It was just New York Fashion week, which means I was running all over the city — uptown, downtown, east side, west side — which means eating was something of a necessity to be crammed into whatever time I had available. Lots of Starbucks sandwiches, and lots of random assortments of granola, fruit, and late night chicken fried chicken from the diner next door.

Luckily for me, however, there was one afternoon with a large window of time serendipitously left open. I was working with a magazine editor, and one of his friends made reservations at the restaurant at the Hotel Americano in Chelsea.

“French fare with a Latin flair” is how the place bills itself, and I’d say it’s right on the money.

I went with the Cemitas sandwich — breaded chicken, avocado, chipotle, quasi oaxaca, and papalo. Not sure what all of that means? Pure delicious, with a spicy, smoky kick. The sandwich was 12.50 and decidedly oversized, and served with a side salad. More than enough food.

The space is something of an anomaly — you feel more like you’re in Miami than an industrial neighborhood of New York. The entire back wall of the restaurant is glass and opens up to a terrace, which allows tons of light to flood into the space. Concrete walls lend a cool nonchalance, and the quality of the details make the place more of a luxe experience.