Destino

 
891 1st Ave. (@ 50th St.) NYC
212.751.0700
Website: http://www.destinony.com/  

Maître d’, Owner and Executive Chef.: Anthony Curko 
  
 

A far cry from its former incarnations as Copain (more notable for its location-use in the film “The French Connection” than its food) and Whylie’s, an on-again-off-again rib joint, Destino was a roaring success after just six weeks of operation, when it opened in 2006. Call it luck, Kismet or the power of publicity, but this pleasant east side Italian restaurant was still playing to a full house on the night of our visit. Customers were loving the traditional ‘home-style’ Italian cooking. Well, the chef-owner, Anthony Curko, is from the never-can-get-a-reservation Rao’s family.

And the causally elegant dining room is attractive with its bar-lounge, and large chandelier, as you enter and oil-on-canvas 40-foot Renaissance fresco on the ceiling. The main dining room may lack generosity in spacing its tables, but attractive leather banquettes, a lovely smoked mirror, soothing beige walls and loads of wall sconces create the right mood. On the downside, the noise level is high and the service, while friendly, can be slow. The greeting, by the attractive Anthony Curko,is warm and welcoming.

Not overly large portions guarantee a complete dining experience that will not have you walking away with that over stuffed feeling. A meal at Destino’s conjures memories of your Italian grandmother’s Sunday dinner, if she had lightened up the food, most of which is very good.
 
Chef Curko’s, meatballs in marinara sauce are two hefty players that put most versions around town into second field. Eggplant Rollatino, gently stuffed with Mozzarella is deliciously grease-free. Two pastas, linguini in white clam sauce and spaghetti carbonara are both al dente as requested and perfectly sauced. In the entrée division, a Roasted Rack of Lamb in a Brown Sauce, with Asparagus, Roasted Potatoes and Cherry Tomatoes was nice, but was eclipsed by a outstanding chicken Scarpariello, served on the bone with hot and sweet sausage, peppers and onions.
 
Desserts are standard: the ubiquitous Tartuffo, cheesecake: well you get it. The wine list is just a few pages, but there are enough options under $50 to please(best value is the delightful Roero Arneis D.O.C. Traisorì, 2010)  and drinks are generous and well made. They were still packing them in as we left and the host said the restaurant was heavily booked all evening So for an honest, affordable Italian experience in this part of town, book well in advance.

Click Here To Reserve Online

 
Copyright 2013 By Punchin International. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

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Vasari Montepulciano d’Abruzzo from Fratelli Barba

I confess. I am normally not a fan of Montepulciano. Not that I haven’t sampled delightful exceptions, but I usually prefer more acid, depth and individuality.  The Vasari Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2010, from Barba changed my mind-set. A bit of spice, good acid, a true feel for the terroir and the taste of Italy, all for a mere SRP of $10 per bottle (well worth $20). Food friendly and perfect with pasta and robust Italian cuisine. I loved this one.

 

Copyright 2013 By Punchin International. All Rights Reserved.

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Saladini Pilastri Pecorino 2011 Is A Charmer

Michelangelo Imports

Manhasset, NY

Certified Organic

SRP: $15

 

Saladini Pilastri was the first winery in the Piceno area to achieve the prestigious Tre Bicchieri award from Italy’s wine bible, the Gambero Rosso. All the winemaking is overseen by celebrated enologist Alberto Antonini. All of the farming is done without the use of chemical fertilizers and the winery is recognized by the EU as organic.

Pale straw colored it has an intense fragrant nose of tropical fruits. Medium bodied with bright acidity showing flavors of yellow fruits and nuts. The structure is firm with a marked note of minerality

The Marche region on Italy’s central-eastern coast produces some of the most drinkable, accessible wines in all of Italy. Be it the charming Verdicchio grape, or the Rosso Conero & Piceno blends made from Montepulciano & Sangiovese, these wines are made for pairing with food and enjoyable sipping.

Exceptional value and totally delightful.

 

Copyright 2012 By Punchin International. All Rights Reserved.

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DEUTSCH FAMILY WINE & SPIRITS LAUNCHES ENZA, A DOC PROSECCO THAT EMBODIES THE SENSUALITY AND STYLE OF ITALY IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Deutsch Family Wine and Spirits (Deutsch Family), a leading marketer of award-winning wines and spirits from around the world, announced today that it is proud to introduce Enza Prosecco, which will be available nationwide in the U.S. starting December 2012.

Enza Prosecco, which will retail at $14.99 a bottle, is made from only the finest Prosecco DOC grapes from the heart of Italy’s Treviso region, offering unparalleled quality at a competitive price point. Enza brings a fresh new approach to sparkling wine with packaging that evokes the quintessentially Italian elements of style and sensuality, appealing to both men and women.  The elegant packaging and competitive price point make Enza an ideal choice for consumers looking for a combination of value, quality and style in today’s challenging economy.

Prosecco is one of Italy’s symbols of good-taste and sophistication. Enza embodies the style and grace of Italy, from its elegant label to its unique taste with sensual hints of honey and tropical fruit.

Enza Prosecco is the ideal choice to add a sophisticated sparkle to holiday entertaining. Enza gives every occasion Italian style and flair for turning even the casual holiday party into a stylish and refined gathering.  The festive packaging and refreshing taste profile make it the perfect sparkling to toast the holiday season.

“When we developed the brand, we wanted to create the image of sophistication and style, that is synonymous with Italy. We are delighted with the fun and fiery design that truly brings Enza to life,” stated Renato Reyes, Deutsch Family Chief Marketing Officer.

Enza is produced by the Soligo cooperative, established in 1957, in collaboration with the Pozzi family. The Soligo cooperative has been family owned for three generations and represents families of growers in the Prosecco DOC region who share a passion for Prosecco and their region.

Enza Prosecco is a refreshing sparkling wine with hints of honeysuckle, green apple, and peach with a note of citrus. It is crisp and light with just a touch of fruit sweetness.

A delight for Thanksgiving, Christmas or just an aperitif or family dinner.

 

Copyright 2012 By Punchin International. All Rights Reserved.

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SD26 Truffle Dinner Event Of The Year

Don’t Miss It.

 

SD26, Madison Square Park, 19 East 26th Street, New York 10010. Telephone 212 265 5959

Click Here For Reservations

 

Copyright 2012 By Punchin International. All Rights Reserved.

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Roman-Inspired Italian Comfort Food in The Flatiron District

Bocca is located at 39 E. 19^th Street between Park and Broadway, 212-387-1200, www.boccanyc.com, and is open for lunch Mon–Fri, 12-3pm and for dinner Mon–Thurs 5:30-11pm, Fri-Sat 5:30-11:30 and Sun 5:30-10:30pm

At Bocca, the team behind Cacio e Pepe have done everything to make sure diners are comfortable, from the simple but elegant décor and cushy banquets to the attentive service. Guests are greeted by the ebullient host Nico Di Stefano, (Il Buco and Quinto Quatro), who ensures that guests have everything they need. Make no mistake. Mr. Di Stefano is an expert and a reason in itself to visit Bocca.

Another reason is a new executive chef, James Corona, who has worked at some of the finest kitchens here and abroad including Po under Mario Batali, as well as at San Domenico and Bouley.  He also staged at El Bulli in 2006. Chef Corona’s take on Roman cuisine, as one of the original comfort foods, makes Bocca shine.. What’s more comforting than knowing that you can always rely on the kitchen to send out perfectly prepared classic Italian dishes done in a refined and modern way, an accessible wine list, and house-made desserts, all at comfortable prices?

Guests can begin in the bar with after-work happy hour for artisanal cocktails made with fresh juices (try the white wine sangria with spiced peaches and homemade aromatics), wines or prosecco by the glass, or choose from a selection of premium beers, along with bar snacks such as gorgonzola-stuffed dates wrapped in speck and chicken liver crostini with fig marmalade.

For antipasti, share a platter of cured meats and cheeses, or select the wonderfully tender timballino di melanzane all parmigiana, a mound of baked eggplant melting with mozzarella or polpettine della nonna, light and airy veal meatballs with tomato sauce, as well as refreshing salads composed of Greenmarket ingredients such as heirloom tomatoes or strawberries.

Then it’s on to the primi. The ultimate comfort food, the Roman version of mac and cheese, tonnarelli cacio e pepe is served tableside, the pasta twirled in a 25 lb Romano cheese wheel.  You can see the cheese melting as it coats the fresh, black pepper flecked pasta in a creamy sauce.  Another Roman favorite is carbonara, here made with egg, pecorino, guanciale, but no cream.  Oxtail ravioli with porcini and mascarpone is a rich and satisfying treat. Other house made pastas include black fettuccine with puttanesca sauce and calamari, and mint pasta tossed with braised lamb shank and fresh ricotta.

tonnarelli cacio e pepe (Above)

Another delightful pasta creation

For the secondi, the porchetta is not to be missed.  One of the best in the city—pork shoulder is marinated for two days in fennel pollen and rosemary and roasted until moist on the inside and crackling on the outside served with broccoli rabe and red onion marmalade.  Another Roman classic that feels like home is pollo alla cacciatore, chicken braised with peppers, tomatoes and gaeta olives. For pescatarians, there’s tonno in padella con caponata, seared tuna with smoked eggplant puree and caponata, and baccala alla romano, Atlantic cod fish braised in tomatoes with olives, caper berries and potatoes.

For a house made dessert light enough to follow any meal, try the coconut panna cotta with a tangy passion-fruit puree. A bit richer, but still light, there’s also a sheep’s milk ricotta cheesecake and the classic rum-soaked tiramisu.

The all-Italian wine list features a broad selection of wines not found everywhere else.  Carefully selected to include wines made from indigenous grapes from Italy that are not mainstream or well known, the bottled wines are a great value.  You’ll always find something different that you may not have discovered before on the wine list.  Also available are excellent full-bodied Barolos and smooth Brunellos.  And for an extra value, join Bocca on Sunday evenings when all the wines are half price.

Centrally located between the Flatiron and Gramercy Park, Bocca is ideally situated as place to take a break from Fifth Avenue shopping and convenient from all parts of the city for birthday parties and date nights.  But you don’t need to wait for a special occasion:  Bocca’s comfortable cuisine at comfortable prices is perfect for everyday.

And don’t forget to ask for Nico.

 

Copyright 2012 By Punchin International. All Rights Reserved.

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THE LEOPARD AT DES ARTISTES IS A VISUAL and CULINARY TRIUMPH

THE LEOPARD AT DES ARTISTES

THE LEOPARD at Des Artistes is located at 1 West 67th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. The restaurant is open daily for Dinner from 5PM-11:30PM. Lunch is served Monday – Friday from 12PM-3PM and brunch hours are Saturday and Sunday from 11:30AM-3PM. Reservations are recommended: 212-787-8767 or www.theleopardnyc.com.

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Historic New York City Landmark Serving Southern Italian Cuisine Sets a New Standard For Luxury Italian Dining

Housed in one of New York’s most legendary and famous buildings, the Hotel des Artistes, THE LEOPARD at Des Artistes offers Southern Italian cuisine inspired by the area once known as “The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.” Restaurateurs Gianfranco Sorrentino and his wife, Paula Bolla-Sorrentino, who brought New York the successful Il Gattopardo (Italian for The Leopard), and the former Sette MoMa Restaurant at The Museum of Modern Art, have totally renovated the former Café des Artistes space. The restaurant’s breathtaking murals were given a much-needed restoration to their original colors, to bring back their atmosphere of romance and fantasy.

Architects Roger Hirsch and Myriam Corti renovated the restaurant to create a sophisticated and comfortable dining experience. Classic and modern details are subtle and refined in homage to the artful spirit of The Hotel Des Artistes. Diners are seated at roomy and luxurious banquettes situated throughout the dining rooms, which boasts a combination of terrazzo floors complete with large, playful zinc circles, and rich walnut floors. Walnut-clad columns bring dramatic warmth and refinement to the interior, and a new lighting system accentuates the mythical murals’ beauty. The overall effect is clean and airy, creating a contemporary elegance in which to enjoy memorable cuisine.

Executive Chef Vito Gnazzo, who is also the executive chef at Il Gattopardo since its foundation, along with Chef de Cuisine Claudio Cristofoli, created the Southern Italian menu that finds its roots in the culinary traditions of the regions of Campania, Basilicata, Calabria, Apulia, Sardinia, and of course Sicily. His genius lies in his ability to utilize traditional recipes and maintain culinary honesty, while keeping is creations light and toothsome. Everything tastes authentic; nothing tastes old fashioned. “Taste” being the operative word. Chef  Gnazzo’s hand with seasoning is awesome.

Guests may begin dinner with appetizers including Eggplant and Smoked Buffalo Mozzarella timbale with spicy tomato sauce; Sardinian “fregola” with clams and mussels in a shell fish broth and Fennel and Orange Salad with Nocellara olives dressed with olive oil and white wine vinegar (below).

We adored melt-in-your mouth Grilled Octopus and celery potato salad with olive oil and lemon dressing, and green olives. Imported White Asparagus (a special) was the best we have ever tasted this side of the Atlantic. All ingredients are the finest quality, whether imported or sourced from local purveyors.

Homemade pappardelle with roasted rabbit and seasonal mushrooms: Images Credit: Melissa Horn

Ravishing pastas include Bucatini with sardines, onions, wild fennel, peanuts and raisins; Rigatoni “alla Norma” with sautéed eggplant and aged ricotta cheese in a tomato sauce (pictured below) and remarkable Ravioli filled with braised artichokes and burrata in a light tomato marjoram sauce.

Signature entrées consist of Filet of Mediterranean “Branzino” wrapped in parchment paper with baby vegetables and herbed olive oil; Lamb Loin sautéed in a red wine and tarragon sauce, served with braised pearl onions and carrots and Roasted Berkshire Tender Pork Loin in its own sauce, served with fingerling potatoes, mushrooms and artichokes.

For something really special, go for one of the best  Grilled dry aged rib eyes, in New York,  served with crispy rosemary French fries (serves two people) . You may never visit you favorite NY steak house again.

Shellfish ragout served with organic couscous

The “temptation” menu was crafted by Gnazzo and Cristofoli and includes delectable desserts such as a crunchy Cannoli filled with sheep’s ricotta milk, chocolate chips and Bronte pistachios; Warm Bartlett Pear over puff pastry with caramel sauce and Warm Lava Chocolate Cake served with a side of artisanal ice cream. Best of all, Traditional Zabaione with fresh mixed berries, is whisked tableside and is perfection.

THE LEOPARD BAR AND APERITIVO PARLOR

Diners can also enjoy drinks and light bites at the newly redesigned bar.

Gianfranco Sorrentino, who also oversees the beverage department of THE LEOPARD, collaborated with Sommelier Marco Irato to create the restaurant’s wine list, which offers over 160 bottles of Italian whites and reds, fifteen of which are by the glass. A sprinkling of French Champagnes also have a presence on the menu. Signature cocktails include a Neapolitan Martini with Limoncello and Vodka and Donnafugata Campari shaken with Grand Marnier Orange.The wine list is admirable and affordable. We were delighted with a sprightly Manzoni Bianco 2011 “Villa Brunesca” at 14 the glass and a lovely Super Tuscan 2007 “Poggiassai” Poggio Bonelli, which was $21 for a glass. Cocktails are expertly constructed and generous.

Service at the THE LEOPARD at Des Artistes is exceptional, from reception to waiter and bus-staff. And considering the extraordinary dining experience, prices are not out of line. In fact, there is a $28 Prix Fixe lunch Monday to Friday and one of our town’s most delightful brunches can be enjoyed Saturday and Sunday.  As one of Manhattan’s most rewarding Italian restaurants, THE LEOPARD at Des Artistes is an absolute must. Rating: A Major

Traditional Sicilian cannoli (Above)

 

Copyright 2012 By Punchin International. All Rights Reserved.

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Armani/Ristorante 5th Avenue, An Italian Culinary Gem

The Jewel Box Interior of Armani/Ristorante 5th Avenue

Armani/Ristorante 5th Avenue is open for lunch and dinner daily Monday-Wednesday (11:30a.m. – 10:00p.m.), Thursday-Saturday (11:30a.m. – 11:00p.m.) and until 5 p.m. on Sunday (lunch and an Italian style Saturday and Sunday brunch service begins at 11:30 a.m.) 717 Fifth Avenue at 56th Street, 212.207.1902

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As Summer descends upon New York City a bounty of beautiful dishes are gracing the menu at the stylish Armani/Ristorante 5th Avenue, where Executive Chef Roberto Deiaco continues to wow diners with his gorgeously composed dishes, keeping the essence of classic Italy and infusing a modern twist.

Giorgio Armani collaborated with innovative architects Doriana and Massimiliano Fuksas to design the 5,200-square-foot restaurant and bar, which offers a stunning view overlooking Fifth Avenue. The multi-level store was conceived as a single, fluid space brought together by a central staircase. The restaurant’s beige walls, black floors and ceilings, and metal fixtures, all come together to provide a suave feel that evokes movement and fluidity. Special attention has also been paid to the lighting, which appears invisible and creates a theatrical mood. The hidden lighting emphasizes the use of curves, a consistent feature found throughout the restaurant and store.

The Amazing Vitello Tonnato (thinly-sliced roast veal loin, topped with velvety tuna-caper sauce, citrus segments, and pantelleria island capers).

Armani’s antipasti features an abundance of seasonal ingredients in dishes such as SPARAGI BIANCHI, white asparagus with chervil zabaglione, and house-smoked duck carpaccino and a beautifully presented dish with the best from the sea CRUDITÀ DI MARE, red beet and orange-marinated wild branzino barpaccio, blue fin tuna tartar, fresh oyster, and green apple-marinated langoustine with Italian caviar. For those salad lovers there is MISTICANZA PRIMAVERILE, a crisp salad of Cipollini Onions, Chiodini Mushrooms, Baby Peppers, Baby Zucchini, Asparagus, Radish, and Fava Beans and chef Deiaco’s own INSALATA NIZZARDA a Niçoise salad with seared tuna, haricort vertes, tropea onions, olives, pachino tomatoes, and poached quail egg.

One dish not on the menu, sparkling fresh Mediterranean langoustines, are served raw in a hauntingly light sauce topped with fresh caviar. Worthy of a detour in itself and probably the best  langoustines we have encountered this side of the Atlantic, we hope they will become a house signature.

Sure to be a favorite of Chef Deiaco’s is a selection of homemade pasta dishes such as TONNARELLI AL NERO, squid ink tonnarelli pasta tossed with baby calamari, tender tuna belly, lemon zest, and sage topped with air-dried tuna roe, the LASAGNETTA PRIMAVERILE, with thyme-roasted spring vegetables and decadent Parmesan cheese fondue as well as the RISOTTO AI FIORI DI ZUCCA, a traditional zucchini blossom risotto with Mediterranean langoustine and cognac reduction.

Remarkable Tagliarelle Integrali (homemade whole wheat tagliarelle pasta with crispy "alto adige" speck, zigher cheese, and fava bea purée).

For those looking for bold flavors and a moment to indulge the Secondi Piatti include MAIALINO DA LATTE, a slow-roasted suckling pig served with sweet green peas and a herbed potato puree as well as the mouth wateringTAGLIATA DI MANZO, a buttery soft char-grilled prime “Red Angus” dry-aged steak, served with stewed Sorana beans, succulent bone marrow and mixed greens. Mediterranean langoustines are the star of the SCAMPI ALLA GRIGLIA, where they are marinated with sweet garlic, grilled and served with a fennel confit. Deiaco’s LOMBO D’ANGELLO, is a savory ode to Italian decadence, as this tender mustard and green olive-crusted Colorado lamb loin shows just the right amount of pink and is served with a Vermentino wine reduction.

Lasagnette Primaverile (homemade lasagnette with thyme-roasted spring vegetables and parmesan cheese fondue).

Armani/Ristorante offers an extensive collection of Italian, French, and American wines, as well as a full cocktail menu and offers their very own Sommelier Jim Clarke to assist diners in seamlessly pairing their selections with dishes.We adored his choice of a 2009 Elio Altare Campogrande Cinqueterre ($115). An elite wine form an elite winemaker, this unique wine evolved and complimented a variety of dishes throughout the meal.

An Aperitivo hour is available Monday through Saturday (5-8pm) when cocktails are served with a selection of complimentary savory bites such as Panzerotti, ascolana olives stuffed with veal, Arancini and spinach croquettes, prepared daily by Chef Deiaco. Their homemade bread is continuously produced throughout the day in small batches and includes an assortment grissini, cartamusica, white bread with oregano, salt bread, and hearty whole-wheat raisin walnut bread.

Do not forget to save room for Chef Deiaco’s inventive Dolci menu, which includes a SEMIFREDDO AI PISTACCHI DI BRONTE, a Bronte pistachio semifreddo with the essence of clementine and a warm chocolate caprese or his light and fluffy LA SFOGLIA NAPOLEON, with amaretto pastry creamed and bright seasonal berries. End the meal while refreshing your palate with the LA CROSTATINA PRIMAVERILE, a fresh spring fruit crostata with a tangy and sweet rhubarb sorbet.

Service is smooth and professional, and for a night on the town, here is New York’s new glittering star. For leaner wallets, there is a changing prix fixe menu, currently a steal at $34, as well as a la carte and a tasting menu for $85 (or and additional $65 with five interesting wines) Not to be missed and “Highly Recommended by The Walman Report” and rates A Major in the Luxury Italian league.

 

Copyright 2012 By Punchin International. All Rights Reserved.

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