Brunchinée: Brunching Babes Hit Up Calle Ocho Tasting Event!

As you guys know from our previous posts and tweets, Calle Ocho (one of our fave brunch spots) recently moved locations and is now located on 45 West 81st inside of the Excelsior Hotel. They hosted an exclusive blogger tasting event on 9/14 to sample their new menu and the babes were invited! We had an amazing night and even mingled with our fellow foodie bloggers. (Special foodie love to: MyUpperWest, BrunchGangNYC, Sanura Jamil from My Life Runs On Food, Chubby Chinese Girl & Friend, Famous For Bad Reasons, Sarah Shaker, Timothy Cooper, Antonio our waiter and the ladies of Goldstein Communications! You were all a treat to meet!)

Upon our arrival we were escorted to their private dining room which was beautifully set for us and as soon as we were seated the food/drink fiesta commenced. Our lovely waiter Antonio welcomed us and started us all with a Classic Mojito and some Pan de Bono (delicious breads made with cheese and corn flour and is served with pureed black beans) pictured below. (If you are ever planning an after work drinks date with friends stop by Calle Ocho for their $5 mojitos every Monday.)

Our 5 course tasting soon followed and oh my we were in foodie heaven!

Chef Alex Garcia who has been featured on Food Network and Executive Chef Rodney Mitchell gave us a rundown of the menu we were about to sample and here it is with matching photos so that you too can enjoy!

CEVICHE:

-Cured Salmon, Aji Amarillo, Sour Orange, Pineapple

-Marinated Aji Tuna, Ginger, Cilantro, Mustard Vinaigrette

Paired w/ their ROJA Sangria (fresh fruit and a splash of Spirits)

APERITIVO:

-Bacon Wrapped Almond Stuffed Dates, Hearts of Palm, Cabrales

-Colombian Sweet Corn Arepa, Ropa Vieja, Crema Nata, Criolla Salad

PESCADO:

-Roasted Striped Bass, Serrano Ham-Chick Pea, Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

-Paired with White wine

CARNE:

-Cuban Style "Steak Frites", Traditional Chimichurri

-Paired with Red Wine

POSTRE:

-Dark Chocolate Domino Cake, Dulce de Leche Ice Cream

Calle Ocho may have switched to a new location but folks believe us when we tell you that the food, drinks hospitality, decor and BRUNCH are still up there! The babes had a chance to ask Chef Rodney Mitchell if they were going to make any changes to their BRUNCH menu and guess what? They are adding some interesting new items to their menu: Pancakes, French Toast and Eggs Benedict with Duck Sausage and of course the unlimited sangria is still included! We cannot wait to try these new BRUNCH dishes!

We ate, we drank, we laughed all in the name of THE OCHO! Thanks to all those who made this a delicious evening for the babes!

If you have yet to try Calle Ocho's BRUNCH well then you really do not know what you are missing out on! Check out these photos of the babes fave BRUNCH dishes: