Salinas New York City

Since this wonderful spot opened more than eight years ago it keeps progressively getting better. The Tapas and main dishes keep expanding in both items but as well in delicious interest. No American pseudo Spanish fare here! No... truly authentic. The ambience has always felt magical with the hundreds of fresh candles nightly and the abundance of fragrant roses in many hues of peach, to rust to copper. And the displays of paper cache trees brought one into the world of art as well. The golden variations of wood, the fireplace and the retractable ceiling that renders this intimate boîte into a spring garden have made this the perfect place to dine. I was there the other night with seven friends and to my delight I entered an even more remarkable space. How many restaurants sit back to enjoy their success and assumes their clientele is forever happy with the surroundings? Mary Cathrine and Donald Macula, the owners, have transformed their lovely space into and even lovelier one. The entry has a much more expression of welcome and the tiny bar has been moved to replace the long row of communal tables where a group was separated via the tall sprays of delicate roses. In it's place area few bistro style tables and a full bar where one can enjoy a drink before dinner or simply to see a friend for a for a sugar-rimmed Side Car and a small plate or two. New since my last visit six months ago when I last visited New York are several levels of tastings of the menu. My group chose the $65 version and the food was abundant, beautifully curated with a myriad of interesting flavors and we were all so satisfied. We had the Anchovy toast and the small strips that were delicate and making your tongues beg for more. We had the rich pan sautéed Octopus, fried Chickpeas, Seared Duck to the exact perfect temperature, Spicy Shishito peppers, Paella , And more that is still waiting to come to my mind after such a perfect night. Salinas 136 9th Ave between 18th and 19th streets. Call now ..they fill up with their loyal clientele who cannot get enough .... like me.

By far my most memorable restaurant experience I have ever had. The wait and bar staff were more professional and take their jobs more seriously than any person I've met in any profession. As far as the food goes, all I can say is that the human mind cannot comprehend the devine. Everything I ate was the greatest thing I've ever tasted. The port at the end really tide the meal together. I would happily fly from Seattle to NYC just to sit at the bar for an old fashioned and go home when it was gone. Best place I've ever had the pleasure of dinning at. Thank you.