NYC Restaurants

Basque-inspired Ernesto’s, from Michelin-starred Chef Ryan Bartlow, is now open on the Lower East Side. Bartlow, who served as Executive Chef at Quality Eats and was part of the opening team for Frenchette, is celebrating his love of the Basque region with a special menu. Diners will discover a selection of small bites including housemade Txistorra (a Basque-style fast-cure sausage) and Tosta de Gambas (shrimp toasts). There are larger plates like Bistec con Salsa Oporto (tavern-style shoulder steak with a port and foie sauce), Rape a la Plantxa (monkfish, clams, and salsa verde), and Carrillera de Buey (braised beef cheek in red wine with potato puree). Dessert brings Gâteaux Basque Au Chocolat (traditional Basque cake with chocolate) and Tocino del Cielo with meringue and chantilly.  Spanish cheeses are also served.  Ernesto’s, designed by Michael Groth, features an expansive, light-filled 40-seat dining room with exposed brick, 15-seat bar with an elegant green marbletop, custom chandeliers and an original lithograph from painter Joan Miro. >>

- Thomas Rafael