Casa Dani translates to Dani’s house, derived from Southern Spain’s naming of small family restaurants as if they were the Chef’s home and that is precisely Chef Dani Garcia’s intention, opening his doors through an avant-garde cuisine and a menu featuring items inspired by Spain’s Mediterranean south. Chef Dani Garcia is one of Spain’s most internationally renowned chefs, having achieved 3 Michelin stars and the Bib Gourmand in 2015, Garcia’s culinary style mixes surprising flavors, textures and even temperatures without losing sight of his culinary roots.

Having just recently opened 2 months ago, last December the restaurant is super new and exciting. Located in the West Side near the newly remodeled Moynihan Hall at Penn Station, the neighborhood has been completely revitalized. Restaurants, bars and cafes have sprung up around the area recently making it one of NY’s newest dining destinations. Located inside The Citizen at Manhattan West Plaza, Casa Dani gives life to the lobby as the aromas from the kitchen travel through area inviting diners to come by.

Tuna is definitely one of the stars of the menu here as Tuna is culture in Spain. The Mediterranean ideology is sustainability, and their tuna and recipes are based on that tradition. The tuna belly was the first dish served to us and it was to die for. The freshness, the balance of fat and leanness was exceptional as how it was sliced thinly to perfection. The croquetas de atun was another amazing dish that had a balance of textures and flavors.

The oxtail brioche and chorizo brioche were dishes that highlighted the technique and execution of the kitchen. Our entrees were the Rosejjat which is with angel hair pasta and tuna t bone and the Txuleta which is with 28-day dry age bone in rib eye. The rosejjat fideo was something new that I had never tried before, and the flavors were very interesting while the txuleton paella was purely magical. The daily baked cheesecake was simply amazing as well, perfect way to end the meal with such a delicate dish. I will syrely be back for more…

#KULINARYATRAVELS by Chef Jappy  is off to NR RAMEN next…