Aug 4

Aug 4 Zengo y La Biblioteca de Tequila

Doesn't that sound like the title of a really good book?!

Zengo Restaurant

One of my favorite restaurants near my office is Zengo by Chef Richard Sandoval. The menu is a fusion of Latin and Asian cuisine. Every dish I've had here has been pretty interesting (and some are a little spicy!). I also like the decor in this restaurant even though it does seem a bit dark. It's definitely unique in design with the wrought iron on the windows combined with all the wooden panels everywhere else.

And of course, Zengo has private dining options! Unfortunately I don't have photos of everything, but I'll do my best to explain the 3 areas available for private events.

Main Dining Room - I think the decor of the main dining room is impressive (again because of the wrought iron on the windows and one funky chandelier). It can fit 150 seated or 225 for a reception.

Elevated Dining Room - Off towards the back and to the right of the main dining room is this semi-private area that is maybe two steps higher than the main dining room level. It can fit 55 seated or 65 for a reception.

Sake/Sochu Lounge - This area is actually upstairs. When you walk into the restaurant, there is a staircase that leads right up to it. The Lounge overlooks the main dining room and there's no "closed doors" up there (so I wouldn't recommend this area for a working dinner) but it is nice for a social business dinner or reception. A sit-down dinner for 40 people or a reception for 75 people works well here. There is a full bar upstairs as well.

La Biblioteca de Tequila

La Biblioteca is on the lower level of Zengo. I think it looks like a club lounge but with access to a tequila library of nearly 400 bottles! The lounge is also available for rent if you want to have a party for 100 of your closest friends. I would love to do a private event with a tequila tasting here. But thankfully, La Biblioteca also holds its own event: Meet the Maker Tequila Tuesdays.

An Evening with Chef Richard Sandoval

I attended a private dinner at Zengo where Chef Richard Sandoval himself was present to explain the dishes he served that evening. Like I said, the food here is awesome and enjoyed his commentary on his culinary background and the cultural influences that inspired his cuisine at Zengo. Besides Zengo, Chef has 2 other restaurants in NYC - Pampano (he opened with Placido Domingo) and Raymi (he opened with Peruvian chef Jaime Pesaque of Mayta).

Bring on the food! Yes, I am one of those people who takes pictures of my food. Or in this case, our food. Our dinner was served family-style but I'll five you a rundown of our menu - see you can match them up!

Everything was excellent!!!