"El Kallejon in East Harlem looks like the mercado of your dreams—Huichol cats, rainbow piñatas—but the food is more of an ode to Mexican cuisine, not a classic rendition. Japanese, French, and other international influences fly freely in signature dishes like escargots with a silky pasilla sauce, crispy brain flautas sprinkled with tobiko, and grilled shark tostadas with kalbi sauce. Great for a low-key celebratory meal, everything about this place reflects the passion and quirkiness of host/chef Nestor Leon, who brings your food and flower-garnished cocktails to your table himself." - willa moore, bryan kim, will hartman, neha talreja, carlo mantuano, sonal shah
Kate Previte
