UPTOWNflavor

Like Hugo, I had the opportunity to visit Cafe Largo before they closed for renovations. I went as part of a group and the main dish we shared was a large Paella. Although the restaurant was the only one of it’s kind in the area at that time, it was pretty non-descript and to be honest I really don’t remember much about it other than having gone to it. Shortly after eating there the restaurant closed. I thought that was the end of the story.

A few months ago, rumors started circulating that Cafe Largo was coming back– new and improved. We started posting updates about the impending reopening after a blurb appeared in the Zagat fall guide. Many people in the neighborhood were excited about the reopening because the owner grew up right around the corner from the restaurant on 137th Street. He is what some might consider a neighborhood success story.

Last week, Cafe Largo had a “soft” grand opening celebration which I was fortunate enough to attend. I saw the many renovations that the owners made to the space, tasted the wonderful dishes that they offer, met the warm and friendly owners and has the chance to meet Hugo (well known by regular readers of the site). I happened to recognized Hugo from his profile on yelp.com, as regular readers know Hugo is a loyal supporter of neighborhood businesses.

I must co-sign with Hugo on the newly renovated space and the food at Cafe Largo. Everything was impeccable. I attended the opening with my business partner and we were both very impressed with the hard work and attention to detail that was put into renovating the new space. I stole a few minutes to speak with Stacey, Marc’s wife, before we sat down to enjoy the food. Here is a quick rundown of what was renovated:

• All three businesses, Cafe Largo, Vinegar Hill and Tres Pasos, share a common kitchen.
• They have an exposed brick oven that blends into the exposed brick interior.
• There is a rustic, chic look to the back dining area.
• The modern-look bar has been expanded in the front of the restaurant.
• The restaurant has expanded the space to the back where windows on each wall offer a view of the surrounding buildings.

I’m sure there is more and I wish that I’d taken pictures but I am sure to go back to enjoy the wonderful dishes that they have to offer. For the grand opening they served the following:

• Roast pork loin
• Garlic Shrimp
• Chicken Marsala (?)
• Tender ribs that fell off the bone
• Chargrilled Skirt Steak
• Arroz con Pollo

The tapas included a delicious Empanada with flaky crust and well seasoned chicken, personal size pizzas and spicy chorizo prepared as a special dish by the executive chef, Chris.

I learned from Stacey the restaurant is still awaiting the proper paperwork from the city in order to serve patrons in the new rear dining area. They must also be tied up with the liquor license, which isn’t unusual for new restaurants opening in New York.

For a soft opening, the event was well attended. We saw a number of familiar faces, including the executive director of The Gatehouse at Harlem Stage, Patricia Cruz, who is a long time customer of Cafe Largo.

All in all, the evening was wonderful…great food, great wine and the weather couldn’t have been more perfect. Although Cafe Largo may not be anything special to the “downtown” set, uptowners will be pleased to have another option to add to the growing list of restaurants in the neighborhood.

Cafe Largo
3387 Broadway
6pm – 11:30pm. Normal business hours 5pm-12am next week.
Call for reservation: 212-234-1811 or email cafelargo@aol.com.