The Americano

The Americano Restaurant Review:

A gleaming steel mesh constructed from salvaged conveyor belts covers the brick façade of the Hotel Americano in West Chelsea, an art gallery destination by day and club scene by night. Created by architect Enrique Norten, the design is a fusion of French, Japanese and Latin influences. The restaurant follows suit, with a seasonal menu offering dishes with a French-Latin twist, ensuring that art buffs and party-goers alike won't have to venture out of their niche for creative, artfully prepared cuisine. Fish tortillas with salsa roja, crema fresca and aguacate are lightly seasoned for a hint of sweet and spice, a good starter, while the Chilean sea bass, paired with melted leeks and chanterelles, is tender, flaky and moist. Filet of Atlantic cod with shishito peppers and smoked shrimp in a piri piri broth presents pungent yet well-balanced flavor. A glass of French rosé pairs well with the sea bass; a glass of Sauvignon Blanc complements the cod. For dessert, there's a crème au caramel with toasted coconut and passion fruit sorbet, and seasonal homemade ice cream. The Americano serves brunch as well, offering dishes like raw oatmeal with Hudson Valley peaches, lemon and ginger-scented crêpes, and a burger with caramelized Vidalia onions. Service is professional and the space minimally but tastefully arranged with patio seating beyond the dining room.