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Published on December 11th, 2017 | by Darren Paltrowitz

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TAP NYC’s Roberto Simonsen On The Importance Of Tapioca, Eating Gluten-Free, And The Popular Eatery’s Plans For Expansion

Created by two Brazilian entrepreneurs, Roberto Simonsen and the single-named Luiza, TAP NYC is an ambitious dream come true. A “tapiocaria,” TAP NYC’s specialty is the tapioca crepe. While that concept may be new and/or unfamiliar to New Yorkers, tapioca crepes are popular in Brazil.

Truly a multi-purpose food, tapioca can be added to ground meat products — like burger patties or chicken nuggets — as a binder and ingredient stabilizer. It can also be added to doughs, especially gluten-free products, to improve the texture and moisture content. It can also be added to soups, sauces and gravies to create body and thickness. It also happens to be gluten-free, for those with Celiac’s Disease. Thus, tapioca can be part of your breakfast, lunch, dinner and/or dessert.

On behalf of The Hype Magazine, I had the pleasure of asking Mr. Simonsen some questions about TAP NYC. More on the restaurant — which will be opening its second location, said to be in Brooklyn, shortly — can be found online at www.tapnyc.com.

What came first? The restaurant concept or its name?

Roberto Simonsen: The idea to name the restaurant TAP NYC came from the fact that Americans don’t know about tapioca crepes. I tried to create a name that was related with tapioca. I had the idea to bring tapioca crepes from Brazil to the U.S. because they were extremely popular in Brazil. In the end, it’s a healthy gluten-free meal — and depending what kind of filling you put inside, it can be also a pre-workout booster adding protein and vegetables.

How did you first get interested in tapioca?

Roberto Simonsen: Tapioca was very popular in the northeast part of Brazil and started becoming more popular in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Now, it is a delicacy that every Brazilian enjoys.

Has being gluten-free always been important to you?

Roberto Simonsen: Yes. Especially in the morning, and I have decided to have tapioca instead of a piece of bread.

Do you have a favorite item on the TAP menu?

Roberto Simonsen: Yes! My favorite one is the Tapioca Crepe with organic chicken, avocado, plum tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.

What is coming up for TAP NYC? Any specials? Events?

Roberto Simonsen: We opened our first location on the Upper Westside about five months ago and we are now opening another location in Williamsburg within North 3rd Street Market. We are also selling the Tapioca Flour on Amazon, so the costumers can start making tapioca crepes at home. It’s a very good option for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

When not busy with TAP NYC, how do you like to spend your free time?

Roberto Simonsen: I love to run and I’m now training to do a triathlon in April. I wake up early every day to train at Equinox and then go to TAP around 8:30 AM.

TAP NYC aside, do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?

Roberto Simonsen: I’m a very big fan of Japanese food. For me the best one is Sushi Of Gari on the Upper West Side (Manhattan).

Finally, Roberto, any last words for the kids?

Roberto Simonsen: I came to the U.S. because this country has many similarities to Brazil; people are crazy about a gluten-free meal. This is taking over America, little by little. Our customers are coming and trying our food and they are loving it. I came to follow my dream — to serve the best tapioca crepe EVER! I’m looking for TAP to become a healthy and organic chain of restaurants.


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About the Author

Darren Paltrowitz is a New York resident with over 20 years of entertainment industry experience. He began working around the music business as a teenager, interning for the manager of his then-favorite band Superdrag. Since then, he has worked with a wide array of artists including OK Go, They Might Be Giants, Mike Viola, Tracy Bonham, Loudness, Rachael Yamagata, and Amanda Palmer. Darren's writing has appeared in dozens of outlets including the New York Daily News, Inquisitr, The Daily Meal, The Hype Magazine, All Music Guide, Guitar World, TheStreet.com, Businessweek, Chicago Tribune, L.A. Times, and the Jewish Journal. Beyond being "Editor At Large" for The Hype Magazine, Darren is also the host of weekly "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz" series, which airs on dozens on television and digital networks. He has also co-authored 2 published books, 2018's "Pocket Change: Your Happy Money" (Book Web Publishing) and 2019's "Good Advice From Professional Wrestling" (6623 Press), and co-hosts the world's only known podcast about David Lee Roth, "The DLR Cast."


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