Saffron is the most precious spice on the planet and Saffron Restaurant and Tapas Bar in Howard Beach is a precious addition to Cross Bay Boulevard – traditional Spanish tapas and full-entrees (Platos Principiales) with a Mediterranean flair.
Owner/Chef Herbert Duarte was Executive Chef for a major hospitality company, and has put together a stunning menu and a first-rate service team in this sophisticated oasis. Although they don’t yet have their liquor license, they have a wonderfully refreshing assortment of non-alcoholic drinks and sangrias – like the Mango Madness.
Manager Robin showed us to our table in the comfortable dining room, where gold-colored walls, wood paneling, and paintings all provide the perfect setting for an intimate dinner or a fun night out.
Duarte’s Sofrito, a sauce of tomato blended with smoked peppers and paprika, white wine, onion, garlic, saffron and olive oil, adds another layer of flavor in many of his dishes, notably the Andalusian tomato soup, which is flavored with saffron and garnished with spinach – creamy and delicious.
Tapas, small servings of flavorful foods, give diners the chance to share and enjoy lots of great dishes. Chef Herbert suggested a tasting – so prepare for a lot of short raves.
The platter of Spanish cheeses, manchego, tetilla and the blue-veined cabrales, creamier and more subtle than similar types, was excellent.
Plato De Charcuteria is the traditional Serrano ham, chorizo and smoked chorizo with grilled crostini and olives – Duarte marinates his own and both the Spanish green and Greek brown are slightly different and completely delicious.
The first-rate seafood tapas include cornmeal-crusted calamari with spicy mayo and marinara dipping sauce – tender and terrific. Clams and chorizo are sautéed in white wine, cilantro and basil butter – cubed smoky sausage perfectly complementing tender Little Necks.
“Chubby Camarones” are shrimp stuffed with seafood, mushrooms, and flavor – the earthy mushrooms add just the right touch to the seafood.
Croquetas de Jamon are filled with cheese, Serrano ham and béchamel. These croquettes are yummy tapas comfort food. Crab Cake Forks are just that – four moist and tasty crab cakes, each pierced by its own oyster fork. The presentation of these savory crab cakes is both clever and delightful.
Lollipop Steak and Shrimp pairs a tender piece of New York strip and a camarone in “espanol sauce” that perfectly compliments this tapas “surf and turf.” Pollo – tender and moist grilled chicken with chickpeas and dressed in a delicious mojito sauce – is different and delectable.
Finally, Duarte brought us a special, Paella Valenciana with lobster. This perfect combination of moist and tender clams, mussels, shrimp, chorizo, chicken, lobster and saffron rice is aromatic “heaven in a pot.”
Dessert lovers owe it to themselves to try the exceptional bread pudding in whiskey sauce, with vanilla ice cream and berry sauce, and the excellent coffees.
Once people discover Saffron, they may have to extend their hours.
Saffron Restaurant Tapas Bar
161-50 Cross Bay Boulevard
Howard Beach
347-392-4152
www.saffronrestaurantny.com
Closed Mondays
Open 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday
11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. other days
All major cards accepted
Take-out orders welcome
Parties up to 75 with reservations
Parking lot in rear; meters on boulevard until 7 p.m.
Q21, Q53 bus
161-50 Cross Bay Boulevard
Howard Beach, NY
