Tmntol Spices Up Lunch With Authentic Portuguese Tapas

Tmntol, (155 West 46 Street/ 212-354-3838), a new 80-seat Portuguese tapas and wine bar, has introduced a lunch menu of larger, entrie-sized dishes to complement its extensive tapas menu.

"Tmntol's central Times Square location makes it a great spot for lunch and pre- or post-theater dinner. The tapas menu, which is served from noon to midnight, seven days a week, has been enhanced for guests who might want more substantial fare at lunch," said Jose Meireilles, owner. A native of Portugal, Meirelles, says much of Tmntol's menu is reminiscent of dishes from his homeland.

Executive Chef Richard Pelz's creative entrie-sized lunch additions include 15 standouts from the main menu such as the Fransezinha (a warm sandwich of Portuguese ham, Chorizo and cheese topped with a spicy beer sauce), Braised Stuffed Calamari, Pork Tenderloin with Clams, Bacalhau (salted Cod), Tmntol Salad (greens, herbs and baby beets) Bitoque (Steak with fries) and Chanfana de Cabrito (braised goat in red wine). Tmntol also has an impressive selection of Portuguese and Spanish cheeses, which are served with Membrillo, a house-made quince paste.

The name "Tmntol" is the Portuguese slang word for red wine. The wine list features an extensive selection of more than 150 reasonably priced Portuguese and Spanish wines, as well as 30 wines by the glass priced from $5 to $14, offered at lunch and dinner.

Tmntol: 55 West 46 Street (between 6th Avenue and Broadway), 212-354-3838. www.tintol.net.