Chica & The Don, the modern, Latin American restaurant and cocktail lounge, opens in Flatiron (24 East 21st Street, between Park Avenue South and Broadway). Partner Nick Semkiw (current partner at Lower East Side rum bar Las’ Lap and previously of Mister French) worked closely with Executive Chef Michelle Chan (previously of The Aviary, The Lambs Club, and The Clocktower) to create a food menu, that is available late night, and inspired by the team’s Latin heritage from Nicaragua, The Dominican Republic, Peru, Colombia, Argentina and Mexico. The food is complemented by a vibrant cocktail program from Beverage Director, Elvis Rosario (previously of Bathtub Gin, FIFTY and Mister French). The 90-seat space features lush greenery on the ceiling, tan leather and emerald green banquettes, walls lined with floral murals and retro Latin American ad campaigns.
THE TEAM
Chica & The Don is led by partner Nick Semkiw, a former technology executive turned hospitality entrepreneur, who has been behind some of New York’s popular nightlife venues including The Anthony in Greenwich Village, Las’ Lap, the high-end rum bar in the Lower East Side, and most recently Mister French. Additional partners include Rich Flaherty of Redefine Hospitality, who is also behind Mister French, and jewelry designer Greg Yuna, whose fans include celebrities like Drake, Usher and J. Balvin. Beverage Director Elvis Rosario, is a seasoned mixologist who has worked at iconic establishments like Bathtub Gin and was also on the operating team at FIFTY. In his role as Director of Operations at Redefine Hospitality, Elvis oversaw the beverage program at Las’ Lap and Mister French. Executive Chef Michelle Chan has honed her culinary skills at accoladed restaurants such as The Aviary, The Lambs Club, The Clocktower, and CUT by Wolfgang Puck, where she worked with an array of cuisines such as American, French, Thai, Latin American, Japanese, and more.
FOOD MENU
The menu from chef Michelle begins with small plates such as Chicharron, puffed chicharron, spiced vinegar, lime, and tajin; Short Rib y Maduro Quesadilla with braised short ribs, oaxaca and mozzarella cheese Lomo Saltado Empanadas with seasoned ground beef, yukon potatoes, tomatoes, sauteed onions, and soy glaze; and Shrimp and Red Snapper Ceviche with coconut, aji amarillo and mango citrus broth, diced mango, plantain chips, chives, and red onion. Large plates include Roasted Chicken, fired table side, and served with annatto saffron oil and famed green sauce; Fried Red Snapper in a coconut tomato sauce with toasted coconut flakes and cilantro; and Arroz Chaufa, Peruvian style lobster and shrimp fried rice. Desserts like Tres Leches with fresh strawberries; Flan with dulce de leche and Churro Doughnuts with fried vanilla bean ice cream and whipped cream round out the menu.
COCKTAIL MENU
The cocktail menu from Beverage Director Elvis Rosario is inspired by the team’s Latin American roots and features house-made ingredients. Cocktails include the Chica, aged rum, coconut, housemade strawberry condensed milk puree, and lemon, served in a Cantarito clay mug; The Don, a play on an old fashioned with scotch, mamajuana, tamarind, banane, aromatic bitters, and cinnamon; Meloncito, tequila, lime, Grand Marnier, honeydew melon, and pineapple; Eléctrico, aged rum, lime, inca kola, and buzz button flower; Chery, vodka, Licor 43, cherry, espresso, Averna, and demerara; and Cabana Verde, rum, arrack, lime juice, kiwi syrup, and yogurt. The wine list will focus on Latin American wine producers from countries such as Chile and Argentina.
DESIGN + PROGRAMMING
The 90-seat space features dedicated bar, dining and dancing areas. The front of the space boasts hightops with crushed blue velvet stools, multicolored epoxy floors and rainforest and tropical inspired print wallpaper. The 15-seat white marble bar is lined with green herringbone tiles. Towards the back of the space, the dining room has gold leaf ceilings with lush greenery and is lined with exposed brick walls with paintings from Latin American artists as well as a vintage wood speaker and crate installation. Seating options include a common table with brown leather benches and tan leather and green emerald velvet banquettes. The team will have various entertainment offerings including live salsa bands and a vintage photo booth. Additionally, a 50-seat private dining room is adjacent to the main space with green tufted banquette seating and black marble top bar.
MORE INFORMATION
Chica & The Don is open Sunday-Wednesday from 4pm-12am and Thursday – Saturday from 4pm – late. For more information, visit www.chicadon.com and follow @chicaandthedon.
