Lamano’s first location debuted in Chelsea back in January 2017, presenting a low-key vibe with authentic Spanish tapas on the menu. Now, there’s has a new locale in the West Village, featuring the same comfy feel and stellar cuisine that includes a must-try weekend brunch.
The latest location in the West Village features a small, intimate space decked out in reclaimed woods and black accents highlighted with a few neon lights. There’s also an impressive map of Spain – which is handpainted -serving as a backdrop and an open kitchen for diners to watch their food being prepared.
The concept comes from owner Jorge Guzman and chef/partner Mario Hernandez. The two have worked together in the past, collaborating on other Mexican establishments, including the The Blank Ant in the East Village, Ofrenda Cocina Mexicana in the West Village, and Chelsea’s Temerario.
Lamano’s brunch in its West Village location is only a few weeks old, but already offers a solid selection of savory tapas, such as iberico ham shoulder served with figs and cured salmon made in-house with a hinojo cream sauce made with fresh fennel. And there’s drinks too, upgrading the traditional breakfast cocktails with a Bloody Sherry mixed with beet juice and amontillado sherry, and the Lamano Mimosa that combines bubbles, orange juice, and sherry. Other brunch-style sips include a choice of red or white sangria and a peach Bellini, along with various drink options suitable for any meal, such as Spanish cider or beer, a vast selection of Spanish wines, or several coffeee choices, including cafe con leche if you want more of a caffeine fix rather than a boozy brunch (or dinner).
And while there’s a lot of savory items on the menu, there’s also something for those who prefer a little something on the sweeter side. The Mel I Mato Jar is a platter featuring cranberry bread that will remind you of what your grandmother used to make, paired with candied walnuts that are coated in honey. And there’s a jar of ricotta that’s meant to be spread over the bread for a soft and sweet bite.
For the entrees, the Huevos Rotos is a must, made with fried potatoes that are just the right amount of crispy, mixed with iberico ham, and topped with two sunny side eggs that are meant to be broken and mixed within the rest of the ingredients.
And if you want to check out some of the dinner items, ask nicely and these guys will probably let you. One item that is a must are the Piquillos De Carrillera. These small peppers are packed with veal cheeks and doused in a slightly sweet Tempranillo sauce, complementing the flavors perfectly.
The service is just as welcoming as the atmosphere and cuisine, treating all customers more like family than strangers, taking the time to greet you, explain the menu, and offer plenty of suggestions should you feel undecided or overwhelmed. Because with a menu this good, it’s hard to decide on just a one item. Luckily, with tapas you don’t have to. @lamanonyc
30 Christopher Street
Image credit: Carissa Chesanek