Corima *

Mixing it up on our latest New York City dining adventure, we decided to go Mexican. We found Corima using the Michelin Guide, and off to Chinatown we went.

Corima Packet and Cafe de Olla

One of the first things you notice about Corima is just how casual it is. When it comes to Michelin-starred restaurants, the only other place that immediately comes to mind with this same relaxed, come-as-you-are atmosphere is Boia De, an Italian restaurant in Miami. There is no formality for formality's sake, and initially, you might wonder how the experience is going to translate into a Michelin-starred tasting menu.

Then the food begins to arrive, and suddenly, it all clicks. The cooking is thoughtful, technically precise, and incredibly interesting. Corima earned its first Michelin star within its first year, and once you work your way through the tasting menu, it is very easy to understand why.

We also think Corima is a fantastic restaurant to bring children, particularly children who are already adventurous eaters or families looking to introduce them to tasting menus. The atmosphere is relaxed and approachable, which removes some of the intimidation that can come with fine dining, while the menu provides an opportunity to experience ingredients, techniques, and even history they may not encounter elsewhere.

One of the things we love most about dining is how often food opens the door to learning about another culture. At Corima, we found ourselves learning about the influence of German Mennonite communities on the food traditions of Northern Mexico, something none of us knew much about before this dinner.

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  Surf Clam

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  Squab

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  Sourdough Tortilla

Beginning in the early 20th century, Mennonite families migrated to Mexico, with significant communities settling in Chihuahua. They established agricultural communities that became particularly associated with farming and dairy production. That history ultimately became intertwined with the food culture of the region, most famously through the cheese-making traditions associated with Chihuahua.

This is a perfect example of why you should ask questions. Food anthropology is fascinating and we love learning why a particular ingredient exists within a cuisine. Food is one of the most interesting ways to explore the world, and sometimes a tasting menu in Chinatown unexpectedly leads to a conversation about migration, agriculture, and the culinary history of Northern Mexico.

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  Sope

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  Laurel Arroz con Leche

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  Monkfish

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  Butterbean Enfrijolada

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  Branzino Collar

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  Blood Torta

As a parting gift, we were each given a small bottle of Café de Olla syrup, along with a packet containing our tasting menu, a list of the team's favorite neighborhood spots, and a map directing us to Corima's sister bar, Bar Chucho. If you follow the map and t ake your Café de Olla syrup to Bar Chucho, they will turn it into a complimentary drink. 

So off we went. Emma captured a candid video of our adventure, which may tell the story better than we ever could.

Excellent food, a little history lesson, and an adventure at the end of the night. We had a great time.