Alma Bistro Brings Latin Flavors With American Twist To Norwalk

NORWALK, CT — Alma Bistro, Cocina Latina, a new family-owned restaurant offering "nuevo-latino soul food with an upscale twist and custom cocktails," opened its doors this month in the Wall Street area of Norwalk and has already received great feedback from customers.

While boasting a wide selection of seasonal-inspired menu items, Gabriela Van Miran, the restaurant's marketing manager, noted there is one key ingredient that can be found in every dish at Alma Bistro: soul.

"Alma actually means 'soul,' and that's something that we try to bring to every dish...from a Hispanic perspective with an American twist," Van Miran said to Patch. "That's something that we want to bring to customers."

Born from the vision of Ulises Jimenez, the head chef and owner of Don Rene Taqueria in Milford, and Noberto Lucero, the head chef of Brasitas in Norwalk and Stamford, Alma Bistro held its soft opening Oct. 11 and has been delighting customers walking along Wall Street for a couple of weeks.

According to Van Miran, the restaurant's close proximity to the Wall Street Theater and short distance from the downtown SoNo area made 83 Wall Street the perfect location for a new culinary offering in the city.

"It's a big foodie district," Van Miran said, "so that was a huge draw."

She also noted Jimenez's sister restaurant, Don Rene Taqueria, is located in a similarly populated area of Milford and felt something equally focused on high-quality food would be a good fit for Norwalk.

Chamber of Commerce president Brian Griffin said the addition of Alma Bistro showcases the city's continued efforts to strengthen this central area of Norwalk.

"Alma Bistro will be a terrific addition to the Wall Street area and continues the trend of new businesses opening there," Griffin said in an email to Patch, "and we see this area being further strengthened via significant investment and creative thinking by the city and other stakeholders."

While there are a number of dining options throughout this area and further downtown, Van Miran said the flavorful and unique dishes at Alma Bistro will help it stand out to customers.

"My family is Hispanic, I grew up Hispanic, but at the same time I like American food and American flavors," Van Miran said. "I love a good steak, but even better if you can add a Hispanic and a Latin twist on it."

She also noted the restaurant's culinary team emphasizes using only the freshest of ingredients in each dish.

According to Van Miran, customers thus far have praised a number of dishes, such as the brussels sprouts with an agave jalapeño vinagrette and queso fresco, as well as the tuna tostada and steak. The restaurant also offers a selection of flavorful vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Their drink menu also boasts a number of exciting combinations, such as the "My Jam," made with tequila, apricot, honey, lime juice, orange bitters and egg white, or the "Runaway With Me," consisting of rum, pineapple syrup, lime juice, lime bitters and a white foam.

"They're super fun," Van Miran said. "You have to try them."

Alma Bistro will host a grand opening event on Halloween featuring a number of fun specials. The restaurant's full menu can be viewed at almalatinbistro.com.