Damn, you had me at hello.
I usually do not have a problem obtaining restaurant reservations.
Torrisi, is the new, hot restaurant from Major Food Group which also owns very successful and popular New York restaurants Carbone, The Grill, The Pool, ZZ’s Clam Bar, Dirty French, Parm and has established themselves as a global hospitality brand.
The reservation process was lengthy and challenging.
I just could not land a reservation and I wasn’t going to use connections.
I just dug in and last week, Bingo, my number was called.
We arrived at the historic Puck Building and I had the make me love you attitude.
We were warmly greeted by the nicest, most effusive hostess.
She told us she had a table reserved in the dining room, but if we wanted to sit elsewhere she would be happy to accommodate us.
Okay. Good start.
The restaurant is very appealing with high ceilings, beautiful floors, attractive bar, open kitchen and a demure flower filled dining room.
Anthony, our server, was very firm in his beliefs which helped in making life’s important decisions.
We mulled things over with Torrisi’s take on an Aperol Spritz made with Aperol, Rhubarb, Peach and Prosecco ($20), accompanied by homemade bread and creamy butter.
We were dubious about ordering a $26 Dressed Endive Salad. It was divine with aged mozzarella, peaches, nuts, rendering a great taste sensation.
We had time between courses to check out the restaurant.
We admired the featured artwork commissioned by the Group by friend and art luminary, Julian Schnabel, lwho created one of his trademark pieces.
Our next course was Penne with Chanterelles. The dish was fabulous with ample mushrooms adorning the perfectly prepared pasta ($29).
The main, a large portion of Dover Sole Francese lightly breaded bathed in an amazing butter and caper sauce, was superb.
For Dover Sole the price point was much more reasonable than other dining establishments. The portion could have fed three ($59).
We were satiated so we passed on dessert.
In a lovely gesture the server sent over lemon and fruit ices and a cookie plate with a candle to celebrate my recovery from surgery.
The bottom line is Torrisi is terrific…the cuisine, service and ambiance is first rate and worth the wait.
Torrisi 275 Mulberry Street New York City. Open for dinner Monday-Saturday 5-11:30pm, Lunch Friday and Saturday starting at Noon. Closed Sundays. Reservations on Resy.com.
