La Zarza Restaurant in New York, NY is a lively and sophisticated tavern that is the perfect location for friends to gather and enjoy a tasteful cultural experience.La Zarza Restaurant in New York, NY is a lively and sophisticated tavern that is the perfect location for friends to gather and enjoy a tasteful cultural experience.

Latin American, South American, Spanish/Tapas due by June 12.

Ala Carte Meet Up fee non-refunadable

from nymag.com:

Buenos Aires meets Barcelona at this ambient restaurant that attracts a model-y, cocktail-swilling crowd with groove-spinning DJs and a lively bar scene. Recessed lights cast a soft glow onto chocolate-hued banquettes, flickering candles sit on shelves built into brick walls, and heavy brown curtains muffle the beer-fueled antics outside on First Avenue. Dark-wood panels are carved with the leafy branches of the zarzamora, or blackberry bush, after which the place is named. As for the food, “the meats are from Argentina, and the tapas from Spain,” says Spaniard Mario Larrea, one of four co-owners, all with roots in the club industry. Thanks to Chef Jorge Rodriguez (formerly of Chimichurri) the fusion fare manages to upstage its sexy surroundings. Pulpo, or octopus, reveals rosy tentacles unfurled on a bed of white beans. Citrusy ceviches, including sweet lobster studded with diced mango, are charmingly accompanied by a bowl of popcorn. The juicy Patagonian rib eye satisfies, as do the crocantitos, crispy calamari drizzled in honey. The make-your-own sangrias, spiked with coconut rum and peach puree, ensure sauced merriment well into the night.