From restaurateur Enrico Proietti (of the perennially popular Per Lei and Baraonda), comes Ciao Bella (unrelated to Ciao Bella on East 92nd) — a swanky, yet decidedly neighborhood-friendly restaurant that offers delectable Italian eats at moderate price points. The crowd is a nice mix of couples on dates, families, and groups of friends. As a sign of the restaurant’s jovial atmosphere many parties come to the eatery to fete their birthdays which, at Ciao Bella, entails turning off all the lights, having music, lively clapping, and a large dessert with sparklers – a memorable birthday for sure. On weekends a DJ is on hand and spins upbeat, but relaxing music that appeals to the wide age range of diners at the restaurant.
The night I went to Ciao Bello the weather was beautiful and the spot’s wrap-around sidewalk seating area was bustling as was their bar. The airy bi-level spot boasts large floor-to-ceiling windows, ample amounts of natural light, and a fabulously vibrant red toned leather tray ceiling, along with comfy red leather chair. Eclectic pop art by Andy Warhol and Keith Herring hangs on the walls of both the main dining room and the second floor, which also features space for private parties and romantic balcony seating. The kitchen is helmed by former Per Lei chef, Fabrizio De Togni, whose influences date back to his early youth, when he spent hours admiring his father’s confectionery work at the bakery he owned in the center of Milan. De Togni has worked, among other places, at a branch of the famous Paper Moon in Istanbul, Turkey, a role that would lead him to cook in subsequent Paper Moon kitchens around the world, and eventually leading him to New York City.
Iced coffee, champagne, tuna tartar with avocado
My wonderful meal began with a glass of champagne served with a strawberry garnish which I love - -you can really smell the strawberry and the champagne isn’t weighted down as it is when the fruit is placed directly in the glass. I also had an iced cappuccino because I was so hot from the humid weather outside. Let me just say that the photo does not do the cappuccino justice. The ice cold beverage was not only refreshing, but it had just the right amount of milk-to-coffee ratio and just the right strength. The meal started off with a flavorful tuna tartar with avocado — a delectable combination. Other crudis offered include Gaeta olives and sesame seeds; salmon with avocado and cucumber and a blue crab and mango ceviche with orange dressing. Following the tartar I had seared scallops with a black pepper and olive tapenade which was served with pan fried “Burnt” artichokes generously doused in Ciao Bella’s signature olive oil (the olive oil is available for purchase at the restaurant).
Scallops with artichoke and risotto with shrimp
Following that I had a bit of risotto with shrimp and a sip of a very flavorful Sancerre with citrus and peach notes. The lists of pastas and primi piatti at Ciao Bella is plentiful. All pastas are made fresh in house. For the main course I had sea bass which was wonderfully flacky and flavorful, served with a mix of vegetables and a grilled lemon.
Sea Bass
For dessert I had a refreshing Italian cocktail that melds vodka with a lemon sorbets which was enjoyable despite my not being particularly fond of lemon. To accompany the cocktail there was a Millefoglie Espressa which comes layered with puff pastry, cream Chantilly, strawberries, a caramelized Porto wine sauce,and fresh figs. One of the main factors contributing to the standout execution of the food is the quality of the ingredients that the restaurant uses. Ciao Bella does not use purveyors; instead, the ingredients are sourced directly from local farmer’s markets.
Following the same philosophy is Giorgio Manzio, Ciao Bella’s sommelier and recurring winner of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. He says of the wine program, “We may not carry every Pinot Grigio from Italy, but we make sure we carry all of the best ones,” emphasizing that it’s not how many bottles are in their cellar, but how good they are and what kind of value they provide the customer. A large majority of those bottles are Italian, with many strong choices in the $40 price range, while glasses are available from a wider geographic range in red, white, and champagne varieties. Keen to offer a bargain at any price point, even Manzio’s most high end wines, which range up to $9,000 a bottle, are significantly less expensive than at other restaurants, as Manzio sourced each bottle directly by auction to ensure the best price possible. Manzio’s list is organized cleverly by region rather than varietal—assisting in what he calls “pairing by analogy,” or geographical pairings between wine and food—and earning him another Wine Spectator award in Ciao Bella’s first year.
Ciao Bella is located at 1640 Second Avenue at 85th Street, and is open for dinner from Monday through Thursday from 5:00 - 12:00 AM, Friday and Saturday 5:00 - 1:00 AM, and Sunday from 5:00 - 11:00 PM, with Sunday brunch from 12:00 - 4:00 PM. Ciao Bella is also open for lunch on weekdays from 12:00 - 3:00 PM. For more information on private parties and reservations, call 212-794-9494 or visit their website.
June 18th, 2009 by Beverage Blogger | Posted in Reviews | Comments (0)
Via Dei Mille hosted a wonderful event to celebrate the launch of their new prosecco this past Wednesday. Called Via dei Mille Prosecco Extra Dry, the prosecco officially launched June 10th and it will be used in the the swank Italian restaurant’s signature prosecco cocktails and is available to guests by the glass, bottle, or for purchase to enjoy at home.
Imported from Italy’s Veneto region, the Prosecco, Verdiso, Perera and Bianchetta grapes used in the making of Via dei Mille Prosecco Extra Dry come from various zones in the region. Via dei Mille Prosecco Extra Dry is characterized by its straw-yellow color and apple, pear and citrus aromatics. Its fruity and slightly floral bouquet lends itself well to complement seafood and light pasta dishes as well as fresh cheeses and poultry.
June 17th, 2009 by Beverage Blogger | Posted in News & Events, Reviews, Types | Comments (0)
Could there be anything cuter than these mini-champagne bottles?? I’m completely in love with the adorable Pommery POP bottles! Introduced in 1999, Pommery Pop is a single-serve champagne bottle (187ml) which is sold individually or in a four-pack (each bottle comes with its own matching straw!). Each bottle contains Pommery’s world-renowned, award wining Champagne and the bottles are perfectly sized for picnics, for parties, or for just a fun night-in when you don’t feel like busting-out Champagne glasses. Just pop a bottle, grab the straw, and start indulging! Here’s the lowdown on three of the Pop bottles I was able to try –
Pommery Blue POP, NV ($10.99/187ml – also available in 750ml bottle for $49.99; four 187ml bottles go for $43.99), is the original POP. It has less fizz and a taste that is just a bit sweeter than the traditional brut style Champagne. The recommended pairing for Blue Pop (which comes housed in gorgeous cobalt blue bottle), is BBQ grub like hamburgers and kabobs (though it would taste great with most anything). This is a very accessibly Champagne. It’s pale yellow in color and there are sweet notes of fresh citrus on the palette.
Following the success of Pommery Blue Pop, Pink POP ($12.99/187ml – also available in 750ml bottle for $54.99; four 187ml bottles go for $52) was introduced. Pink POP is a genuine AOC rosé Champagne that has slightly less fizz and a touch more sweetness than a traditional brut style rosé Champagne. It has a pale pink color and is a perfectly balanced, fresh fruits wine that would pair just as wonderfully with seafood as it would with Asian cuisine. Plus nothing beats the chic pink bottle for a memorable statement no matter the occasion!
Lastly, Pommery POP America Champagne, NV ($14.99/187ml) — just in time for patriotic summer festivities! Like Blue and Rosé POP, America is a slightly sweeter style than the more traditional brut Champagne. How perfect is this for 4th of July!? The bottle is a true keepsake – it’s so fabulous I could even see this making a great centerpiece or decorative touch at a summertime BBQ.
As a side tidbit, come November POP Earth will be hitting the States and will be housed in a bottle that is 100% recyclable. The labels will be made from recycled paper and printed with water soluble inks and the bottles are light to reduce pollution in transportation. All of the wines at Champagne Pommery use sustainably farmed grapes.
For more on Pommery and on POP check-out their website!
June 3rd, 2009 by Beverage Blogger | Posted in Reviews, Wine Collecting | Comments (0)
Heron Hill’s 2006 Eclipse White ($15.99) is an off-dry blend of 47% Chardonnay, 29% Pinot Blanc, and 24% Pinot Gris. The fruit-driven wine was one of my favorites. It’s unique because it has an underlying oak flavor that makes it taste almost like a barrel-aged Chardonnay. It’s also very aromatic on the nose with notes of melon and pear followed by some spice and minerality. Heron Hill’s recommended pairing is with white meats and hearty fish (especially those complemented by cream sauces), Greek food, and with appetizers such as spinach and artichoke dip.
Wine Information
Acidity: 6.9 g/l
Alcohol: 12.5%
Appellation: New York
Fermentation: Stainless
Harvest Date: October 22, 2006
Harvest Notes: 20.5 - 21.9 Brix
Release Date: December 01, 2006
Sugar: 0.66%
Varietal: 47% Chardonnay, 29% Pinot Blanc, 24% Pinot Gris
Winemakers Notes: Drink now until 2010
June 2nd, 2009 by Beverage Blogger | Posted in Reviews | Comments (0)
First off I have to say I’m a sucker for great packaging and Heron Hill’s Eclipse wines are packaged in the cutest bottles! The 2004 Eclipse Red ($13.99) is a blend of 35% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Franc, and 32% Cabernet Sauvignon (same varieties traditionally used in Bordeaux style blends though Heron Hill is quick to point out that they feel it drinks more like a Loire Valley or northern Italian red). The medium-bodied wine is fairly complex with notes of blackberry, plum, and a slight earthy-ness. This is a very drinkable red wine making it a great choice for those that traditionally shy away from reds. The 2004 Eclipse Red was awarded 88 points by the Beverage Testing Institute.
Wine Information
Acidity: 5.8 g/l
Alcohol: 12.5%
Appellation: New York
Bottling Date: August 31, 2005
Fermentation: Stainless
Oak: European
Release Date: July 18, 2007
Sugar: 0.04%
Varietal: 35% Merlot-North Fork, Long Island; 33% Cabernet
Winemakers Notes: Drink now until 2010
June 1st, 2009 by Beverage Blogger | Posted in Reviews | Comments (0)
Heron Hill’s 2005 Ingle Vineyard Chardonnay is a good buy if you’re looking to age your wine for the next 3 to 7 years as it will gain complexity over the next few years. That said it’s a complex wine that can be enjoyed this year as well. The wine’s grapes were hand picked, whole bunch pressed, and barrel fermented in 100% new oak barrels and aged for 10 months “sur lie” (the wine was aged on its lees). After fermentation the barrels were stirred twice a week until the new year, then twice a month until the summer, and in the end once a month. The final blend is 70% barrel fermented and 30% stainless steel. The recommended pairings are with poultry and roasted white meats, and delicate fish dishes.
Wine Information
Acidity: 5.0 g/l
Alcohol: 13%
Appellation: Finger Lakes
Bottling Date: September 7, 2006
Fermentation: Barrel Fermented, 10 months
Harvest Date: October 18th 2005
Oak: New Russian and Hungarian
Release Date: November 15, 2008
Sugar: 0.27%
Vineyard Notes: Ingle Vineyard, west side Canandaigua Lake- “Vern’s Block”
May 29th, 2009 by Beverage Blogger | Posted in Reviews | Comments (0)
Heron Hill 2007 Late Harvest Vidal Blanc ($19.99) is the perfect summer dessert wine. It is exceptionally well-balanced with tangy and sweet fruit flavors, a hint of vanilla, and a spicy finish. This wine — like with most dessert wines — is best enjoyed on its own after a meal or paired with dessert (it should be served between 58 and 62 degrees).
Wine Information
Acidity: 8.2 g/l
Alcohol: 9.5%
Appellation: New York
Bottling Date: June 12, 2008
Fermentation: Stainless Steel
Harvest Date: November 27-28, 2007
Harvest Notes: 29 Brix
Release Date: September 27, 2008
Sugar: 13.5%
Varietal: 100% Vidal Blanc
Vineyard Notes: North side of Keuka Lake and East side of Seneca Lake
Winemakers Notes: Best in 2009, can age 5 to 10 years more
May 28th, 2009 by Beverage Blogger | Posted in Reviews | Comments (0)
The Heron Hill 2007 Semi Dry Riesling ($12.99) has won a number of award (Sweepstakes Award, Gold — Monterey Wine Competition and Gold — Grand Harvest Awards), and is a great bargain buy for a Finger Lakes Riesling — especially for those who like their Rieslings on the sweeter side. It’s Heron Hill’s most popular Riesling and it’s sourced from a variety of vineyards. Though fruity characters dominate, there is a slight minerality and a crisp finish that make this a refreshing pick. Heron Hill recommends that the wine be paired with Asian cuisine, finger foods, and sweet and sour glazes.
Wine Information
Acidity: 6.6 g/l
Alcohol: 11.5%
Appellation: New York
Bottling Date: June 26, 2008
Fermentation: Stainless
Release Date: September 27, 2008
Sugar: 2.5%
Vineyard Notes: Keuka, Seneca, Canandaigua, Cayuga and Skaneateles Lakes, Lake Erie and North Fork, Long Island
Year: 2007
May 27th, 2009 by Beverage Blogger | Posted in Reviews | Comments (0)
I sampled six of Heron Hill’s 20 some wines and I will start with one of my favorites — their 2006 Ingle Vinyard Riesling ($15.99). This structured single-vineyard Riesling has a concentrated, rich flavor that could give any one of the great Riesling wines of Germany a run for their money! The fruit forward wine with its distinctive melon character has Riesling’s classic mineral and citrus character. It’s clean and crisp and has a long mineral finish. Heron Hill recommends the wine be paired with light meals, cheese, sausage and apples, onion tart, fish, and seafood.
Wine Information
Acidity: 6.4 g/l
Alcohol: 12%
Appellation: Finger Lakes
Bottling Date: August 11, 2007
Fermentation: Stainless
Harvest Date: November 1, 2006
Harvest Notes: Harvest Brix 22.4
Release Date: January 01, 2009
Special Designation: Ingle Vineyard
Sugar: 1.76%
Vineyard Notes: Ingle Vineyard - west side of Canandaigua Lake
Winemakers Notes: Drink now until 2015
Year: 2006
May 26th, 2009 by Beverage Blogger | Posted in Reviews | Comments (0)
Via dei Mille Prosecco Extra Dry is the first product put forth by the Via dei Mille brand and is an extension of the Soho restaurant’s Italian culture and lifestyle.
Established just about a year ago in 2008, Italian eatery Via dei Mille has already become a power player in the Manhattan dining scene. The restaurant now aims to take their Neapolitan lifestyle to the next level with their first prosecco. Available to the public beginning May 6th, Via dei Mille Prosecco will be used in the restaurant’s signature prosecco cocktails and is available to guests by the glass, bottle, or for purchase to enjoy at home. Most of the drinks at Via dei Mille go for $14 and are served in an array of beautiful glasses.
Imported from Italy’s Veneto region, the Prosecco, Verdiso, Perera and Bianchetta grapes used in the making of Via dei Mille Prosecco Extra Dry hail from various zones in the region. Via dei Mille Prosecco Extra Dry is characterized by its straw-yellow color and apple, pear and citrus aromatics. Its fruity and slightly floral bouquet lends itself well as a compliment to seafood and light pasta dishes as well as fresh cheeses and poultry.
Via dei Mille is located at 357 West Broadway at Broome, and the phone number is (212) 431-0080. To learn more, you can visit Via dei Mille on the web at www.viadeimilleny.com.
Photos courtesy of Via dei Mille.
May 7th, 2009 by Beverage Blogger | Posted in Reviews | Comments (1)
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