Restaurateur Gianfranco Sorrentino of Naples and Executive Chef Vito Gnazzo of Salerno bring southern Italian heart and soul to Mozzarella & Vino and its sibling restaurants Il Gattopardo and The Leopard at des Artistes. They proudly proclaim that passion is their main ingredient!
image courtesy of Mozzarella & Vino
On a recent rainy day in Manhattan, I was swept away to sunny southern Italy by the endearing food, wine, and hospitality at Mozzarella & Vino restaurant (33 West 54th Street). The cool and casual little sibling to acclaimed Italian restaurants Il Gattopardo and The Leopard at des Artistes, Mozzarella & Vino is a rustic enoteca that feeds the soul and takes your taste buds on a journey. With a fantastic location just across the street from the Museum of Modern Art, Mozzarella & Vino is a welcome escape from the never-ending hustle and bustle of midtown.
image courtesy of Mozzarella & Vino
Fresh and smoked mozzarella paired with tomatoes, grilled zucchini, and prosciutto.
With a name like Mozzarella & Vino, it's no surprise that these two staples of Italian cuisine appear prominently on the menu. Fresh Mozzarella di Bufala Campana is flown in twice a week from Italy. From classic to smoked, all mozzarella cravings are authentically satisfied.
Of course, no Italian meal is complete without wine. Mr. Sorrentino has personally selected a superb array of wines from smaller family estates and independent winemakers throughout Italy.
If you're going to indulge in fried foods, make it worthwhile. Mozzarella & Vino's Arancini di Riso (fried rice balls with veal, peas, and mozzarella) and Calamari Fritti with Spicy Tomato Sauce are crisp and golden but not greasy. I give them extra points for the many pieces of calamari with their crunchy and succulent tentacles still intact.
Meatballs, glorious meatballs - one of the ultimate comfort foods. Mozzarella & Vino's meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and paired with a rich tomato sauce. Big enough to share but I didn't!
Another favorite dish was the tender and perfectly seasoned Oven Roasted Veal Brisket served with sautéed spinach. It reminded me of a home cooked Sunday dinner that was cooked with love and care.
A special thanks to manager George Coteanu and marketing director Jim Taylor for making my visit to Mozzarella & Vino so wonderful!
Grazie, Mozzarella & Vino for serving delicious Italian food & wine without attitude and for warming up midtown with southern Italian charm.
