El Vez, Stephen Starr's New Philly Import, Opens Tonight

Industry titan Stephen Starr opens his Battery Park City Mexican restaurant El Vez tonight. It's the third time the Philadelphia restaurateur has brought one of his Philly restaurants to New York City, after opening both Buddakan and Morimoto here back in 2006. The menu at this El Vez covers all the bases, although it's somewhat less extensive than the one in Philly (there are only three different types of guacamole, as opposed to the original's six). Still, there are nachos, quesadillas, ceviches, and tacos that range from classic carnitas to achiote grilled fish, plus oxtail enchiladas, chile en nogada, and a 28 oz. dry aged cowboy steak.

The space is a little less glitzy than the original, but it still includes a massive bar and walls lined with round banquettes. There's a photo booth and a large outdoor patio, and some time in the next few weeks a take-out burrito bar will open. Check out the menu below and stay tuned for photos early next week. Also stay tuned for Stephen Starr's next NYC project, a collaboration with Joe Carroll on a St. Anselm spinoff on the Bowery.

El Vez NY Dinner