Colors
(212) 777-8443
417 Lafayette St
New York,
NY
10003
40.7288
-73.9925
Neighborhoods: NoHo, Downtown
What People Are Saying About Colors
The Editor
Kathleen Squires
Citysearch
The Scene
Surviving workers of Windows on the World have banded together to open this cooperative restaurant, conceived in the same spirit as the city's post-9/11 convergence. The harmonious room has cherry wood tones, golden lighting and a wall of banquettes seating a rainbow variety of diners.
The Food
A world-mapped wall sets the tone for the staff-inspired multicultural menu. The globe-trotting starts at appetizers, from the Caribbean allure of Lambi salad, a jumble of saffron-kissed conch, radish, arugula and lime leaf, to the exoticism of the Pam Thai, a bracing combination of chicken, green papaya, long beans, carrots and fried onion with chili-lime dressing. A garlicky Colombian slow-roasted pork, topped with a runny egg and dotted with crispy bits of skin, ushers in entrees with homespun South American heartiness, while smokey organic seitan with a bright apricot, basil and yellow split-pea chutney and Peruvian mint sauce shows the creativity cultural unification can inspire.
User Reviews
worldtravellerplus
December 11, 2008
Looking over the reviews, I wish I could comment on the food at Colors because it appears to be great. Sadly, my friends and I made the unfortunate choice to go to Colors late in the night Saturday Dec 13th when they were having a special reggae dj spin. My two good friends are Jamaican - so we were even more excited to experience Colors as a club. Upon our arrival, we were met outside by the Head of Security: a hostile, extremely large, man who began the evening combative and continued to yell at us throughout the night. We were told - in 28 degree weather - to wait outside. We waited for about 10 minutes - noticing groups of men (who arrived at the same time) be escorted in while all the women were asked to wait outside. So we waited. And waited. Finally, we decided, no this is not right. We'll just go (as there were only 5 women standing and waiting). 3 minutes later, as we walked away, we noticed a woman who was behind us go inside - so we followed her in...She in fact asked the staff to help us because she was waiting with us. When we came inside, the same Head of Security came over and proceeded to yell in our faces. GO OUTSIDE RIGHT NOW. I TOLD YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO WAIT IN HERE. GET OUT. GET OUT NOW. I looked at this man and said excuse me, but sir, it is very cold outside, let us wait in this atrium area He was having none of it, and threw us outside immediately. No, sorry, not threw...PUSHED us with his body. Mind you, this is right after each of us (there were 4 in total) were asked to pay a TWENTY DOLLAR COVER. I'm sorry, folks, but we are HUMAN BEINGS. Not dead rodents - allowed to be swept aside like dirty trash. This man treated us like we were beneath him, was extremely verbally abusive, and above all, vile in character. NEVER. NEVER will any of my friends go to Colors - particularly while this burly, belligerent, miscreant is working the front. LADIES, BEWARE. He only targeted the women.
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cutiefoodie
April 17, 2008
I had my anniversary party at COLORS for a group of 20 and it was superb. We reserved a few months early and were fortunate enough to have the private dining room. When my husband and I arrived a few minutes early I was a little disappointed to see that they had two other large parties that night and I of course wanted all of the focus on us. My disappointed changed very quickly. Our two waitresses Leslie and Celia took such good care of us that I honestly didn't remember there were other people there until I had to use the ladies room. We ordered tapas family style - calamari, flatbread pizza, crab rolls and shrimp. Everything was cooked to perfection but everyone went crazy with the shrimps. My one pregnant guest claimed since she was eating for two she needed more shrimp than the rest of the guets. For an entree I had the citrus crusted salmon with a mafungo cake (think plantain pancake) and green beans, I was pretty full from the tapas but it was so good I had to eat every bit of it and left my plate clean.. I was able to steal a bite or three of hubby's hanger steak and it was tender and seasoned perfectly. Our friends drinkers so we had several pitchers of sangria and threw in a few martinis just for grins. Everything was better than I expected. I've eaten here before and always thought the food was good but they really made our 5th anniversary special. The highlight was the chef coming out to wish us a happy anniversary and a special anniversary version of his chocolate molten cake. It wasn't cheap but you get what you pay for and we got it all!
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DredScott
March 28, 2008
I had dinner there earlier this month. The service was attentive and the different courses of the meal were well prepared. The duck was tender and paired with a sweet potato pudding and collard greens. It was a great meal that was a different take on soul food. The drinks were also good. I will be back for the duck!
read full reviewThe Details on Colors
What to Drink:
The restaurant serves a selection of six sweet ice wines that particularly pair well with the citrus panna cotta.
When to Go:
The location is perfect for a pre-theater meal before catching a show at the neighboring Public Theater.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Online Reservations, Date Spot, Group Dining, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene, Private Rooms
