Happy Foodie this is for the EXOTIC Food lovers out there. The ones that are up to try something out of their comfort zone yet want to keep it safe at the same time. Y’all ready for this one… This week we checked out The Black Ant in the Lower East side of NYC, a modern Mexican restaurant with a blend of culture and authenticity of the 32 states in Mexico. You won’t get the food options offered here anywhere else. Hints the name…
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I arrived just in time for Happy Hour.. so y’all know it’s about to go down! Make reservations online prior to arriving as the space fills up quick depending where you want to eat in the establishment. Temperature checks are required and you must fill out the contact book for contact tracking. You’ll have the option to sit outside in front of the restaurant, inside or in the back patio space. I sat in the back patio space area.
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The décor is funky with ants designs on the tiles of the bar, on the wall and a light sign stating to “EAT MORE ANTS” in the patio area. The blue walls mix with the colors of black and tan furniture with streaming lights above the bar and patio area set a calm yet exciting tone.
Let’s get into the food shall we.. to drink I had the Get Lucky which was Union Mezcal, passion fruit, fresh cucumber purée, homemade ginger beer and fresh lime juice with sugar can syrup. This drink is not for the sweet lovers at all. Sour yet refreshing as the cucumber with the ginger beer are the first flavors I grasped. Make sure you eat the cucumber once you’re done with the drink for a cooling sensation .
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For an appetizer I had the guacamole with fresh tortilla chips from the Happy Hour Menu with a side of ants. Yes, you just read that. The side of black ant is in a mix of pomegranate seeds, pumpkin seeds, and tajin. I was a bit nervous at first to try the ants but fuck it life is meant to be lived.
The seasoned mix blended with the guacamole giving a spicy flare. I barley tasted the ants, just slight texture or so. Black ants are eaten in Mexico along with Chapulines- which are grasshoppers, which are offered but decided not to try it this time. A few dishes are infused with the insects that are visible or not visible to the eye.
The entrée I had the Tacos de Pescado – two Baja style fried fish tacos on a beet- corn tortilla. The buttermilk aioli didn’t sit well with me at first but after removing it the taco was delicious!
Don’t forget to squeeze the lime on them both.
I had one last drink for the night the cucumber margarita... refreshing but strong the salt added that sour touch but the drink overall smooth choice. If you go ask for Tatiana, she was an amazing waiter and gave great suggestions.
On top of that she gave me a tequila shot to go. I highly suggest checking out black ant. I’ll be heading back for dinner next time. Check out @theblackantnyc
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