Ludo "plays" With New York's Sense Of Adventure

The childhood adage, "Do not play with your food!" is challenged by the sights and tastes of Ludo. Latin for the verb, "to play," Ludo is a Mediterranean-influenced New York City restaurant and lounge that is praised for indulging overworked, discerning New Yorkers by "playing" with their senses.

When co-owners Richard Ko and Ravi Gulivindala met working in the financial industry for Merrill Lynch and UBS, respectively, they were both looking for a way to funnel their shared passion for "fine food, great travel experiences and lasting memories." They were undeniably successful in their creation of Ludo. Having just had its one-year anniversary, Ludo has been a haven on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, with its lush menu, inviting ambiance and the experience that culinary aficionados will never forget.

Executive Chef Einat Admony, a native of Tel Aviv, Israel, fashioned the tantalizing menu by taking the ingredients of her youth - olives, figs, chickpeas, lamb and sensual spices - and transforming them to scintillate the modern palate. Having worked in some of the finest New York kitchens including Tabla, Odea, Danube and Patria, Admony has the experience and the cooking techniques to validate her genius.





Her signature dishes include a French specialty, Trio of Foie Gras, Seared, Calvados Cured and Kromesky with Seasonal Marmalade and Toasted Brioche, Marinated Strip Steak, Perfectly Grilled and Rubbed with Worldly Spices, served with Cumin Coleslaw and Labne (Yogurt Dipped) Onion Rings, Pan-Seared Red Snapper with Preserved Lemon, Aleppo Foam and Herb Rice Cake, Homemade Duck Prosciutto with Grilled Figs, Pickled Pear, Brie and Walnuts, Tiger Katafi Wrapped Shrimp with Tobiko Sauce and Cucumber Salad, Crab Cakes with Shaved Fennel and a Tomato Vanilla Confit, Watermelon Gazpacho, refreshingly served cold in a shot glass and Grilled Lamb Chops with a Persian Lime Sauce and Sunchoke Puree.

Desserts are equally playful and create an engaging atmosphere, enticing guests to carry on long into the evening. Specialties include Raspberry and Strawberry Puree with Vodka sipped with a Chocolate Straw, Pistachio Kataif, a Nest of Shredded Phyllo and Crushed Pistachio topped by Pistachio Ice Cream, Rose Jam and Berries, Date Roll-Ups, which are Dates, Labne and Sicillian Pistachio, served with Nigella Tuile and the favorite Four Layer Chocolate Terrine, with Bitter-Sweet Chocolate, Milk Chocolate and White Chocolate on a Hazelnut Crust.

Ludo's interior design superbly complements its sumptuous cuisine, clearly evidenced by how the soft lighting makes the food and wine shine. The romantic atmosphere and mysterious ambience transport diners to any place they imagine. The upstairs lounge invites the busy New York crowd to slow down and enjoy signature cocktails including the Watermelon Mint, Pineapple Basil or Cafi Mocha Martini, in a candle-lit, mahogany-toned bar. The staircase down to the intimate dining room and lounge is lit with unique blue lighting, signifying a departure from the ordinary. The rooms are awash in red, brown, and rustic metallic colors, with candles built into an entire wall to highlight the cave-like walls and ceilings. Ko and Gulivindala wanted to give people a place to "play" with their taste buds and enjoy the company of their peers.

Ludo's extraordinary food and stylish design stimulate and satisfy all five senses with a European style of relaxed ambiance. This "neighborhood spot" has an impressive global menu and entertaining lounge environment allowing guests to linger the night away.
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To schedule an editor tasting appointment or for further information, please contact
Janet Mick at IT Management Global at 212.941.5595.

Ludo is located at 42 East 1st Street, New York City. For reservations, please call
212.777.5617, or visit Ludo's website,