Ofrenda | New York City

Last week I had the opportunity to check out a delicious Mexican gem in Manhattan’s West Village neighborhood with my friend, KP.

The ambience at Ofrenda is cozy, casual, and loud.image courtesy of Google Images




LOCATION:
113 7th Ave. S
New York, NY 10014
(west village)


MENU: Ofrenda menu
COST: $$
CUISINE: Mexican, Brunch
RECOMMENDED TO: Bar Scene, Couples, Casual Dining, Small Groups.
AMBIENCE: Casual/Cozy




MY REVIEW 
We both started off with Happy Hour margaritas at only $7 each.  I went for the Mango Margarita – perfectly sweet and had a kick.  My friend went for the Blood Orange Margarita which was orangey and a little less sweet than mine.  Both drinks were beyond delicious!
 

As our appetizer, we ordered the Guacamole Rojo, allow me to explain, this type of guacamole is prepared with all the traditional ingredients found in regular guacamole in addition to chipotle in adobo sauce and queso fresco.  OMG… I was in heaven after the first bite, I can’t believe I’ve been missing out on Guacamole Rojo all this time, it is spicier and chunkier than regular guacamole. 

For my entree, I went for my favorite Mexican dish, the Pollo Enchiladas Verde.  This highly flavorsome dish was prepared with braised chicken in a corn tortilla and then topped off with tomatillo pumpkin seeds mole sauce.  It was phenomenal.

Ofrenda is one of the few places where chicken enchiladas are prepared with shredded chicken instead of the usual grilled chicken.  The chicken was so tender and flavorful, do you see all the spices?  And the best part is the enchiladas were not topped off with a thick layer of cheese, but just the right amount plus some crème fraîche.  Perfecto!

KP went for the only vegetarian dish on the menu, the Chile Relleno.  Although her dish looks appetizing, it tasted okay.  It just had a weird taste, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with this dish.  Unfortunately, it was just the wrong dish to order at a restaurant that clearly has great food.





VERDICT: 4 / 5 
In terms of everything I ate, Ofrenda was perfection, to elaborate, amazing drinks, perfect guacamole, and the most tender and juicy chicken enchiladas.  On the contrary, the Chile Relleno was just okay, and the restaurant was a bit too noisy which made it difficult to have a conversation.  Ofrenda should consider adding a few more vegetarian entrees to their menu, and I’m sure it’ll attract non-vegetarians as well.  I’ll definitely be back, especially for brunch, I’m looking forward to trying their Chilaquiles.  Gotta love Mex Brunch!




Food: Very Good  (guacamole rojo & pollo enchiladas verde)
Drinks: Excellent  (mango margarita & blood orange margarita) 
Decor: Good  (cozy/warm/loud) 
Service: Average  (tad bit slow since it does get crowded) 
Value: Excellent  (especially during Happy Hour, otherwise standard Mexican NYC fare)

TELL ME: Have you ever tried Guacamole Rojo?  Are you intrigued?