Cocina Consuelo has gotten quite a bit of hype (including being corned as one of NYTimes’ 100 Best Restaurants in NYC) since it opened earlier this year, but it does not seem like it will ever be fully taken over by the young social media paparazzi since it is well off-the-beaten path in Hamilton Heights. That keeps it local and authentic. And what a great spot it is to come by for breakfast lunch, or dinner.
The Mexican dishes here all taste as if you are indeed sitting just outside someone’s home kitchen. The homey, warm environment only helped matters. I found the Hibiscus Quesadilla the be a complete revelation with crisp, griddled blue corn tortillas that reveal stewed hibiscus and sorrel root with spices and flavorings usually reserved for chicken. It’s smoky, spicy, tangy and balanced beautifully by the rich luscious melted Oaxaca cheese. Price: $15
| COCINA CONSUELO |
| 130 Hamilton Place (between West 142nd and West 143rd Street), Hamilton Heights (646) 250-7172 |
| cocinaconsuelonyc.com |
