New Yorkers can expect to find the best of the best from the Upper East Side, and now fine Italian fare is no exception.
Renowned Tuscan chef, Cesare Casella, opened Salumeria Rosi Parmacotto Il Ristorante on Madison Avenue between 72nd and 73rd last fall. Designed by Oscar-winning set designer Oscar Ferretti, this is the sister restaurant to the Upper West Side location, serving salumi and charcuterie sliced to order among many other delectably fresh Tuscan style plates, all sensitive to the season.
One should hardly dine at Salumeria Rosi Parmacotto II and not consider trying the Salumi Antipasti, for which Casella has ultimately made his name. An assortment of fine Italian meats sliced razor thin, from Sopressata to Prosciutto aged for 24 months, serves as the perfect greeting to a meal that only gets better by the course. We followed the Salumi with a special course not listed on the menu, a fresh, crisp Radicchio salad with a hint of truffle oil vinaigrette, and just enough croutons to offset the crunch of the root vegetable. Our Primi course was a subtly spicy-sweet Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa E Salsiccia, a fresh tasting pasta dish with ground lamb, pecorino romano cheese, and a hint more of radicchio to counterbalance the sweetness.
A Secondi course seemed only obvious, so we went with the Pollo Pressato, a pressed half chicken with heirloom beans and kale. Foodies love a challenge, and although chicken is usually a safe bet on any menu, we were curious for what Casella would do with poultry. We were more than satisfied with the delightfully slow roasted white meat paired with hearty beans and perfectly braised kale. The on-point Sommelier happily helped us choose an Italian red to compliment our meal.
Aside from a most memorable meal at Salumeria Rosi Parmacotto, Il Ristorante, guests will find that every detail of their dining experience was executed with thought, down to the tiny sprig of fresh rosemary greeting each patron resting on their dinner napkin.
Il Ristorante Rosi Parmacotto is located at 903 Madison Avenue between 72nd and 73rd Streets. The restaurant is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 12:00pm – 3:00pm, and is open for dinner Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 5:30pm – 11:00pm and from 5:30pm – 12:00am on Friday and Saturday. Brunch will be available on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00am-2:00pm.
