One of my very earliest blog posts was about Cosme restaurant which was brought to New York by the super-talented Mexican Chef, Enrique Olivera. Having dined at Pujol, Enrique's critically acclaimed restaurant in Mexico City, I was very excited at the prospect of one of his restaurants opening in NYC and felt confident of Cosme's success before it had even opened!
Not surprisingly as this is New York City - foodie hell or heaven depending on your point of view - the first few months after Cosme opened it was quite challenging to get a reservation as they were snapped up weeks in advance. You couldn't even snag a seat at the bar!! Philippe and I decided not to even attempt to eat there until late last spring and it didn't disappoint. The waitstaff and kitchen having settled into their collective rhythm, served dishes that were both beautifully constructed and sophisticated. And, now Cosme is the happy recipient of the James Beard Foundation Award 2016:
Rising Star Chef of the Year
A chef age 30 or younger who displays an impressive talent and who is likely to make a significant impact on the industry in years to come.
Daniela Soto-Innes, Cosme, NYC - 35 East 21st Street
Check out Eater Blog for the full list of 2016 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Winners
Situated in the Flatiron neighborhood in Manhattan, Cosme's Interior design is contemporary rustic chic, comprising of unadorned wooden tables, poured cement floors, low hanging pendant lights and pleasing vignettes of crockery and barware accessories displayed on open shelves
A well edited bar - actually this set-up is looking a tad Japanese in its rigorous austerity
Ceviche appetizer
nixtamalised parsnip with amaranth ice-cream