I was intrigued by the invitation to the press brunch at Calle Dao, the second location of this Cuban-Chinese restaurant in Chelsea as I had never experienced that blend of cuisines before. When I arrived, I heard that the health inspectors had just arrived for a spot inspection and we’d have to sit and wait.
We all were ravenous by the time — almost an hour later — the first course and drink arrived. We were told they passed the inspection with flying colors.
We sampled three of their appetizers. The one I’d recommend is the most unusual spring roll filled with the makings of a Cuban sandwich served with a spicy mojo lime mustard ($10).
From the entrees we sampled, I’d recommend the three steamed buns filled with Cuban mojo duck, sweet pickles and a spicy aioli ($16); the smoked beef short rib with Chinese broccoli and noodles ($19) in a garlic hoisin sauce; and the — of course — Cubano sandwich ($15) filled with glazed pork, ham, salami, gruyere cheese and pickles.
If you end up in that hood, I suggest you give it a try.
Calle Dao
Chelsea
461 W 23rd St
New York, NY 10011
(212) 414-4104
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