Social distancing is a new phrase we all take seriously. Talk of self quarantining and too many other catchphrases we all wish we never had trending.
We can not ignore the adjustments in our lives now and perhaps the future.
My commitment to assisting to support the restaurant industry in NYC so all I can do is write and eat.
VIA VAI in Astoria extended a tasting through pick up, not sit down eating at this charming restaurant on 23rd Street.
Remember when we could sit in at a table casually sipping a lovely glass of wine? Beautiful people watching with the doors and windows open exposed to the quiet spot in a bustling city.
This will be a way of life once more is what we all need to believe.
Via Vai has the most amazing if not the best burrata I’ve even had. I was lucky enough to have one of those lovely spring evenings enjoying the offerings of Via Vai a few years ago.
Thoughts of an easy calm summer’s evening in maybe Tuscany or any place taking you away from all the stress of life.
On this day I picked up my delivery I met with the owner of Via Vai, Antonio Morichini. He was smiling and waiting for me. An empty restaurant. Chairs on the table at 6:00 PM a sad sight and not the norm.
Chef and owner of Via Vai, Antonio Morichini.Chairs on the table at 6:00 PM a sad sight and not the norm…
Piles of plates, full bottles of wine and glistening clean wine glasses sit alone.
Craving a Be our Guest rendition where candlesticks sing a welcoming song and come to life.
Our meal was calamari, crispy and perfectly soft in the middle. This is not an easy starter to serve as delivery. Always best right out of the fryer. These were perfect even after the short travel.
When I eat French I always order the chicken. Chicken is my measure of a great French Bistro.
Meatballs is the test for every Italian.
These were perfect. Moist, flavorful sitting in a marina that did not compete but enhance this meatball experience.
Tagollini that I’m sure when served immediately would have knocked my socks off. Even a slight warm-up at home it was still delicious.
The finale to this amazing meal was the pannacotta.
Now pannacotta will be my order choice for the future.
A drizzle of caramel sauce. Forget the Tiramasu get the pannacotta.
What I take from this evening of better take out than the average pizza, which is never average, not in NY.
We have the best restaurants in the country.
This period I plan of supporting these Dining in from my choices of Dining out.
A special dinner from these talented individuals will help us all remember we still are in a great city and we all can help each other.
Things have changed, we can’t lose the things we have always enjoyed and will again. Adjust, be flexible, be safe and patient.
Call your favorites and put them at the top of the list.
Call and order at VIA VAI:
As I could not do an interview with Via Vai I am including information from their press release:
VIA VAI Astoria: Italian Cuisine & Wines Takes Center Stage
Concept: VIA VAI is an authentic meets contemporary Michelin-recognized Italian experience that is worth crossing the bridge for in Astoria.
The chef-owner run operation is helmed by Roman native Antonio Morichini, who has crafted and oversees each individual aspect of the restaurant from the dishes to the wine list and even décor with the help of his wife Cynthia.
Devoted to bringing the real tastes of Italy to New York, Chef Morichini’s menu is an ever-evolving love letter to his homeland, and Rome, infusing his own modern and inventive twists for surprising flavor profiles. Each plate served is beautifully constructed with delicate precision and can be complemented by their impressive and not to be forgotten Italian wine list. In Astoria, the husband and wife team have been serving the community for over five years and bring authentic Italian cuisine, wine and hospitality to the forefront crafting an inviting mini vacation with the feel of Italy for its diners.
LOCATION: 31-09 23rd Ave., Astoria, NY 11105
WEBSITE: www.viavai-ny.com
PHONE: 347-612-4334
INSTAGRAM: @viavainyc
HOURS: Mon. – Thurs.: 4:00pm -10:00pm
Friday – Saturday: 12:30pm-11:00pm
Sunday: 12:30pm – 10:00pm
VIA VAI Menu:
Food
Antipasti
APPETIZERS
POLPETTE Beef meatballs with tomato sauceBUFALINA Imported buffalo mozzarella and prosciutto
I SALUMI Selection of Italian cold cuts
IL TAGLIERE Selection of cold cuts and cheeses
CALAMARI Fried calamari with herbs and citrus zest
IMPEPATA DI COZZE Steamed mussels, white wine, lemon and black pepper
SALMONE House cured salmon tartare with capers, shallots, avocado and horseradish dressing
BRESAOLA Cured beef tenderloin in a cannoli style filled with robiola cheese chives and pistachios served in a bed of sprouts finish with black truffle sauce
Insalate
SALADS
CAVOLO Kale, arugola, hazelnuts, avocado, green apple and ginger vanilla dressingRAPE ROSSE Red beets, arugola, melon, pine nuts and goat cheese with house dressing
MARGHERITA Fior di LatteMARGHERITA CON PROSCIUTTO Prosciutto, Fior di Latte
MARGHERITA CON BUFALA Imported buffalo mozzarella
PORCINI AND TRUFFLE white base pizza with porcini mushrooms fior di latte and white truffle oil
Primi
PASTA DISHES
ROTOLO DI GNOCCO House made rolled gnocchi filled with ricotta cheese and spinach served in a butter sage sauce PAPPARDELLE CON AGNELLO House-made buck wheat pappardelle with white lamb ragu, asparagus and truffle oil
TAGLIOLINI AL NERO CON GAMERI House-made black ink tagliolini with shrimp, asparagus, fresh mint and pecorino romano
TAGLIATELLE AL BRANZINO house made tagliatelle with branzino, black olives, capers, cherry tomatoes and fresh basil
FETTUCCINE BOLOGNESE House-made fettuccine with beef Bolognese sauce
TONNARELLI CACIO AI 4 PEPI House made tonnarelli with black pepper pecorino and parmigiano cheese
TAGLIOLINI CON SCAMPI E GRANCHIO house made tagliolini with langostine bottarga and crab meat cherry tomatoes basil slightly spiced
RISOTTO OF THE DAY ask your server (Acquarello rice.est.wait time at least 25 min)
Le Pasta Romane
TRADITIONAL ROMAN PASTA DISHES
BUCATINI ALL AMATRICIANA Bucatini with cured pork cheeks, tomato sauce, onion, black pepper and pecorino romanoMEZZI PACCHERI ALLA GRICIA mezzi paccheri (gragnano gold selection) with cured pork cheeks onion black pepper and pecorino romano cheese
SPAGHETTI CARBONARA house made tagliolini with pancetta eggs black pepper parmigiano and pecorino romano cheese
Secondi
MAIN COURSE
MAIALE Pork filet tenderloin prosciutto and sage saltimbocca, with truffle mashed potatoes and grilled asparagusCOSTOLETTE Mildly spicy braised beef short ribs with creamy gorgonzola polenta
GAMBERONI Pan seared shrimp in kataifi crust, with sautéed spinach and balsamic reduction
CAPPESANTE Pan seared scallops with green peas fondue crispy pancetta and porcini mushrooms finish with black truffle sauce
ANATRA Duck breast served with hazelnuts mashed potatoes blueberry and raspberry reduction and homemade red onion marmalade
In addition to our regular menu items, we are proud to offer our daily specials.
VIA VAI uses only prosciutto, fior di latte (mozzarella), parmigiano, and pecorino romano imported from Italy.
*Please alert your server to any food allergies
Desserts & Drinks
I Dolci
DESSERTS
ARTISANAL GELATO Home-made gelato ask your server for our selectionPANNA COTTA With caramel sauce
TIRAMISU
TORTINO DI CIOCCOLATO Chocolate cake with warm raspberry filling
NUTELLA PIZZA White pizza with Nutella spread
Per Dopo Cena
AFTER DINNER DRINKS
DESSERT WINE
PASSITO DOLCE Dessert wine
COFFEE/CAFFÈ Cappuccino Espresso Doppio espresso Macchiato Caffè latte Americano
Living and loving in NYC, food has been a passion of hers. East Coast to West, Faith’s goal is to explore and learn with the contribution of other like-minded foodies. Faith Rein has written for 2Girlsfromabar@blogspot.com. Youtube channel – faith.rein, love food love faith. You can find her @: Faith.rein/facebook (always looking to add friends) / faith rein@twitter / faith.rein@instagram / faith.rein@gmail.com
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
