Musings of a Solo Diner: Tatiana (NYC)
Since we're talking all things Kwame, let's look back at my initial experience in 2023!
Soooo....I finally made it to Tatiana. What'd I think? A few things:
I stand behind my thought that every dining experience doesn't have to offer value. Tatiana certainly isn't the most expensive, but it also isn't inexpensive for the cuisine either. For folks who tend to compare how the same things can be prepared for less $$, be warned this may not be your spot.
The space is clean and modern; classy enough to warrant its Lincoln Center location, but urban enough to make sure you know the origins of which it was born.
I went with one of my NYC food homies, and we made our way through the menu, exploring small plates that were perfect for sharing (good selections to choose from!), as well as an entree. I thought the cocktail menu leaned toward a sweeter profile (fine by me as I like a sweet cocktail), and we had a sparkling wine that was really good as well!
Standouts for me were the Piri Piri Mango Salad with its combo of sweet/tartness and gorgeous plating, and the Egusi Dumplings; they came with a tomato-based sauce that has me thinking I may actually like the flavor of red palm oil after all! We had:
🍾Extra Brut Albariño, Carbonite, Gomes Vineyard (liked this and prolly will find me a bottle)
🍸POG Nutcracker
🔸️Egusi Dumplings
🔸️Mango Piri Piri Salad
🔸️Hamachi Escovitch (I thought the pickling here was more sweet than vinegary, but the Hamachi was very buttery and delicious!)
🔸️Oxtail & Crab Rangoon
🔸️Brown Stew Branzino (not traditional brown stew gravy, but I was happy to see Branzino served other than with lemon, herbs, and a wine sauce!). This also came with a side of rice and peas that had such a clean flavor....I could've had another dish of just that!
So yes, I enjoyed my meal and experience at @tatianabychefkwame. But what I enjoyed most is what I feel is the story of this restaurant. That in a city that attracts culinary talent from all over the world, there's a hometown native in the mix bringing Afro-Caribbean food into the fine dining conversation at a high level. And making folks scramble for a seat to get some!
Bronx folks out here being great. But aren't we always?❤
Kahja Elliott is a digital creator, food enthusiast/traveler, and podcaster in Oakland, CA.