Atera is a perfectly fine way to spend a few hours and blow $800 bucks.

I knew that Atera was one of NYC’s more expensive tasting menus, which is why I chose it for my birthday dinner which Sonigram was treating me for! Aren’t I thoughtful??

$275 buys you 19 courses (includes tip but not tax) but if you’re in the mood for cocktails or wine, better get a second mortgage or sell off your most irritating child.

First off, the place is tiny. There’s a large counter surrounding the kitchen and then one table behind it. That’s it.

So, you feel a little on display from the moment you enter the room. On the plus side, it feels like you have 5 private chefs cooking only for you, which is special.

While I really enjoyed the food, I didn’t find it as imaginative or as delicious as Eleven Madison Park or Le Bernardin (which are both less expensive) but I’m still glad I got to experience what felt like a very exclusive experience.

Let’s face it, I’m a big ole snob and this crap is right up my alley.

77 Worth St
New York, NY 10013
b/t Broadway & Church St
TriBeCa, Civic Center
(212) 226-1444
ateranyc.com

Bread Selection

Cauliflower, Coffee, Balsamic

White Asparagus, Quail Yolk, Thyme

Scallop, Celery, Brussels Sprout

Cucumber, Horseradish, Nasturtium

Salmon, Nori, Radish

Aebleskiver, Crab

Waffle, King Trumpet, Cheddar

Golden Osetra Caviar, Pistachio, IPA

Langoustine, Foie Gras, Apple

Turbot, Cucumber, Green Asparagus

Lamb, Snap Pea, Mushroom

Duck, Juniper, Beet

Heart of Palm, Oak, Honey

Madeleine, Black Garlic
Miso Caramel, Chocolate
Sorghum, Peanut
White Chocolate, Black Currant

Strawberry, Rhubarb, Skyr

My birthday treat!

The first thing I need to address in this blog post has nothing to do with the actual restaurant, El Camion.

It has everything to do with my apparent YELLOW ASS TEETH!

(BTW, they’re all fake. Who know veneers came in BIG BIRD YELLOW??)

When my dentist and I were discussing which shade of white I wanted for my forced-upon veneers (in heavy Persian accent: if you don’t get them now, your teeth will break and you’ll have to get caps and they will look like chicklets. Awful. You don’t want that”) she swayed me away from the brighter, whiter shades. She wanted them to look realistic.

I see her point but I also hate her. Truly, madly, deeply.

If you take a glance at the very bottom of the page, you will see several, shiny, happy, smiley people.

They’re smiling because they have amazing, ghost-white teeth and they feel really bad that Yellow Grin McGee is ruining their selfie! I would be too! I’m the worst.

ANYWAY…..

When JK suggested El Camion, my hopes were not high. No offense JK, but I haven’t had much luck in the NYC Mexican dept. since moving here from LA.

I was happily disappointed!

I’ve had a lot of bummer chilaquiles in my time (including LA) but these were spicy, saucy and came with a ton of yummy shredded chicken. For only $11 bucks. And that includes a cocktail!!

Definitely one of the best deals in town unless you’re a straight up Freegan, digging around in a dumpster. Even then, whatever treasure you find won’t come with a frozen cocktail! It will be all melted and shit!

All in all, I would highly recommend this place for a fun, tasty, cheap boozy brunch. And then afterwards, maybe you’ll end up freebasing Rose wine on a beautiful rooftop…but I doubt you’ll be so lucky.

194 Ave A
New York, NY 10009
East Village, Alphabet City
(212) 533-5436
elcamioncantina.com

Bloody Mary, ect….

Guacamole – $6

I have no clue what this is/was, but I bet it was delicious!

Chicken Chilaquiles $11
shredded chicken, queso chihuahua, tortilla chips, scrambled organic eggs,
salsa verde, crema, pico de gallo

Huevos Diablos $11
two poached organic eggs on habanero-corn muffin with carnitas;
served with chipotle hollandaise sauce and home fries

No, this blurry picture was NOT taken with a flip phone.

The White Teeth Brigade (and Other)