If Micky Mantle were alive he would be headed to Chazz Palminteri Ristorante Italiano at 890 2nd Ave. Chazz Palminteri Ristorante Italiano is like stepping back in time, where tableside service by captains and waiters in well-cut tuxedos, who gladly honor your requests was the norm. Here portions are generous with the seasonings and food sources flown in from Italy. Now thanks to A Bronx Tale Chazz Palminteri is offering a new menu and from what I understand he is at his ristorante most nights to greet fans new and old.
Known for writing and starring in A Bronx Tale Chazz Palminteri went into partnership with the Sinanaj brothers (Empire Steakhouse and Ben & Jack’s Steakhouse) about a year and half ago to create this elegant eatery. As you walk in dark wood, luxurious fabrics in maroon and gold, crisp white tablecloths and comfortable leather chairs await you. Even though the space seats 140, it is intimate, warm and charming.
The wine list is 250-label strong, along with Chazz’s own brand of Sicilian BIVI vodka. My guest and I started with glasses of Bertani Valpolicella ($12.95) and liked it so much we stayed with it the entire night. On the table fresh olives, chunks of Parmesan cheese, bread and olive oil beckoned. It was hard not to fill up on these tasty treats.
We decided to combine the A Bronx Tale menu ($79.00 for 4 courses) with the classic dinner menu. Off A Bronx Tale menu we paired the Antipast Bresaola, a sea of thinly sliced cured dried beef, topped with an arugula salad with pillars of parmesan cheese with Mozzarella Di Bufala Della Casa ($14.95) homemade buffalo mozzarella served with roasted peppers, beefsteak tomatoes, basil and olive oil. Both dishes were excellent. The mozzarella was so fresh that it melted into your mouth. The cured dried beef was done to perfection and the arugula salad was in a dressing that made the whole dish.
For the next course Capellini Con Basilico Pesto was our choice off the A Bronx Tale menu. This homemade angel hair pasta sautéed in a basil pesto sauce will have me coming back for more and I am not even a pasta person. The pasta was delicate and the pesto so flavorful that I was sighing in delight.
At this point both my guest and I were filled, so it was with pleasure that ElizaBeth Taylor was stopping by to pick up something and could stay. We split the entrée and desserts with her and still were all more than satisfied.
Off the A Bronx Tale menu Bistecca Di Fiorentina a sliced USDA prime bonne sirloin steak was served with spinach. What was so fabulous about this is I like my steak rare and my guest well done. It was not a problem to get it done both ways keeping us both highly contented, plus the steak rated a 9 1/2. Now that is service. Thank-you Nicky B you were a superb server. We paired this with Gamberi E Scampi ($29.95). Succulent over sized shrimp sautéed with shallots, garlic, and cherry tomatoes in a white wine sauce served with mashed potatoes and hariot verts. It was an excellent choice.
Finshing A Bronx Tale menu Tiramisu and off the regular menu a flawless Crème Brule.
Open for lunch and dinner daily; Chazz Palminteri Ristorante Italiano has a prix-fixed three course lunch at $28.95, a four course prix-fixed pasta on Sundays for $45.00. If you are looking for a Christmas feast three courses for $69.95 and a four course menu at $125.00 to ring in the New Year.
If you are looking to celebrate A Bronx Tale or just like truly wonderful food Italian style look no future than Chazz Palminteri Ristorante Italiano and tell them “C” sent you.
Chazz Palminteri Ristorante Italiano
890 2nd Avenue (near 48th Street)
212-355-5540
chazzpalminterinyc.com
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