Sunday, March 30, 2008

Diablo Royale

Diablo Royale meaning royal devil is a restaurant I pass on the way to the latest installment of Housing Works on West 10th. It is a devilish place with wood walls and antiqued tin ceilings as well as red tiles near the kitchen. Lots of kitchy devils and moody lighting like ceiling chandeliers of devil horns set the vibe. I ate here for the brunch which features a prix fixe menu for $16 with choice of entree, one devil and one angel as well as choice of potatoes and grits. Firstly upon arriving the joint is empty with many lined up at the Cafe Condessa on the next block. The waitress who says pick any table informs me there is no cafe today, so I order the Mexican hot chocolate which true the description is nicely cinnamony and creamy with condensed milk. My devil is a bloody Maria which tastes of the strong Silver Tequila. My breakfast entree was the breakfast quesadilla which is more of a sweetened pancake with eggs, cheese, mushrooms, guacamole and pico de gallo on the side. The bacon mentioned on the menu is missing and the waitress brings a side. The quesadilla is killer with lots of nice flavor combos all in a bite. I ask for chips and salsa and the busboy brings over some. The place is filling up and I notice the next table with some dark chips and ask for some too. They forgot to bring those over previously. Cinnamon and sugared tortillas, dark and sweet. Delish. Other entrees sounded pretty tasty like chicken tortilla chilaquiles and diablo's pancakes with blueberry agave sauce. This place is so cute and the food when you get it rocks. The ladies room here is identified by the naked lady devil on the door.