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Loosen Your Belt For Turned Up Tex-Mex At Gramercy's Javelina
By
Nell Casey
Published Mar 2, 2015
Modified Aug 4, 2015
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By
Nell Casey
Published Mar 2, 2015
Modified Aug 4, 2015
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While there are myriad places to devour Mexican cuisine of all styles and price points, its sister cuisine of Tex-Mex has a meagre representation 'round these parts. But a Tex-pat named Matt Post has put an end to cowboy cravings with the opening of Javelina, a new Gramercy eatery opening March 4th that encompasses the best of the Lone Star State's signature dishes. Expect queso, tacos and margaritas, plus more regionally-minded dishes native to different parts of the state, like Puffy Tacos from San Antonio and enchiladas from West Texas.
Meals here start much as they would down south, with a steaming bowl of Queso ($8) or a cool bowl of Guacamole ($14). If you can't chose just one, opt for a Queso Sampler ($14) with both white and yellow quesos, plus versions topped with guacamole, ground beef, pico de gallo and sour cream or vegetarian with black beans, pico de gallo and guacamole. Other cheese apps include Nachos ($7) with refried beans, Quesadillas ($6) stuffed with meats or mushroom and corn, and Tamales ($10) filled with pork or chicken.
This being a Texas joint, there's no shortage of beef on the menu, which should be familiar territory for former Hill Country and Rosa Mexicana chef Richard Caruso. Brisket Tacos ($10) on house made flour tortillas come with cheese, onions, poblano peppers and a jalapeno gravy. The Parralladas Mixtas ($65 or $125)—a popular Houston staple—are grill plates overflowing with vegetables, steak, chicken, shrimp, quail, carnitas and jalapeno sausage. The DIY smorgasbord also comes with guacamole, pico and other toppings, plus flour tortillas, rice and beans.
Check out the rest of the meat-heavy menu below—ahoy Chicken Fried Steak!—plus the cocktails, like an homage to Austin-based Trudy's Mexican Martini ($13) with reposado tequila, Cointreau, olive and lime juices. There are also speciality margaritas, from Traditional frozen ($10) to Prickly Pear ($12) to another whipped with Avocado & Cilnatro ($14). Bottled beers include the requisite Lone Star ($5) plus Mexican staples Negra Modelo, Modelo Especial and Corona.
199 East 18th Street, 212-539-0202; website
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Nell Casey
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