Even though a ton of us think that when Labor Day hits, the summer ends, but alas, it isn’t over yet. Mother Nature agrees, as we are still having some pretty warm days as of late. That being said, there are still a ton of great places where you can enjoy the end of summer with friends and family. Two amazing places to consider is Esperanto, and its sister restaurant, Esperanto Fonda, located in the East Village. Here is why you need to make that reservation ASAP before the cool weather hits for good!
Esperanto’s menu boasts options like Lombo de Porco, juicy pan-seared pork tenderloin, marinated in passion fruit and served with mashed sweet potatoes and sautéed spinach, and sides like Yucca Fritta and Tostones with a flavorful punch of garlic and spices. Standout desserts include Molten Chocolate Lava Cake, made with Kahlúa and orange, and Coconut Flan, topped with smooth caramel.
Traditional cocktails offered include caipirinhas and mojitos, as well as creations like the Snowfield, with Santa Teresa añejo rum, coconut milk and ginger syrup, or The Spell, with Vida mezcal, homemade lime and orange juice and a cayenne pepper rim. Cold-pressed juices from adjacent juice bar Jugo are also offered, like the Dr. Feel Good, with pineapple, orange, grapefruit, lime and ginger. And cachaça, the Brazilian sugar cane liquor, can even be added to any juice for an alcoholic kick!
For a more casual bite to eat, consider newly-launched Esperanto Fonda, a quick-service extension of Esperanto in a separate location, with items like bolinhos, cod-potato cakes, drizzled with chipotle aioli, burritos, tacos and empanadas, refreshing classic cocktails like Caipirinhas, Margaritas, Mojitos and Brazilian Sangria, and cold-pressed juices, imported from Jugo.
Esperanto is located at 145 Avenue C and Ninth Street in New York’s East Village. EsperantoNY.com. 212-505-6559. Hours of Operation: Lunch Monday-Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Dinner Sunday-Thursday 5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5:30 p.m.-Midnight and Saturday and Sunday Brunch 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Esperanto Fonda is located at 58 East 1st Street in the East Village. Available for dine-in, take-out and delivery. Open Daily 10 a.m.-Midnight. 917-639-3197.