It is hard to believe we are midway into the month of December, and whether you are admiring the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, taking in a concert at Carnegie Hall, or shopping at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, be sure to take a quick ten-minute walk to 8 ½ Cucina, located at 9 W 57th Street in the iconic Solow building. Your experience will most certainly add to your holiday cheer!
Welcome to Cucina 8 ½…
The entrance to Cucina 8 ½ provides a festive welcome, with red carpeted, spiral stairs flanked by white poinsettias, leading to a piano lounge with live entertainment, and then to a spacious dining room, exuding a warm atmosphere. A magnificent silk floral arrangement takes center stage while impressive culinary creations emerge from an open kitchen backdrop. Around the perimeter, cozy alcoves of velveted curtained banquettes on one side, on the other side, a bar with a multitude of wines displayed, peering out to tables of happy diners.
Our drinks
In usual style, Joanne joined me, and we began our evening with glasses of prosecco. However, deciding on a drink choice was not easy given the enticing signature cocktails and extensive wine list.
Our drinks were complemented by parmesan crisps, followed by the homemade focaccia, a classic olive oil-rich Italian bread served with sides of olive oil, ricotta, and hot honey. The ricotta arrived in a lovely, small cast iron skillet so it was disappointing that it was not served warm. But, despite the chilliness of the mild, creamy cheese, the combination of the hot honey was delicious!
The Zucchini Chips
This was not to be outdone by the next treat; a circular tower of fried zucchini chips—keep the drinks coming –we can snack all night on these! Light, crisp, tasty; all finished with a dusting of cheese and black pepper.
Our Cesear salad was prepared table-side (a nod to Caesar Cardini!). The ingredients were traditional and fresh, but it was overdressed for our liking.
The Amish Chicken
The Amish chicken was plated beautifully and had a taste to match. Sitting atop sauteed kale with a pop of heat, was a well-seasoned portion with crispy skin, wrapped around tender, white meat. The preparation was perfect, and the crunchy ever so thin potatoes added another layer of flavor.
The Salmon
The salmon was presented just as beautiful; a filet grilled with a hint of smokiness, pesto, charred trevisano (a mild variety of radicchio) and an Italian black olive spread– all of which were distinctive individually, but yet blended in a delectable finish.
Our evening couldn’t have ended on a sweeter note. We had two outstanding desserts. And, the presentation was just as outstanding!
The Desserts
Orange Olive Oil Cake; dense and accented with citrus notes, accompanied by a delightful fresh Crema Chantilly.
Apple Crostata with Saigon Cinnamon Gelato…need I say more? A rich, soft interior pastry, bursting with a sweet yet subtly tart filling and sprinkled with edible flowers that added a sophisticated touch.
Thank you Cucina 8 ½ ! Happy Holidays! We’ll see you again in the New Year!
For more reviews on Cucina 8 ½ – check out Yelp.
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Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram @foodpeoplepossibilities
