Local resident Oso aims to integrate into Harlem's neighborhood community.
In the heart of Upper Manhattan, a new dining spot has emerged, enhancing the local food scene and fostering community engagement. Oso, a Mexican street-food restaurant and bar in Hamilton Heights, has become a contemporary dining destination that caters to the diverse culinary tastes of the neighborhood.
Part-owned by the late television host, Alex Trebek, and his wife, Jean Currivan Trebek, Oso offers a creative menu inspired by global flavors and local ingredients. The menu, a blend of Mediterranean and Latin influences, emphasizes seasonal produce and bold flavors, appealing to the eclectic demographics of the area.
The inspiration behind the menu can be traced back to Matthew Trebek's college days at Fordham University, where he made a friend named Estefania Cruz. Cruz's influence is evident in the menu, with a mole recipe developed in collaboration with the Cruz family.
Stepping into Oso, one is greeted by an atmosphere that embodies Mexican street food culture. The bar offers approximately 35 varieties of mezcal and tequila, providing patrons with an authentic taste of Mexico.
However, Oso's presence in the neighborhood has not been without controversy. Gentrification has been a contentious issue in the area, and the arrival of seemingly out-of-place white-owned businesses has stirred hostility among some residents. In response, Matthew Trebek and his business partner, Nodar Mosiashvili, along with head chef Cassandra Rhoades, have made efforts to join and support the Harlem community.
Matthew can often be seen greeting neighbors on the street and in local stores, making them feel welcome at Oso. This community-focused approach has had a positive impact, particularly with its interaction with children, as noted by local resident Steve.
Despite Alex Trebek's initial reservations about the loud music at Oso, the rest of the customers, including Jean, seem to enjoy the lively atmosphere. The "Taco Truck" cocktail, featuring hibiscus flown in from Puebla, Mexico, is a testament to Oso's commitment to authenticity.
In conclusion, Oso in Hamilton Heights is more than just a restaurant. It is a vibrant addition to the community, providing a contemporary dining spot that enhances the local food scene, fosters community engagement, and creates jobs. For those seeking a taste of Mexico in the heart of Harlem, Oso is a must-visit destination.
Oso, the contemporary dining destination in Hamilton Heights, not only offers a blend of global flavors and local ingredients but also integrates itself into the diverse community by supporting local initiatives and engaging with residents. The restaurant's menu, inspired by Mexican street food culture, emphasizes seasonal produce, bold flavors, and even features a mole recipe developed in collaboration with the Cruz family.
