This high-end Peruvian restaurant called Her Name Was Carmen was really an unexpected surprise! About to celebrate their 1st year, they have some new dishes coming out and we went to try them.
About to celebrate their 1st year, Her Name Was Carmen, a two-floor upscale Latin American restaurant located in West SoHo, will soon celebrate their first anniversary, this coming December. But the idea actually started almost 10 years ago.
Their extremely talented Chef, Omar Ben Hammou, is originally from Peru (but is half Moroccan, as well). He’s worked at renowned restaurants in New York like Le Bernardin, with the French Chef Eric Ripert and in Switzerland, at Le Floris with Chef Claude Legras. Both Michelin starred restaurants!
Now, if you’re Brazilian, you’ve probably heard of Chef Alex Atala. He runs D.O.M. restaurant, a two Michelin stars restaurant, in São Paulo. Chef Omar worked there before coming to New York.
His story at the stove begins in his early childhood when he flourished from learning at his mother’s restaurant about the flavors of Northern Peruvian cuisine. He eventually graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in Lima.
And, during specific nights, after dinner you can make your way downstairs for some eclectic music and their creative artisanal cocktails.
“The idea was to mix an upscale dinner experience with a NYC nightlife. We wanted to immortalize a young Latin American woman that grew abroad, eats healthy, is eclectic, likes dancing Reggaeton, but also travels to Ibiza.
We wanted to offer a different proposition and interpretation of Latin American food mixing 4 elements: design, high-end cuisine with a minimal contemporary style, combining a drinking menu with oceanic wines and mezcal, all paired with great music (deep house, disco, latin)…” ~ Andres Diaz, Managing Partner
The décor was made also by, Maurizio Bianchi Mattioli, a Venezuelan-born architect with the challenge of “no white walls”. So, you’ll see a beautiful mural at the entrance designed by Simon Vargas, fun floors, striped ceiling, an energetically lit full bar! All very…Latin!
We tried 6 different delicious dishes, paired with 3 white and 3 red wines throughout the courses, that you can also see on our IGTV.
Everything was perfectly paired by the extremely kind and knowledgable Wine Director & Sommelier, Yuval Bar-Kokhba. He was sure to find the perfect wine for us!
Curious to see what we ate?
- #1: Fresh Oysters from Boston
- #2: Tuna Mojama on toast with avocado, tomato and oregano
- #3: Hamachi Tiradito, one of the best sellers, with avocado, japaleño, olive oil emulsion and rice crackers
- #4: Beet Salad is a new vegetarian option on their menu
- #5: Brussel Sprout salad is vegetarian as well
- #6: Halibut
- #7: Dessert – White Chocolate Panna Cota
Some of their other new dishes added to the menu are:
- Sea Bream Crudo
- Truffle Pasta
- Arroz com Pato (rice with duck)
- Short Rib
In a few weeks they are starting brunch where you can also expect a simple, but delicious menu.
Some of their dishes will be a calamari sandwich, the famous avocado toast and some of their best sellers, like the ceviche! And, to set the mood, a live band will be playing.
Be sure to make your reservation and don’t forget to share you experience with us! And, if you need assistance to plan a Corporate Even with your team or clients, let our expert assist!
Hours:
Tuesday & Wednesday: 6pm – 12am
Thursday: 7pm – 2am
Friday & Saturday: 7pm – 3am
Sunday & Monday: Closed
Location: 527 Broome Street
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Gabriel Barreto Bentin
*Last Update on Feb/2020.*
