INTERLUDE: A Night Out In NYC, Dinner at LEONTI
A couple of weeks ago my husband and I had a craving for Italian fine dining. We had recently heard about Leonti from an article we read and were dying to check it out. We made a reservation for a Thursday night dinner two weeks in advance. Leonti checked all of the boxes for me. Not only did it meet my expectations, it blew me away. Everything was perfect from the decor to the dinnerware, to the service, to the meal. It was a spectacular dining experience.
Located on the Upper West Side, this posh locale is situated in a row of brownstones. When you walk in, the first thing you'll notice is its refinement. This restaurant obviously cares deeply about presentation. The dimly lit dining room is classically elegant. Tasteful modern art adorns the walls behind white tablecloth clad tables. Waiters in white dress attire are present to greet you, seat you, and make sure your needs are met at every step of the way. This is a well-oiled machine; no detail is overlooked. The wait staff makes you feel special - you are truly a VIP.
To start the meal we ordered the antipasto platter. While we waited, we were brought an elegant cup of broth that was described to us as a pasta broth. It was a delicious lightly tomato flavored treat that I had never had before. It was outstanding. We were also brought a basket of light and flavorful foccacia with cultured butter. These items alone could have been the meal. They definitely filled as with anticipation for what was to come. The antipasto came out promptly and was far from traditional. Arranged on antique dinnerware, the twelve bite-sized treats were artistic in their plating. Each item was described to us by our server. Each one was more tasty than the last. My favorite was the sun-dried tomato puree, or maybe it was the pistachio artichoke. I can't decide. My advice: It's pricey - but get the antipasto.
As a main course I ordered the eggplant rollatini. My husband ordered the special, a lobster and hazelnut risotto. Both dishes were creative, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. Our anticipation was met with the utmost satisfaction. The menu is seasonal and changes, so don't expect either of these dishes to be available when you go, but I'm confident that no matter the dish, Leonti will deliver.
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We were too full from dinner to order dessert (and knew we would be back), so we just ordered coffee. Our coffee came with an assortment of cookies that we devoured despite being incredibly full. If the cookies are a preview of the dessert menu, we are in for a treat when we go back for dessert next time.
As we were leaving the restaurant we met the chef, Adam Leonti, who chatted with us for a moment about the lobster risotto which he somehow knew my husband had ordered (this guy is clearly involved). From speaking with the chef, it all came together. This is a chef who really cares deeply about the food he makes.
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It's working.
Located on the Upper West Side, this posh locale is situated in a row of brownstones. When you walk in, the first thing you'll notice is its refinement. This restaurant obviously cares deeply about presentation. The dimly lit dining room is classically elegant. Tasteful modern art adorns the walls behind white tablecloth clad tables. Waiters in white dress attire are present to greet you, seat you, and make sure your needs are met at every step of the way. This is a well-oiled machine; no detail is overlooked. The wait staff makes you feel special - you are truly a VIP.
To start the meal we ordered the antipasto platter. While we waited, we were brought an elegant cup of broth that was described to us as a pasta broth. It was a delicious lightly tomato flavored treat that I had never had before. It was outstanding. We were also brought a basket of light and flavorful foccacia with cultured butter. These items alone could have been the meal. They definitely filled as with anticipation for what was to come. The antipasto came out promptly and was far from traditional. Arranged on antique dinnerware, the twelve bite-sized treats were artistic in their plating. Each item was described to us by our server. Each one was more tasty than the last. My favorite was the sun-dried tomato puree, or maybe it was the pistachio artichoke. I can't decide. My advice: It's pricey - but get the antipasto.
As a main course I ordered the eggplant rollatini. My husband ordered the special, a lobster and hazelnut risotto. Both dishes were creative, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. Our anticipation was met with the utmost satisfaction. The menu is seasonal and changes, so don't expect either of these dishes to be available when you go, but I'm confident that no matter the dish, Leonti will deliver.
We were too full from dinner to order dessert (and knew we would be back), so we just ordered coffee. Our coffee came with an assortment of cookies that we devoured despite being incredibly full. If the cookies are a preview of the dessert menu, we are in for a treat when we go back for dessert next time.
As we were leaving the restaurant we met the chef, Adam Leonti, who chatted with us for a moment about the lobster risotto which he somehow knew my husband had ordered (this guy is clearly involved). From speaking with the chef, it all came together. This is a chef who really cares deeply about the food he makes.
It's working.
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