ATHLEISURE MAG #71 NOV ISSUE | The Art of the Snack Tasca

This month, we head to Manhattan's Tasca which focuses on Spanish-Caribbean flavors which include spices and recipes from Spain, the Domincan Republic, Puerto Rico and Cuba. We talk with restaurateur, Jay Espinal about what we can expect from this restaurant, dishes that we can enjoy and how this has become a family affair. He also preps our taste buds with what we should enjoy when swinging by with family and friends.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We know that as a restaurateur who had great success with your restaurant Don Pedro, you’re back with Tasca and have made this a family affair with your wife Norisa as well as your son Justin. Can you tell me about your background, what led to the creation of Tasca and what are the roles that the 3 of you have at the restaurant?

JAY ESPINAL: That’s a great question, and it’s funny because I was completely out of the business when Justin one day approached me and said that he wanted to get into the business. I said "no you don’t," and proceeded to tell him of all the reasons he didn’t want to be in the restaurant business. The long hours on your feet, the responsibility, the fact that he would be working holidays and weekends. I didn’t paint a pretty picture yet he said this is what he wanted to do.

AM: Chef Rene Hernandez was previously at Don Pedro and is now the chef here. Can you tell us more about Rene’s background prior to coming to Tasca?

JE: Chef Rene has worked at many of Puerto Rico’s top restaurants and also spent time at El Bulli under the guidance and leadership of Ferran Adria.

AM: Tasca’s cuisine is a Spanish-Caribbean in flavor. Can you tell us about what regions this incorporates and what diners can expect?

JE: Spanish and Latin Caribbean, we focus on the Latin Caribbean islands of Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico along with Spain. The three islands mentioned have similar shared histories and influences with Spain. When dining guests will have one of the US’ Premier Spanish wine lists and from our menu, they can expect dishes that take a cue from old world Spain and the new world. Dishes like the thousand spice duck breast over sofrito goat cheese and Zinfandel plantain tower. Or of course, a classic paella.

AM: What is the ambiance of Tasca for those that are dining in as we know this is a multi-level space?

JE: The ambiance is pretty chill, soft lowkey lighting. We do have a more energetic bar with a relaxed vibe. We also offer a wine cellar with fireplace for a date or special occasions.

AM: What seasonings and spices should we expect to see at Tasca?

JE: From Saffron to the chefs' special house adobo and mojos. We are all about different flavors and combinations. We make over thirty different house infused olive oils.

AM: What are 3 appetizers that you suggest when we come into dine?

JE: The octopus in varied forms is said by many "it's a must." I have been told on many occasions that it is our guest favorite in the city. I think the zetas y gambas is another that truly showcase our Spanish- Latin Caribbean roots and one of my favorites is the croquettas de maduros over sun dried tomato slaw and Manchego lime zest.

AM: What are 3 main dishes that you suggest that we should enjoy when coming in with friends and family?

JE: The duck magret, filet mignonette special, and any of our fish specials.

AM: What are 3 desserts that we should have?

JE: Passion Fruit Cheesecake, Tres leche - coconut three milk cake and Trufa de chocolate - Belgian chocolate and coffee truffle

AM: In looking at your beverage program, you have over 100 varieties of premium rums and a number of wines. What are 3 cocktails that we should have when there and what are 3 wines that we should pair with our meal?

JE: City of Gold - Blanco tequila with cara cara orange, garden peppers and tiki spices, Green Smoke - Refreshing cucumber juice and peppery ginger beer in a vibrant mezcal long drink and TASCA Manhattan - Sweet vermouth, Santa Teresa 1769, bitters. 3 wines - Cosmic, Xarello Estrecho, Monastrel Gratavinum gv5, Carignan, Grenache

AM: For those that may be popping in to grab a bite at the bar, what are 3 dishes that they should have?

JE: Pulpo a La Parilla - Grilled octopus, Peruvian potatoes. mojo Gallego, Croquetas de marisco - Seafood croquette, roasted garlic foam and Empanada trio - Chicken, beef brisket or vegetable cheese turnovers with smoked paprika aioli.

AM: With the holiday season being underway, are there special events coming up and do you have items on the menu that are specifically for this season?

JE: Large format Villogodio (slow cooked pork shank), Cochinillo (10-hour slow cooked baby suckling pig) and Lechazo (slow cooked suckling lamb).

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Tasca