2014 U.S. TOP 100 RESTAURANTS
91
ALDEA
RESTAURANT ADDRESS
31 W 17th St
New York, NY
212-675-7223
www.aldearestaurant.com
RESTAURANT STAFF
Chef/Owner: George Mendes
Chef de Cuisine:
Pastry Chef:
Sommelier:
GM:
OAD HISTORY
First appearance in Top 100.
RESTAURANT REVIEW
After working for chefs David Bouley, Alain Ducasse and Kurt Gutenbrunner, followed by a three-and-a half-year stint with Marco Morerira as the executive chef at Tocqueville, George Mendes decided he wanted his own restaurant. Now you can find him at Aldea, serving a cuisine based on his Portuguese heritage, with dishes like shrimp with garlic, coriander, pimenton and pressed shrimp jus; Hampshire pork loin and shoulder with onion soubise; honey-crisp apples and Savoy cabbage; and what he calls arroz con pato - paella-style rice laced with chunks of duck confit and chorizo. Mendes is routinely labeled "a chef to watch," one who executes "brilliant Iberian cooking served in a lovely setting, at an even lovelier price point."
Lamb Belly with Peeky Toe Crab and Wild Mushrooms
Photo Courtesy of: Aldea