Ambience and great food is what we long for in a dining experience. There are so many places in New York with tons of hype but don’t always meet the mark in these two categories. Temerario isn’t one of them. With a great central location in Chelsea it makes for the perfect happy hour spot serving up great cocktails and some really exceptional dishes.
Avocado, onion, cilantro, serrano, pickled jalapeño.
I think this is BY FAR my favorite guacamole in the city. I think that it is so creamy and I love how it has extra spiciness with not only serrano peppers but also the pickled jalapenos that elevate the heat level in a way that is more bearable and not overpowering. It is really flavorful and a must when visiting.
Sea Bass, charred aguachile, jícama, cucumber.
I also highly recommend starting with the Aguachile Negro. I would most compare it to a ceviche-style dish. The sea bass was mild and fresh while the jicama added a nice crunch and textural element to the tenderness of the fish. It is bright and acidic but also has a unique twist of a flavor I can’t quite pinpont. Come see for yourself and let me know what you think.
Sirloin steak, shishito pepper, cauliflower puree, tamarindo demi-glace.
I love a good simple steak but this one was incredibly special. The addition of the demi-glace and the puree came together in the perfect bite loaded with flavor. The steak had its own nice spice rub and the shishito peppers on top again added a little spicy kick. Overall it is a winning dish and definitely a must order.
Mole negro oaxaqueño, braised chicken, queso fresco, crema. onions.
My first mole experience did not disappoint. This mole was so rich with a clear depth of flavor with that cocoa coffee profile really shining through in the silky sauce. The tender chicken and tortilla were of the perfect texture and were a great complement, allowing the mole to really be the star. Although I don’t have much to compare to in this category, I think it was a phenomenal execution.
Save room for the churros, although it won’t be hard to do so as they are so light, but still so satisfying. They have the perfect crunch and are loaded up in that tasty cinnamon sugar. It was really well done dessert.
Pueblo Viejo Blanco, fresh lime, orange liqueur.
PURA PIÑA $16.00
Wahaka mezcal, lime, pineapple elderflower.
Temerario also has some winning cocktails. For Margarita lovers there are so many flavor options although the mango was definitely my favorite. The Pura Pina I found to be extremely unique and so tasty and refreshing. The Temerario Sour had a nice creamy consistency with a little tartness and subtle sweetness from the passion fruit. The Oaxacan Mule had a great smokiness and was a nice remix on the classic version. Finally, the Reckless Negroni was far from basic and also had a nice complexity and balance to it, with the addition of the coffee bean note.
Kentucky Gentleman Whisky, Passion Fruit, Lime, Egg White
OAXACAN MULE $17.00
Banhez Mezcal Joven, Ginger Beer, Lime.
Wahaka Espadin Mezcal, Sweet Vermouth, Campari Infused Coffee Beans.
Temerario Info:
Location
198 8th AVE AT 20TH ST
CHELSEA, NYC 10011
Hours
LUNCH
MONDAY TO FRIDAY
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
DINNER
SUNDAY TO THURSDAY
4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
HAPPY HOUR
EVERYDAY
4:00PM – 6:30 PM
BRUNCH
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Phone
Also a moment to see how things come full circle. I realized upon arriving that Temerario was one of my first reviews on the blog two years ago. With now having tried some more things off the menu I stand firm in my original thoughts and love it even more.
2 thoughts on “NYC Eats: Temerario”
Goodness, every single thing looks delicious here!! I love how you said it all came full circle having reviewed this place back in the day! 🙂
Make Life Marvelous
haha awesome how life works out! It is definitely a great spot in NYC