After his West Village Mexican restaurant Empellón racked up some quality reviews (noise not withstanding) nobody should be surprised that former WD-50 pastry chef Alex Stupak decided to go for a sequel. And now it has arrived. On Tuesday night Empellón Cocina opened in the old Counter space on First Avenue (yup, Counter finally kicked it). But don't expect any tacos at this one.
Unlike at the original restaurant, the menu at Cocina is more about fully plated dishes. Yes, you can still get gauc or queso fundido but now you can also try things like cod with gachas de arroz with plaintains and chilpachole or bay scallops with huitlacoche, rutabaga and brown butter mole. And the vegetable options ain't bad either. Think roasted carrots with mole poblano, yogurt and watercress. You can check out the full menu below.
As for the decor? Stupak and Co. have updated the Counter space, but kept some features along the way—most notably the circular lights that radiate out above the bar. Beyond that there are some quotations and pieces of Mexican art on the walls, dark tables and chairs and a line of white banquettes. Surprisingly, there is no reclaimed wood that we could see!
105 First Avenue // 212-780-0999
