Jean-Georges Vongerichten has always been a global guy, a chef and restaurateur who loves to combine the world’s flavors to create something new and exciting. His latest New York venture, ABC Cocina, is very simply a global kitchen where you can drink craft beer from Brooklyn or the Dominican Republic, sample a surprising and delicious new take on guacamole, and savor a grilled sea bass caressed with thyme and tamarind for an unexpectedly delicious flavor combination. The new restaurant, like the earlier ABC Kitchen, is inside the ABC Carpet and Home store with Executive Chef Dan Kluger managing both kitchens. 

The menu categorizes food in a new way. From the Table Snacks section, you can order a selection of cheeses that includes rhubarb brie and nut bread. Light and Bright features salads and dishes like Florida white shrimp with agria Diablo and a bit of sweet banana to tame the heat. Golden and Crispy includes various fritters such as those made of gooey spicy ham and cheese. In Masa and Tortillas you will find some earthy mushroom tacos with mole, kale, and lime. In addition to the sea bass, the Wood Burning Grill features the “burnt ends” of tender beef tenderloin with chimichurri sauce. Rice is its own category with several entrée-like dishes such as the elegant Maine Lobster with Fresh Basil. For dessert, treat yourself to a pineapple-basil popsicle. Lunch Monday to Friday noon to 3pm; dinner daily 5:30 to 11, later on weekends and earlier on Sunday; weekend brunch 11am to 3:30pm. -- Marian Betancourt