New York, NY 10017
(212) 751-4545
http://www.modernmexican.com/pampano/index.htm
We have been to Pampano many times in the past and what I really enjoy about this place is that they seem to improve each time. I have never paid for a meal here (I'll leave that one for you to figure out), but I would suggest you do. The food is very seafood focused (although I went with a meat entree this time) and always tastes very fresh and flavorful. This place does not serve the typical Mexican fare. They use a lot of unique flavors - fruits and light sauces - to differentiate the food from other places. My better half always enjoys starting at the bar to enjoy a mojito. Pampano always has a few good choices to select from. I went with a brown sugar mojito this time. Sweet but not overly so. Nice and refreshing. She got there before me so I'm not sure which one she ordered. I wouldn't recommend eating at the bar, as I did once and it was a little awkward to do. Although, I was sitting at the corner part and that was what made it such a pain.
Normally we eat upstairs, where there is a nice size dining and an outdoor patio. I have been to the restaurant in various seasons, and I can't recall a time that people were seated outdoors to eat. I don't know if they ever offer that, but it would be nice. Inside the big dining room they have these large, unique fans on the ceiling. But I was here in winter so that wouldn't have mattered and anyway, I was eating downstairs for the first time. The bathrooms are upstairs and are very nice. If I had to go to the BATHROOM in a restaurant, I wouldn't mind going here.
Another first was that we ordered Guacamole. It was okay. Creamy with nice chunks of avocado, but nothing special. The meal began when we received our ceviches. Pampano makes some really excellent ceviches. She got tuna with tomatillo, mango and chile poblano. I thought it was ok, but that was probably because I was comparing it to my superior Halibut ceviche, which contained cilantro, mint and mango. The sauce it was sweet and almost creamy with the freshness of the herb complementing the cool, firm, fresh fish very well.
For main courses, she went with a golden bass that came with huitlacoche flan, peruvian corn, zucchini and chile guajillo consommé. The fish was cooked perfectly and the golden crust accentuated the delicious flavor fo the fish. The flan accompaniment was a perfect pairing and very unique as well. I went with a newer menu addition - duck with a mole sauce. It also had it crispy skin cooked very nicely and I enjoyed it although I would probably stick with the seafood next time only because they just cook it so well here.
I always remember the desserts being very good here. They don't seem to change them, but that isn't a bad thing. Also, I always order the orange flavored coffee as it is a very nice way to end a meal. She ordered the pastel de elote, an amazing warm corn cake with coconut ice cream and a hibiscus sauce. The cake is so creamy and sweet with the perfect amount of corn flavor. I went with some nice Mexican style rice pudding. It is firmer and has a unique sweet taste from the Mexican cream.
Overall, I have been here many times and will be going back. The restaurant staff is friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. The crowd is more upscale and the restaurant is visually pleasing. I just remembered: they used to have really nice menus with a metallic fish design on the front, but I don't think they have that anymore. That was just a random thought and shouldn't stop anyone from going here.
COST: $152 for the two of us, tax and tip.
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