real deal from Spain and this is super authentic.
We don't think we have had Tomato Bread, a side, ever and we reveled in the simplicity. It's flavorful without being overwhelming and a delicious companion to anything you feast upon. Our second favorite edible period at Alcala is the Canelones:
You should not pass go and collect $200 on the Peachy's Picks virtual Monopoly without trying them! Cannelloni of spinach and shrimp with tomato and Bechamel sauce is pure luxury on your palate. The components are in perfect proportion to each other and every bite is a celebration.
Every Paella we have ever had at Alcala is a triumph, but we think the Arroz Confitado is particularly winning in the depths of February. Confit of rice with chorizo sausage, chicken, shrimp, squid, mushrooms, and caramelized sofrito await you in their savory glory and we love the peas and peppers too that add color and nutrition! There is a lot of protein to feast upon here and the meat and fish content is high, which we prefer.
The Arroz Confitado insisted upon a closeup:
Calling all carnivores! We love steak, and do you know that often the best steaks you will find in New York are not at steakhouses? Solomillo de Buey con Pimentos Asados is juicy and spectacular and exactly medium rare as we ordered it. Grilled filet mignon with roasted red peppers and crusty fried potatoes is what the menu says, and on the day we visited we were happy to befriend the carrots, asparagus and green beans too. Everyone knows that Peachy is Irish so it is a given she loves potatoes (but not everyone's potatoes...remember we only publish on the best!) The Scalloped Potatoes at Alcala are soft and inviting and a superb side to befriend, especially if you have something spicy for contrast.
Often Peachy likes chocolate or apple pie for dessert, that is, unless she sees you are capable of something truly extraordinary that we don't see often that you do well. Homemade pear with Rioja red wine paired with semifredo almond ice cream is just the right touch and extraordinarily sublime.
Alcala continues to be Highly Recommended and it is one of Peachy's favorites right now!
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