Marea is a fabulous high-end Italian seafood restaurant.

It is understated yet sophisticated, calming not stuffy and the cuisine is top notch.

This is Chef Michael White’s crown jewel.

Recently, we had brunch at Marea (Marea is Italian for tide), which is the best deal in town…2 courses for $52 with many of the same dishes they serve at dinnertime.

Service is impeccable.

Servings are generous.

It was Sunday, the sun was shining, no humidity so I deemed it appropriate to start things off with a lovely dry Rose from Sicily, Etna Rosato Graci 2015 ($16).

After the freshly baked bread was presented, we kicked off the meal with the incredibly fresh crudo, Sgombro, composed of Pacific Jack Mackerel with carrot puree, lime and pine nuts which were a wonderful accent.

We then shared Astice, featuring Nova Scotia Lobster, Burrata, Eggplant, Bottarga (fish roe) and Basil. There was a $7 supplemental fee which was well spent on the creamy burrata and the fresh, chunky lobster pieces.

I would have ordered the fusilli durum wheat pasta, red wine braised octopus and bone marrow, but I pledged to share so we had the special of the day, the creamy, tantalizing Funghi Risotto with wild mushrooms and parmigiano.

Our final shared course was the divine Capesante, Seared Sea Scallops with smoked sunchokes, wilted greens and gremolata.

We were seated next to a lovely, savvy couple from Brazil.

We indulged in a heady Trump takedown as we traded horror stories about our respective ruling parties.

The dining experience was even sweeter as I had a $100 cheque from all my culinary rendezvous’ booked through OpenTable.

Marea is always bustling and the bar area is perpetually  buzzing.

The reality is Marea is a must.

Marea 240 Central Park South, New York City. Open for Lunch Monday-Friday 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday Brunch: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, Dinner: Monday-Thursday 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM,  Friday-Saturday 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM, Sunday 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM. Limited Bar Menu: Monday- Friday 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM.