The Cecil, Harlem’s Afro-Asian-American brasserie (@TheCecilHarlem, 210 W. 118th St., 212-866-1262, www.thececilharlem.com), has not only flipped up their menu but is now serving lunch, too! Executive Chef J.J. Johnson has been a very busy bee putting his touches to world flavors and dishes.
Every Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Cecil is serving lunch in their lounge. The menu will feature unique and bold creations, including a lunch specials such as a fried chicken sandwich on a sweet bun roll with duck fat mayo and pickled red onion and a bottle of Session Lager for $14. Other new lunch dishes include a salmon fritter sandwich with chili mayo and hand-cut fries. Lighter options include a chopped salad with a choice of tofu, shrimp or chicken for $16.
The Cecil’s dinner menu facelift includes an homage to the Brazilian fish stew moqueca while adding okra and Thai basil to the mix for a pan-world experience. It also seems the beloved apple curry beef dumplings (I need those again!) have been replaced with braised goat dumplings with peanut piri piri and candied peanuts. Tamarind glazed oxtails with pickled cabbage and brown rice grits (Trend alert!) look inviting, too!
