CIBO e VINO - NORTHERN ITALIAN
2418 Broadway @ 89th Street
212-362-0096
Hotel Note: If in need of a hotel in this area check out:
The Lucerne.
A last minute decision to celebrate author Bud Santora's birthday and his newly released novel
The Green Storm had me happily returning to my favorite neighborhood restaurant Cibo e Vino.
And we were immediately greeted by the beautiful and gracious manager and entrepreneur, Elena.
A chilly night before St. Patrick's Day warranted a round of heartwarming martinis.
The beauty of returning to such a wonderful establishment serving Northern Italian cuisine with Mediterranean influences means I get to try new and different items on the menu. Previously I've raved, and still do, about the flash-fried mushrooms with truffle oil, but tonight I had to try the Polenta Ricotta Beef Meatballs.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFgyCO8CbNi6YUzbl9UKlGOzCuWHOpRipqTlnBU7QZrcseam9rqJVgnrfl9oRbPEHNeYAEgScaJwEdbC_3ebwTdn3pDzBebSQD8jBYGWMcWxuX_i6gURdnsZRvBxmRAHIfshxZEY2RxSs/s1600/polentameatballs+copy-1.jpg) |
Polenta Ricotta Beef Meatballs |
The ultra smooth polenta juxtaposed perfectly with the moist and spicy ricotta meatballs. I could have devoured an entire entree size of this dish. We also ordered the Mussles steamed in a sambuca broth. The anise-flavored liquor was a perfect pairing with these sweet, plump and oh-so-fresh mussels. Cibo e Vino should think about bottling and selling this broth!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhxKNZZePRb8foqWoBHA09-Vs1fsKSMlPbmlxQO7m53H8KEyYcSVj567v669IowcNmVbHLYtbn7hqQEN73ZTtGkXF_qymY-u1f8EFt31Gz2DxQhpyrqMOC1BEu1jly9Y5tUY_kZMNiPLU/s1600/mussels.jpg) |
Mussels with Sambuca Broth |
For entrees, the birthday boy ordered the Gnoochi Con Gorgonzola - homemade potato dumplings with a light gorgonzola cheese sauce and a crunchy surprise sprinkling of walnuts. The gnocchi were pillows of perfection.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_ZTKaNlqyF73Ym1RTaJKIM3TbqkDoUcUvVWJlaACx4Zkx5wd8rAiGaYbjcsUXV53fAPWthKt79v61r8Ji3vnerGKgPoGadJJIf5KzH4RqcE7ZD3l_me4LaEZlalKzkOQLxtUSGakMEhk/s1600/gnoccicibofixed.jpg) |
Gnocchi Con Gorganzola |
I ordered their Horseradish Encrusted Salmon. Served with an orange and carrot sauce and over a bed of sauteed greens, I inhaled this dish. The sweet, citrus sauce combined with the pungent spiciness of the horseradish was sublime. I must try this at home. Heck, I'll just go back to Cibo e Vino.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghi1_yRoSmaw1anwDOEhPF-TqbwoY_UnJv2jHRRdLMhq1N-5KaT6PWDw-oLBvTkjfmw459WkDyo-RYM7ig3DUGFNg8lP822YTl3AuPBId9IYGMq1DcFykd8hxFdOQvKZZx_peNr6rujCRn/s1600/cibosalmon.jpg) |
Horseradish Encrusted Salmon |
And surprise, surprise, a birthday Tiramisu was presented to Bud. Light and airy, it was eaten up in an instant.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVAVbMITO9k_-30efW2K2aNG_SY2NsGhiAIv15aFWVTVFt9JcZg-ZP2Hfuwzl7uyRRB04GvXFs7N8ZCCVpMMBYMpyAvfuyXe85su12uuJCEjubgmGmMez_loaf-wCsNtxb9PbWIkoAuhk/s1600/ciboBIRTHDAYtiramisu.jpg) |
Tiramisu |
And I was treated to their Apple Tarte Tatin served with a cup of ice cream and fresh berries. Not too sweet, not too tart - just wonderful.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMg69J04iXruG-Ti6aHoDsex_nk4tdt2bQGgUmuN5_ODPXQZ3WH7XWcXyI0zv6CitJFyhV8H_hYYhnwGMmGNcaRa6WzlU3_SBOjf11lG3AED4TJFAEDJQl-Qk_oJmrLLrcw1js9WUYRDD/s1600/appletartciboCrop.jpg) |
Apple Tarte Tatin |
I am so happy that the Upper West Side has such a special and inviting restaurant.
Cibo e Vino is also open for breakfast, lunch and they deliver!
Buon Appetito!
Will they deliver to Massachusetts?
ReplyDeleteGail - You are too funny. If they could, I'm sure they would.
Delete