Cucina 8 1/2 is noted for its rustic Italian fare in an ultra-glamorous environment by guests. The food and the décor might be opposites, but it works; guests enjoy in a setting that looks like it would be the focal point of an episode of Sex And The City!
RUSTIC YET REFINED
We asked owner, August Ceradini, how he produced the concept of rustic fare in a posh setting resulting in a success. He explains, “Cucina 8 ½ offers Italian dishes from several different regions throughout Italy. Most Italian restaurants stick to a super refined Italian dish menu or may take a traditional approach. The menu here is elevated but features the best of the best dishes from throughout Italy. I did not want Cucina 8 ½ to be ‘too niche’ of an Italian restaurant and thought creatively.”
What are Ceradini’s favorite items on the menu which have become popular favorites? “My favorites are the Rigatoni Pomodoro (made with organic plum tomato and basil) and Spaghetti Al Limone with Parmigiano Reggiano. Guests’ favorites include Branzino with Shaved Fennel Salad, Citrus, and Mint, 36-ounce Prime Ribeye for 2 with Puttanesca Vinaigrette and Grilled Filone Bread, Chicken Parmesan (served tableside), and Bianco Di Napoli Tomato, Basil, and Fior Di Latte Mozzarella.” The tableside dishes, which include a legendary Caesar Salad, give a retro dining experience that you don’t see any longer at upscale eateries.
TERRIFIC TWIST
We asked the restaurateur to talk a little about the popularity of the tableside service. “Cucina 8 ½ is known for its immersive dining, where the kitchen comes to your table to prepare tableside Caesar Salad, Lemon Pasta, and Chicken Parmesan. I have been seeing this since the ‘70s at the start of my career, and now there is a boom in popularity for tableside entrees. Cucina 8 ½ is one of the only restaurants that still does tableside service, and the tableside items are some of the most popular.”
When we recently visited Cucina 8 ½, and tasted several standouts mentioned by Ceradini, including the 36-ounce Prime Ribeye For 2, which was a feast for the eyes as much as the tastebuds. Served on a large wooden cutting board, the medium rare meat oozes juice and is topped with marinated and grilled multicolored grape tomatoes and lots of herbs. The grilled Filone bread was a real throwback to grandma’s house and had a beautiful, firm golden crust. This dish was so elegant that the manager came up to our table and said that he had worked at Cucina for a long time but was dazzled every time he saw the Prime Ribeye.
The Burrata Con Fragole was also terrific and the perfect way to start a meal at Cucina 8 ½--the ultra-fresh burrata is so soft and milky you can close your eyes and think you were on a farm in Southern Italy. It is sided with Strawberry Marmellata and Pancetta, making it a potent mix of sweet and savory. Our shared sides were the solid herb-covered roasted Tuscan Potatoes and Broccoli Rabe, done old school (sauteed with olive oil and garlic, then topped with pepper flakes and grated Pecorino).
When it comes to dessert, everything is freshly made, and we were almost knocked out of our chairs by the Nutella Chocolate Layer Cake topped with a large piece of homemade toffee and diced pecans, as well as the Apple Crostata, which has a spectacularly fresh-tasting apple filling and a buttery golden crust.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
What is upcoming for this highly creative, grand-looking restaurant in terms of spring food and drink? Reveals Ceradini, “The Cucina 8 ½ team is excited to announce that we recently hired professional chef Sam Hazen. Before joining the team, Hazen worked throughout New York, providing his expertise to Cascabel Restaurant, Terrace Restaurant, Veritas Restaurant, and more. Hazen is mostly known for his work with TAO, where he crafted its menu, highlighting a few different Asian cuisines. Within the next few months, Hazen will revamp Cucina 8 ½’s beloved menu items and add to its extensive offering. Items he will add to the menu include a Fritto Misto, Shrimp Calamari, an eggplant dish, and changing the Pork Chop to a Tuscan Pork Shank.
Now, that sounds like a lineup that no true NYC foodie could resist! We will be back!
For more information on Cucina 8 1/2, visit cucina812.com