THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Empellon Cocina Awards

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Empellon Cocina Restaurant Review:

Alex Stupak, the former pastry chef of wd-50, complements his Empellon Taqueria with this East Village venture. You'd be wise to start with a skillfully balanced cocktail or a selection from the carefully curated mezcal and tequila list. Guacamole veers from the norm with the addition of pistachios, and pairs with light masa crisps; try a few of the salsas, too, especially the smoked cashew. Ruby red shrimp with urchin mousse walks the line between rich and light, but it’s the queso with lobster that you'll be talking about the next day. We also recommend the lamb sweetbreads, tender and well spiced, and the pork ribs with white bean purée. Desserts are delicate, including a moist tres leches cake.