Coco Shack, a new seafood destination rooted in the Mediterranean but with coastal influences from around the world is opening in Soho.
Celebrated restaurateur Pino Luongo (of Coco Pazzo and Il Cantinori fame), who is the creative force behind it, has long been inspired by summers on the Italian coast – first for Sapore de Mare, then his book Fish Talking and now Coco Shack debuting in NYC’s Soho on June 10th. It will feature the cooking of Yucatan-born Chef David Camara, who has worked in San Francisco, Hawaii (with pioneering chef Peter Merriman) and New York, including under Michelin-starred chef Shaun Hergatt, with his experience spanning the cuisines of the Mediterranean, Asia and South America.
Located at 184 Prince Street, the cozy jewel-box space and outdoor seating will offer a chic yet approachable downtown dining experience.
Coco Shack’s menu deftly weaves together influences from the Mediterranean, South America, Asia and New England. Dinner highlights include tempura battered Soft-Shell Crab with pork belly and chili garlic sauce on a steamed Japanese bun; Roasted Oysters with kimchi butter or scallion yuzu koshu butter, topped with grated bottarga; daily crudo of fish like hamachi; housemade pastas such as Saffron Potato Gnocchi with mussels and ‘nduja oil; Tagliolini with Sea Urchin, an egg pasta tossed in a velvety sauce of sea urchin, garlic and tomato, and topped with thinly sliced kampachi, squash blossoms and salmon roe; Cod “Chowder” with clams, bacon, corn, sunchokes and chive oil; and Seafood Paella with fresh prawns marinated in Spanish smoked paprika, seasonal fish and seafood, bomba rice, saffron and squid ink aioli. The approachable lunch menu (launching June 20) will be primed for warm weather dining, featuring a Lobster Roll with butter poached lobster; Shrimp & Grits; Grilled Swordfish Tacos “al pastor” and a Soft Shell Crab BLT with house cured bacon.
The wine program focuses predominantly on white and rose wines from Italy and France with a sprinkling of reds. Close to 20 wines will be available by the glass, including 11 white, 3 sparkling, 2 roses and 3 reds. Formerly of Delmonico’s steakhouse, Sommelier Zeljko Davidovic pivots to seafood friendly wines at Coco Shack. (The Croatian native studied wine and pairings at Le Cordon Bleu.)
The restaurant’s cozy 18 seat interior nods to New England lobster shacks with an inviting ambience, bright teal and white palette, marble tabletops, and French doors that open onto Prince Street with an additional 20 outdoor seats adding to the lively Soho streetscape.
Dinner Tuesday – Sunday from 5pm – 11pm, lunch to start on June 20 from 12pm – 5pm.
