Below Article courtesy of Gotham-Magazine.com
HER NAME WAS CARMEN BRINGS THE HEAT TO SOHO
Soho just got a bit more fun with the opening of a new restaurant and bar, Her Name Was Carmen. Hospitality masterminds Andres Diaz and Thatcher Shultz are behind this new downtown hotspot, which is already attracting the ‘It Crowd’ with its fabulous fresh and innovative seafood options by chef Omar Ben Hammou, Latin-inspired music programming, and a clean aesthetic inspired by the modernism from the ’50s and ’60s in Latin America.
And thank goodness, because we could all use a little heat with the dreaded winter months looming. The vibe is fun and tropical, the food is delicious (and might we say rather Instagram-worthy), and the drinks are strong and expertly crafted. The perfect place to have a fun dinner and stay on for dancing into the wee hours of the morning. It’s no surprise Her Name Was Carmen is already a hit—between the two of them, Diaz and Shultz have some of New York’s most treasured watering holes under their belts. Think: Felix, Make Believe, Kind Regards, and The Garret.
What sets Her Name Was Carmen apart from the endless sea of new bars and restaurants opening every week is the attention to detail. From the food and beverage programming to the aesthetic, this isn’t a cookie cutter experience. The first floor was designed by Venezuelan-born Maurizio Bianchi Mattioli, and the stunning interiors reflect an elegant modern Latin sensibility. The blue walls and one of a kind yellow mural designed by Simon Vargas round out the visually enticing space.
On the heels of his global experience working in the kitchens of Dom (Sao Paulo, Brazil), Attica (Melbourne, Australia) and Le Floris (Geneva, Switzerland). Chef Omar Ben-Hammou’s extensive travels have afforded him a unique perspective. 527 Broome St., (917) 262-0107, carmennyc.com
