K*Rico Opens in Hell's Kitchen Today

Hell's Kitchen will soon get a welcome, eagerly-awaited addition: an authentic steakhouse with a novel South American flair. K*Rico, located at 772 Ninth Avenue between 51/52nd Streets, is the brainchild of veteran restaurateur/chef John Greco partnered with his brother Tommy Greco, owner of the popular Ritz Bar and Lounge, and their longtime friend Christian Tanno. K*Rico will mark its grand opening on Wednesday, January 28th.

A hallmark of K*Rico are the wet and dry aged USDA Prime beef on site, cooked to perfection on a state-of-the-art "plancha" grill that first sears the meat at temperatures as high as 1,600 degrees, locking in the juices and flavor, before it is expertly grilled to order. The menu, crafted by John and his chef de cuisine Steven Cruz, is a compellation of their extensive travels throughout South America, researching and sampling the delicious cuisine, visiting local markets and restaurants and chatting at length with the people. The result is a diverse, tantalizing menu, embodying the region's love of indigenous fruits and vegetables expertly blended with zesty herbs and tangy spices. One can savor a bountiful meal, beginning with FuFu de Chorizo or Pulpo a la Parilla followed by Cazuela de Mariscos, highlighted next by a your choice of steak, aged to perfection, a single or shared serving, or Oak Plank Seared Corvina or Pollo a la Braza. The dinner can culminate with your choice of simple, flavorful Postres. See attached menu.

The drink menu is equally compelling. Tommy Greco visited numerous small batch distilleries and wineries as part of his exhaustive research to offer an elite selection of tequilas, mescals and piscos from South America. The eclectic bar also features a far reaching roster of domestic and imported wines and beers from the Americas.

This meal and cocktails are served in a most inviting ambience, conceived by the three owners. In addition to the elegant dining room, featuring original paintings, burnished wood walls and a marble floor and bar area, K*Rico has an outdoor garden/dining terrace and will offer sidewalk seating in the spring/summer time.

"I've always wanted to do a bona fide steakhouse," explains John Greco. "I thought one with a South American twist incorporating the region's love of fresh meats and produce will be enjoyed by diners. I utilize this philosophy in all my Manhattan restaurants, notably at Philip Marie that is renowned for its 'farm to table' sensibility." Tommy Greco, who is making his debut as a restaurateur, adds,"This is a lifelong dream...My brother and I are a solid team. He runs the bustling kitchen while I oversee the dining room and the libation end of the house."

K*Rico is located at 772 Ninth Avenue between 51/52nd Streets. Reservations and information are available by calling 212-757-9393 or by visiting www.kriconyc.com. The restaurant is open Tuesdays through Sundays, serving dinner from 5PM to midnight.