Ouch?! The swank Thai-Latin eatery with huge Asian Foo Dogs out front is changing to a Mexican Bistro called Pancho Gringo. Okay, Talay was not perfect. It was a lot of splash with some issues on substance, and management could have been a little better. Also, fusion food is not really the trend these days and the food world is really going back towards authentic cuisine. The majority of new places that are not successful usually missed out on a few details and are behind the times in some way.
All that said, a high-end Mexican restaurant is a good idea, but we are a little disturbed by the name of it. Hey, we all know what the definition of Gringo is. So what are they trying to do here? Entice more Columbia students and food critics uptown or are they trying to scare them away (yes, the name is scary)? The new restaurants in town that are doing well have the food, decor, service and taste level in place. What many of the uptown entrepreneurs do not get is that the food scene is a Manhattan scene, so they must know what is going on downtown to be successful. It might be best to hire some consultants that have worked in successful businesses in other parts of Manhattan before fully getting into this one.
Finally, one should have a proper opening and not hang a fabric tarp on the front of the building to debut a new restaurant. Seriously, what does the huge dragon-like statue out front have to do with Mexican food? Photo by Ulysses
The dubiously named restaurant Pancho Gringo has shuttered in Manhattanville after opening three months ago. As reported at the end of last September, the distinct Thai Latin Restaurant known as Talay went under new management and changed its name to Pancho Gringo. Most folks still called it Talay since the original facade and name were still on the building. When we walked by last week, the circular Pancho Gringo sign had vanished and Talay only remained. The space could really be something under the right management, but they need to get the taste level right in the place. Fusion went out the with the 90's, so focusing on a talented chef and authentic, pure cuisine might be some good advice to follow. Next door's Covo Trattoria, the Italian eatery seems to be doing okay with this scenario. Read more about Pancho Gringo and Talay in our past post: LINK. The restaurant formerly known as Pancho Gringo is at 701 West 135th Street and 12th Avenue. Take the 1 train to 125th Street or 137th Street. Photo by Ulysses
