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In 1960, big shot restaurateur Joe Baum opened La Fonda del Sol, making a huge splash with what was then a novel concept: the "theme" restaurant. Though the chef was Swiss, the cuisine was South American, served in a kitschy setting replete with an adobe hut for a bar. Fast forward to '09, and a new restaurant with the same name is opening in the MetLife Building, with Colombian-born chef Josh DeChellis at the helm.
Spanish for "inn of the sun," the split-level restaurant features a bar room on the ground floor and a dining room on the upper level, separated by an illuminated glass wall behind the bar with an etched pattern. DeChellis's menu boasts an expansive selection of tapas, such as Potted Duckling and Pork with oloroso sherry wine and toasted bread ($11), and “Albondiguillas” Meat Ball Skewers with tomato and pimentón ($8). The bar menu is cheaper than the dining room, but we're told both will be priced with an eye on recession diners.
La Fonda del Sol // 200 Park Avenue (at 44th Street and Vanderbilt Avenue) // (212) 867-6767
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What space did it take or replace?
It was Cucina Express, though retooled to have street access so you don't have to enter Metlife Building
And it is excellent - was there last night: had over a dozen different tapas with large group, and they were all delicious and out of the ordinary. Fun bar area [but too many TVs], gorgeous dining room, and great location with lots of traffic. This will be a big hit, I predict!