A Michelin-starred Progressive Mexican tasting from Chef Fidel Caballero. Across ten courses, the Upside Down Pork Taco emerges as a generational dish.
By Tony Abraham
VisitedJuly 28, 2025
CuisineProgressive Mexican
NeighborhoodLower East Side
Corima is helmed by Chef Fidel Caballero and draws deep inspiration from the flavors of Northern Mexico — particularly Sonora and Chihuahua. The name translates to "circle of sharing." Across ten courses, the kitchen revealed an ambitious vision with one or two stumbles and one absolute showstopper.
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Course One
Squid Ink Buñuelo
The Squid Ink Buñuelo with beef, bone marrow, and caviar is a masterful starter and the definition of a perfect one-bite finger food.
From the very first bite, you're hit with a super-flavorful wave of savory, rich, and fresh notes. It's an incredibly well-composed dish where all the elements work in perfect unison. The light, crispy squid ink buñuelo serves as the ideal vessel, providing a fantastic textural contrast to the toppings.
What makes it so special is that you can distinctly taste the high-quality, tender beef tartare and the luscious, buttery bone marrow. The caviar adds a final, elegant pop of salinity that cuts through the richness. It's a "wow" moment that's over all too quickly.
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Course Eight
Upside Down Pork Taco
The Upside Down Pork Taco was an absolute showstopper and one of the clear highlights of the entire tasting menu. Made with buche, ranchero cheese, pico de gallo, and a chickpea tortilla, this dish was a masterpiece of flavor.
The first bite is a total flavor explosion. This is a super flavorful taco, unlike any I've ever tried. You can distinctly taste the earthy chickpea flavor from the tortilla, the rich pork, the freshness of the veggies, and a fantastic, building heat from the sauce. The balance is perfect — just the right amount of tanginess and salt, with a satisfying level of heat.
It's so good that I could have this taco all day. This is a standout dish that is more than strong enough to be its own menu item.
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Course Nine
Pennsylvania Duck
The Pennsylvania Aged and Glazed Duck was a fantastic and sophisticated main course, presented as a multi-part experience.
The dish began with a consommé that was perfectly balanced — deeply flavorful, but not too salty. The addition of a small foie gras cube and an aromatic hint of tonka bean added a wonderful, luxurious texture to the broth. Then came the duck itself: perfectly seasoned and boasting a great roast, with beautifully rendered skin.
The sauce and glaze work is what truly took this dish to the next level. There was a subtle sweetness from a maple syrup glaze, layered over the complex, subtle taste of the marinade — I could clearly taste the mirin undertones. Combined with the fruity Habanada jus, this was just a great, perfectly executed duck dish.
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Course Ten
Corn Husk Ice Cream
The Corn Husk (Totomoxtle) Ice Cream with strawberry compote and tortilla crumble was a fantastic and refreshing end to the meal.
The first bite packs the perfect flavor punch. The star is the ice cream itself, masterfully balanced and not too sweet, with a wonderful, earthy, toasted-corn flavor. This pairs beautifully with the strawberry compote, which adds a bright, necessary tanginess.
There is also a tortilla crumble, which is good but somewhat overpowered by the ice cream and compote. A minor note on what is, overall, a really well-constructed dessert. The balance of earthy, sweet, and tangy was a perfect way to finish.
From the Bar
Liquid Notes
Skip
Cilantro Claro
Light and refreshing citrus drink with a sharp fizz. After the initial bright taste, the drink loses its character. Despite its name, no cilantro flavor came through. Works as a simple spritz, but not memorable.
Order
Vaquera Tears
Simple yet sophisticated and a great choice for mezcal lovers. Definitely mezcal-forward — you can really taste the smokiness. The tres leches component is a subtle wash that just adds slight body. Well-balanced and spirit-forward.
The Verdict
Dish Deconstructed
A four-pillar framework. One to five.
First Bite
3
/ 5
Flavor Journey
4
/ 5
Technical Execution
4
/ 5
Order Again
3
/ 5
Honestly Speaking
Order the Upside Down Pork Taco, the Pennsylvania Duck, and the Squid Ink Buñuelo. The signature tortilla and butter alone are worth the visit.