Il Gattopardo Provides A Calming Respite In Midtown Manhattan
In the garden and lower levels of the historically landmarked Rockefeller Townhouses in Manhattan lies Il Gattopardo: a lovely example of fine dining with a Southern Italian menu and impeccably warm service. Located across 54th street from the Museum of Modern Art, Gattopardo serves a satisfying brunch and has just introduced their new menu for the fall 2015 season.
Enjoy your first meal of your Saturday or Sunday in their Atrium, which sets the tone for executive chef Vito Gnazzo's light yet delectable morning and mid-day menu of brunch time classics done with traditional Italian flavors. Highlights include the nearly impossibly fluffy ricotta pancakes with mixed berries; airy brioche French toast scented with vanilla beans with caramelized apples; Il Gattopardo eggs Benedict with Hollandaise sauce served with San Daniele prosciutto and sautéed spinach; uova all'Amatriciana: poached eggs in a pleasantly spicy cherry tomato sauce with guanciale pancetta and red onion; and, if you would like more of a lunch option, the spaghetti alla carbonara with egg yolk, pecorino cheese, and black peppercorn.
Chef Gnazzo's fall menu is delightful as well, featuring new appetizers like a Timballo of wild porcini mushroom and potato; crudo di branzino: fresh Mediterranean sea bass marinated in lemon and extra virgin olive oil from Cilento, served over fennel and mache salad; and the poached baby octopus in a fresh tomato, capers, and red onion sauce, served over polenta. Just-introduced entrées include a pan seared venison loin in a juniper and red wine sauce with sautéed yellow and red beets with pancetta, and the poached halibut in a winter vegetables and fingerling potatoes brodetto. There are over a dozen tempting desserts to choose from, such as the creamy cassata Sicilian-style garnished with dark chocolate sauce.
A perfect and elegant spot for a pre- or post-museum brunch or relaxing end-of-day meal, Il Gattopardo provides an ideal respite for your palate and psyche in Midtown Manhattan.