Tuckahoe, NY - Spanish tapas and Nuevo Latino fusion can now be added to the growing list of food offerings in Tuckahoe.

Bistro Latino, the new concept from Colombian-born celebrity chef Rafael Palomino, has opened in the space formerly occupied by the eponymous Main Street Cafe.  Alexander Vanegas, the general manager of Palomino’s critically acclaimed Sonora Restaurant in Port Chester, co-owns the 55-seat eatery that serves lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

Commenting on the opening of his seventh restaurant, Chef Palomino, author of five books on food and entertaining, stated, “Bistro Latino is a trip to a new place that exists somewhere between Latin America and Spain where tapas and Nuevo Latino food have met in a great fusion of styles and tastes.”

The Bedford resident added, “Alex and I are excited to be opening Bistro Latino, and felt that Tuckahoe, with its industrial past and diverse heritage, was the perfect place to open a restaurant for people who  hunger for new authentic flavors, and experiences in fine dining.”

From classic ceviche, to lamb meatballs, and foie gras-topped seared lobster with passion fruit sorbet, the eclectic tapas at Bistro Latino also includes cured meats and cheeses. Imported from Spain, these charcuterie and cheese offerings, like the nutty chorizo imperial made from free range Iberian pigs with a fondness for acorns underscore, as Chef Palomino stated,  “my desire to provide a true taste of the cuisines and cultures celebrated at Bistro Latino.” Adding to the tapas style are cocas, (small flatbreads), like the De Satas with shitake mushrooms, quinoa, manchego cheese and a chocolate balsamic glaze.

The eclectic menu features several main course offerings.  Lobster paella, made with rice, seafood and chorizo sausage, shares a page with a manchego-crowned herb roasted half chicken with saffron mashed potatoes in a mushroom pan sauce.

An extensive wine list with requisite Spanish reds is offered along with micro-brews and homemade blood orange, pomegranate, or peach sangrias made with organic fruits.

Leslie Mueller, whose work has been featured in Elle Décor and The New York Times, used architectural salvage, embossed leather banquettes, glass tile mosaics, and a unique wall display of recycled wine bottles to create what she calls, the ‘rustic, Spanish chic’  look of Bistro Latino.

Gerry Houlihan and Paul Ficalora of Houlihan Business Brokers arranged the sale of Main Street Cafe to Chef Palomino and Vanegas.

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