25 East 83rd Street
New York, NY 10028
(212) 988 7300
Between Madison & Fifth Avenues
http://www.giovanniventicinque.com
New York, NY 10028
(212) 988 7300
Between Madison & Fifth Avenues
http://www.giovanniventicinque.com
One of my favourite things to do while I was in New York was casually jaunt around the streets of the Upper East Side, in particular Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue. My mum and I would peer into the windows of the stunning old-style apartments and try steal a glance into beautiful rooms that were adorned with all sorts of unique furniture. With it being our last day we decided to treat ourselves to an extra long lunch before we had to leave this magical city. Stepping off the bitter cold street into this little Italian restaurant, I didn't think much of it as it was fairly empty. But I was quickly proven wrong. A very charming Romanian man came and took our coats and seated us, he explained the dishes of the day and made us feel relaxed and comfortable. We were spoilt for choice with wine, they had hundreds to choose from, from all over Europe and America.
The lovely waiter was very knowledgable on wine, and gave us a fantastic recommendation. We went for a light, dry white Pinot Grigio. Straight after, out came complimentary toasted crostini breads that were lightly drizzled with olive oil accompanied by a delicious sun dried tomato and roasted red pepper spread. We had only had coffee for breakfast so we were in need of something to keep us going.
My mum and I had eating out fairly perfected at this stage. We love sharing plates and usually go for dishes that are designed for that type of eating. I chose the Carpaccio di Filetto all'Albese, which was filet mignon carpaccio topped with mushrooms, parmigiano shavings, and white truffle oil. My mum went for the Asparagi Caprese, which was asparagus tips with buffalo mozzarella and vie-ripe tomatoes.
My mum and I had eating out fairly perfected at this stage. We love sharing plates and usually go for dishes that are designed for that type of eating. I chose the Carpaccio di Filetto all'Albese, which was filet mignon carpaccio topped with mushrooms, parmigiano shavings, and white truffle oil. My mum went for the Asparagi Caprese, which was asparagus tips with buffalo mozzarella and vie-ripe tomatoes.
These two dishes were the perfect combination of plates to share. The beef carpaccio basically melted in your mouth and was paired well with the rocket leaves and large shavings of parmigiano. The asparagus was dressed beautifully in a thick balsamic vinegar, that was more sweet than sour and the sliced tomato was bursting with flavor. We sipped away at our wine and enjoyed the two dishes that quickly disappeared.
We both decided that we weren't fully satisfied and that we would go for another course. I was craving some sort of cheese board with figs and grapes; I think there is nothing better than that combination. When I explained my craving to the waiter he was more than attentive and brought us out a plate that beat our expectations.
We both decided that we weren't fully satisfied and that we would go for another course. I was craving some sort of cheese board with figs and grapes; I think there is nothing better than that combination. When I explained my craving to the waiter he was more than attentive and brought us out a plate that beat our expectations.
The tasting plate was even tastier than it looked. From left to right: Sopressata (slightly spiced Italian salami), diced fresh strawberries, prosciutto, grilled asparagus tips, sliced pear, half a tomato with mozzarella, black and green olives marinated in olive oil and garlic, and finally, grapes. Along side this came more of the toasted crostini breads. With us both feeling the affects of the wine we decided that this course couldn't go unaccompanied, so we ordered another glass each.
Surprisingly, having never tried an Irish coffee, I went for one. Typically a 'real' Irish coffee has a lot less cream, but I'm not complaining. The combination was heavenly, creamy hot strong coffee with the warming after affects of the Irish whisky. After a few gulps, the waiter brought us out 2 glasses of muscat dessert wine and tender buttery traditional Italian biscotti, on the house!
He explained to us that he likes to take 2 or 3 biscotti in his mouth, drink the entire glass of dessert wine and take a sip of the Irish coffee. I think that is how it is traditionally done, but myself and my mum were not going to risk the chance of the two of us choking/spitting/wasting both the dessert wine and the biscotti, so instead we dipped the biscotti into the muscat, and took some Irish coffee.
Until you taste this yourself I cant even begin to explain how amazing and indulgent this combination is. It is the sweet fruity flavor from the muscat, with the buttery crumble of the biscotti, washed down with a creamy warm glug of Irish coffee, heavenly doesn't even cover it!
By this stage the pair of us were warmly buzzed and no where near ready to leave the city. I would highly recommend stopping into Giovanni Venti Cinque for an authentic Italian light lunch, dinner, or even for a glass of wine.
Until you taste this yourself I cant even begin to explain how amazing and indulgent this combination is. It is the sweet fruity flavor from the muscat, with the buttery crumble of the biscotti, washed down with a creamy warm glug of Irish coffee, heavenly doesn't even cover it!
By this stage the pair of us were warmly buzzed and no where near ready to leave the city. I would highly recommend stopping into Giovanni Venti Cinque for an authentic Italian light lunch, dinner, or even for a glass of wine.