THE PLACE: It’s always thrilling when a true gem opens in an under-served neighborhood. Aside from PJ Clarke’s, some good lunch options and a few Japanese dens, I can’t say there’s a whole lot to bring me to the East 50’s. Ánimo! announces itself with an exclamation point and for good reason – this place is truly exciting. Recently opened, this bright casual Mexican daytime café is a great place to come for coffee, pastries, or some serious breakfast dishes.
THE MENU: After walking past the pastry counter (ogle at the big beautiful sweet breakfast rolls called conchas), you can peruse the menu over a few tables. Breakfast tacos include a scrambled egg and barbacoa option while mains mostly feature egg or bread preparations, like open faced mollete sandwiches and traditional chilaquiles slathered with red or green salsa. Don’t overlook the coffee drinks like the Café de Olla, a clay pot of black coffee smoothed out by cinnamon and piloncillo sugar. It’s fantastic!
THE DISH: While my friend and I tried a few of the excellent breakfast dishes, the Hot Cakes were otherworldly. No syrup was provided for these and frankly it was not needed. Instead, the pancakes were cooked with Glorias, a Mexican dulce de leche pecan candy, that gave the fluffy pucks a light sweetness and a crunchy texture. Topped with caramelized bananas, this was a breakfast that does what Ánimo! claims – changes you life or at the very least the rest of your day! Price: $14
| ÁNIMO! |
| 1004 Second Avenue (at East 53rd Street), Midtown East (212) 837-1791 |
| animonyc.com |
