If Rooftop 48 was a person I would probably slap a ring on him and marry him. The quality of the food, combined with the quality of the mixed drinks were outstanding.
When I first arrived at the restaurant there were not many people so I had a chance to really look at the area. You have the option of eating indoors or outside, and since it was such a beautiful and cool day I decided to sit outside and enjoy the weather. Rooftop 48 is an American Restaurant that is very much influenced by Latin America. Chef Gonzalo Colin has a variety of dishes that encompass a little bit of everything, from places like Mexico, Chile, and Peru, among many others.
Let’s start off with the fact that I have tried to pick what my favorite dish of the night was and I am still not able to pick. It’s impossible because the food was impeccable. I tried the Kobe Beef Sliders (amazing sliders cooked to perfection!); the Truffle Mac and Cheese (you have to really impress me with your mac and cheese, and this mac and cheese was unlike any I have ever tasted); the Ceviche Mixtura; the Shrimp, Carne and Tuna Tacos; the Rooftop 48 Burger; the Peasant Paella; and the Artisinal Ricotta. Not to mention, the Tiramisu and the chocolate cake were just heaven on earth. Hungry yet? Every single dish was mouthwatering and exceptionally well presented. If you are visiting as a party I would suggest starting off with the Kobe Beef Sliders ($15), the Truffle Mac and Cheese ($10) and make sure to try the signature Rooftop 48 Burger ($14) which almost comes with the best fries I have ever tasted.
Last but not least are the drinks. I mean Nelson Lemus really knows what the customers want, because the drinks are amazing. Not watered down, some of the drinks are just the right amount of spicy, and the ones that are fruity have the right amount of fruit taste, so as to not overpower the alcohol. I was able to try the famous Scarlett, which is made of Don Q Cristal Rum, Passion Fruit, Coconut & Pineapple Juice; the Matador, which is a wonderful blend of Cabeza Tequila, Pineapple Juice, Basil Leaves, Fresh Lime Juice, Agave Nectar, Chipotle Powder and Peychaud Bitters; and finally the Summer Breeze, which includes Belvedere Vodka, Prickly Pear Puree, St. German Eldeflower Liquor, Fresh Lemon Juice & infused Syrup. I would have to say that while the Summer Breeze seems to be the top favorite of everyone that goes to Rooftop 48, I prefer the Scarlett to be my favorite out of the three, followed by the Summer Breeze and then the Matador.
What really makes this place stand out from other places is that the food and the drinks don’t overshadow each other; instead both food and drinks work together cohesively, which makes it so that the customer has a good experience both eating and drinking. Chef Gonzalo Colin does an amazing job with the food and the presentation and Nelson Lemus does an amazing job preparing drinks; he knows exactly what the patrons want. The service was amazing, as well; the waiters were very friendly and attentive, which made me feel welcome. You cannot go wrong with Rooftop 48. Best of all, once you’ve finished dinner and drinks, you can keep the party going well into the night at Stage 48.
Rooftop 48 is located on 605 West 48th Street on 11th Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen. For more information on how to make reservations you can go to www.rooftop48.com.
*All images via Laysha Duran
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