Midtown Manhattan welcomes Twin Tails, the latest culinary venture from Quality Branded, the powerhouse hospitality group behind celebrated NYC establishments like Zou Zou’s, Don Angie, and Quality Bistro. Nestled at 10 Columbus Circle, this Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant dazzles with a sophisticated dining experience, pairing a meticulously crafted menu with innovative cocktails, all within an ambiance that marries retro-futurism with the glamorous 1980s NYC flair.
The Visionaries Behind Twin Tails
Chef/Partner Craig Koketsu, a Quality Branded stalwart for nearly two decades, helms the Twin Tails kitchen. Koketsu’s illustrious career includes stints with culinary legends Jeremiah Tower at Stars in California and Gray Kunz at Lespinasse in New York. Supporting Koketsu is Executive Chef Chad Brown, formerly of Del Posto, and Beverage Director Bryan Schneider, whose cocktail creations at Chez Zou and Bad Roman have garnered acclaim from Esquire and Michelin.
The Menu: A Culinary Journey Through Southeast Asia
Twin Tails’ menu explores the rich flavors and techniques of Thailand and Vietnam, with nods to Cambodia and Laos. Highlights include:
- Raw Starters: Yellowtail with watermelon nuoc cham, Salmon with gaeng om and coconut milk, and yellowfin tuna with sambal, ginger and avocado.
- Signature Appetizers: Crispy pork cha gio rolls, King Crab and Uni Buns “Cha Ca La Vong” style, and Banh Khot mini pancakes with peekytoe crab and champagne mango.
- Enticing Mains: Lemongrass Ribs with black pepper caramel, and sharable dishes like Cho Lon Duck with paper-thin steamed crepes and the signature Twin Lobster Noodles served over a bed of garlicky glass noodles that is simply divine.
- Decadent Desserts: Order the souffle at the start of the meal with exotic flavors such as mocha coconut, red curry pistachio or pistachio- pandan passion fruit
Cocktails That Transport
Schneider’s cocktail program infuses Southeast Asian influences into every glass. Try the Salted Lychee Martini with lime leaf, the Bangkok Screwdriver with calamansi and Thai basil, or the Sambal Margarita with chili-infused tequila. The curated wine list, featuring Sancerres and vintage Bordeauxs, rounds out the beverage offerings.
Designed by AvroKo, the 140-seat space channels the aesthetics of iconic 1980s NYC restaurants with ambient pink and amber mirror-paneled walls, deep yellow velvet banquettes, and a checkerboard marble floor offering expansive views of Central Park and Columbus Circle with floor-to-ceiling windows.
With its bold flavors, inventive cocktails, and stunning design, Twin Tails promises to be a standout in New York City’s vibrant dining scene.
Open nightly for dinner, visit TwinTailsNYC.com or follow @twintails_nyc on Instagram.
