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“Mercado on Kent”

Mercado on Kent is a tapas newcomer to the Williamsburg area, and they aim to personalize your dining experience, right down to the very last pinxto. The 6,000 square foot space seats 80 and is constructed of raw materials, from marble to wood to galvanized metal. Rustic and warm, the communal tables in the center encourage socializing and sharing (it’s what tapas is all about!), while the extended chef’s counter gives you a special view into the kitchen.

If you are more traditional, the zinc-topped bar seats 10 and is a perfect place to sip one of Mercado’s many Spanish wines, specialty cocktails, or house made sangria. And if you think sangria is only for the summer think again; Mercado on Kent serves it warm during this brisk season, with mulled dried cherries, apricot brandy, and spices. A toast to staying toasty!

Blending quality ingredients with tradition and technique, the food menu is divided into sections from small plates to large, to pinxtos and sandwiches. Tapas are where you can really mix things up (in a good way) and try different things, like piquillo peppers stuffed with Roncal cheese, Jamon Iberico (a tapas staple), fried calamari on anchovy-seaweed bread, or the chorizo burger on a tomato-flavored bun.

The breads at Mercado on Kent are prepared on site by Master Artisan Baker Johnny Peralta whose resume includes five plus years at Balthazar, and seven years working in association with Mario Batali’s restaurants (Babbo, Del Posto, Lupa and Eataly). Peralta and Chef Almandoz have spent countless hours creating the perfect breads to compliment the ingredients placed on top or in between.   

The large plates at Mercado on Kent are also designed for sharing, like the Cochinillo (suckling pig), the NY strip steak with caramelized Guernica peppers, and Fideua (pasta with prawns, clams and pork sausage).  And what is a tapas restaurant without charcuterie? Meats include Jamon Serrano, chorizo, and duck prosciutto, which pair wonderfully with the Manchego, Idiazabal, Mahon, and Roncal cheeses.  

Mercado on Kent is located at 291 Kent Avenue @ South 2nd Street in Williamsburg, 718-782-8810. The restaurant is closed Mondays and will serve dinner Sunday, Tuesday & Wednesday from 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm; late night menu till 11:30 pm and Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 5:30 pm – 12:00 am, late night menu served till 1:30 am.

—Dara Pollak

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