A Michelin-Starred Taqueria From Mexico City Is Opening in NYC

"A Michelin-starred taco counter from Mexico City - famous for its gaonera, a thin-sliced beef filet taco seared to order and finished with simply salt and lime - is headed to Flatiron. Taquería El Califa de León, a decades-old, standing-room-only restaurant, is opening its first U.S. location at 20 West 23rd Street, near Fifth Avenue, taking over the former Chanson space. Michelin also likes its chuleta (pork chop), costilla (beef rib), and praises the salsas."

"To keep up with demand, Greenpointers reports that Radio Bakery is taking over the adjacent former World of Flowers space at 971 Manhattan Avenue - a flower shop that closed in 2025 after more than 30 years - to build out a larger kitchen and prep area. Because the same owner held both properties and was ready to retire, the deal came together quickly, and construction is underway."

"Yoshikatsu Maeda, an alum of Tokyo's acclaimed Mori Bar, is moving to New York City to open Bar Maeda, attached to Sushidokoro Mekumi, at 70 Charlton Street, in Hudson Square, on Friday, February 13. Maeda will bring Mori Bar's long-stir technique, which creates a super-smooth martini that apparently draws out the aroma and flavor of the base spirits. The drinks menu will also feature a Roku martini made with Japanese craft gin, custom Negronis, and seasonal cocktails inspired by fresh fruits."

Taquería El Califa de León, a Michelin-recognized taco counter from Mexico City, will open its first U.S. location at 20 West 23rd Street near Fifth Avenue, taking over the former Chanson space. Signature items include the gaonera, a thin-sliced beef filet taco seared to order and finished with salt and lime, plus chuleta and costilla and praised salsas. Radio Bakery, led by chef-owner Kelly Mencin, is expanding production by acquiring the adjacent former World of Flowers at 971 Manhattan Avenue to build a larger kitchen and prep area, with construction underway and a target readiness of March or April. Yoshikatsu Maeda will open Bar Maeda at 70 Charlton Street, bringing Mori Bar’s long-stir martini technique, a menu of Roku martinis, custom Negronis, seasonal cocktails, and a 25-seat lounge with evening hours.

Read at Eater NY