NO. 1 Marea
Meaning “tide” in Italian, Marea redefines the seascape of high-end Italian cuisine. Chef Michael White and his culinary team invite you to savor their fresh interpretation of coastal seafood.
Marea’s menu reads like a map of the sea. Guests can chart their own course with selections devoted to crudo, oysters, antipasti and Chef White’s award-winning hand-made pastas. The menu also includes composed fish dishes, whole fish preparations and a selection of meat and side dishes to round out the extensive offerings. The kitchen is helmed daily by Chef di Cucina Lauren DeSteno. The wine list, managed by Beverage Director Francesco Grosso, features a significant selection of wines that pair perfectly with the bounty of the sea. With over 750 selections, half of the wine list is dedicated to European whites, which complement the fresh fish and seafood.
The elements that Chef White became known for – superb cuisine, seamless service, and award-winning wine programs, all in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, rendezvous together as the tide rolls in on Central Park South. Marea is the recipient of two Michelin stars, the 2010 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant, three stars from The New York Times, was named Best New Restaurant by Bon Appetit, Esquire, and GQ Magazines and was also named NYC’s Best Italian Restaurant by Zagat.
NO. 2 Maialino
Absolutely outstanding from start to finish. Came with a large party as part of a 48 hour birthday celebration so was able to experience a wide selection from the menu. Cocktails were all excellent so we were off to a great start. The pasta dishes we split as appetizers were all excellent with the Cacio e Pepe and the pasta with suckling pig being particularly good. The charred octopus was also excellent and the prosciutto may be the best I have ever eaten, with incredible flavor and texture. The sweetbreads special was also amazing.
For main dishes, the suckling pig was too die for with the skin of the pig crisped perfectly, crowning succulent, juicy meat. There also was strong acclaim for the halibut as well as the pasta with lobster.
Desserts were just as strong with an excellent selection of homemade gelato, a light as air tiramisu, and a cherry cream thing that were all scrumptious.
Service was excellent. The wait staff was friendly and very welcoming making the great food even more delightful. The sommelier was quite knowledgeable about the outstanding wine list and after a lengthy discussion (and her asking to see my Delectable profile to see what I liked to drink), we "settled" on a 2007 Felsina Reserve Chianti that was excellent and the 2001 Altesino Brunello. Capped off the night with an excellent selection of grappa.
Definitely a dinner to remember as part of the weekend birthday spectacular. Will also be coming back when next in NY.
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