Nuela

Nuela
43 W 24th Street
(Flatiron)
212-929-1200
www.nuelany.com

I discovered this nuevo Latino restaurant, Nuela, through my current addiction, the sales site, Bloomspot. I checked it out online and the menu looked like it had potential, and the photos of the space looked chic, modern and fun, so I took a chance and went for it. I was a little nervous when I went online to read the reviews the day I had scheduled my reservations, though, because people kept saying the portions were tiny, and that it was very overpriced. I already bought the voucher, so I was stuck. Too late now, so off to Nuela I did go. I don't know what they were talking about! Those reviewers must be the same people who are used to super sizing fast food....cheap, fat, overfed Americans. I thought the prices were reasonable and portion size was perfect. I was actually able to eat my entire meal and not feel like an overstuffed turkey the day before Thanksgiving, and the food was amazing! First, they brought out this delicious bread with honey butter...a nice twist. I'm not a bread lover. I usually take a bite, just for the sake of trying it and then leave the rest, but this bread I kept on eating and even accepted a second basket! For my entree, I ordered the Churrasco, since I was in quite a carnivorous mood, and have been in a passionate affair with chimichurri sauce for the last three years, (when we were first introduced). And if I wasn't already convinced that this dish was meant for me, all I needed to see is that it came with a side of yucca hashbrowns. Hashbrowns.....yes! Mmmmmmm...... When my food came, I expected it to be good, but it was better than that. It was exceptional! My steak was cooked perfectly, and "perfect" is the highest compliment I can give. There was absolutely nothing I would've changed about this entire meal. I couldn't tweak it in any way if I tried. I loved it! Loved! The decor was as it looked on the website, too....fun, modern...energetic...all in all, a good vibe, not cheesey and not too formal...very nicely done. I even started looking at the way they draped the orange cloth they used in their design and wondered "Hmmm....how can I incorporate this into my Manhattan apartment?" The bar looked comfy and inviting...next time, (yes, I'm going back), I'm gonna sit there. Even the bathrooms are cool...downstairs, dimly lit and sexy, coed with no attendant....do you catch my drift? Yeah...you can be naughty. Anyway....I recommend checking out Nuela....great place for a date!

Dinner prices:
Appetizers- $12-14
Entrees- $22-30
Dessert- $7-9