87 Ludlow: A new Filipino Spanish tapas bar and resto opens in lower east NYC
By Vanette Colmenares
New York - 87 Ludlow is not just an address in the lower east of Manhattan, but it is also the name of a newly opened Filipino-inspired tapas bar owned by Filipino couple Aris Tuazon and wife Amanda.
Distinctively unique in its use of words that combine location and brand, 87 Ludlow Filipino Spanish Tapas Bar and Restaurant is a go-to place after work for unwinding and a meet-up with friends.
Chef Aris Tuazon introduces Filipino Spanish tapas in the lower East side of Manhattan. He also operates Gugu Room.
From the street façade, one thinks that the space is small, but winding through the corridor is an expanse that curves its way to more intimate seating. There is a basement space that can accommodate private parties, ideal for family or corporate gatherings with amenities such as bar and karaoke.
Its cozy modern ambience with a gentle touch of rusticity shows the couple’s meticulous and fine taste.
87 Ludlow: cozy modern ambience with a gentle touch of rusticity
Talking about taste, the menu of Filipino-inspired tapas is remarkably hip. Our first tapa, baba ghanoush served with sides of bread strips, is an Arab inspired dish whose historical words mean ‘pampered father’ of which is the essence of service of the bar’s actions towards clients. The garnishing of oiled cut grape tomatoes and slivers of onion slices would remind me of a simplified ‘kinilaw na talong.’
Baba ganoush - charred eggplant and tahini
The home cured sardines topped with the garlic orange ikura accompanied with a few slices of sourdough is perfectly seasoned.
If one really wants a taste for an authentic Filipino dish but converted into tapas, this would be the thinly sliced pork belly squares in its rich brown sauce, so calorific and humbaciously adobo. It goes well with sourdough bread or rice.
The special black rice or the Paella Negra is a bomb of a dish that will blow your taste buds as the name bomba rice as described. The iconic sisig of the Philippines comes in two choices: the pork and the oysters. Both are a must taste.
Paella Negra
Ludlow 87 is indeed a place to be for anyone wanting a taste of the Philippines in tiny plates and some wine. It serves dinner on Thursdays and Fridays (opens at 5PM) and on other days, it is ready for booking for large exclusive functions. I am definitely going back there with my friends. #
(Editor’s Note:
The writer is a foodie and food blogger in her own Cuisinera in America. She is a member of the FilAm Press Club of New York. You can reach 87 Ludlow at 212.510.1605 and 87ludlownyc@gmail.com)
