David suggested lunch at Casa Lever, an Italian Restaurant specializing in Milanese Cuisine and located on Park Ave. in Midtown Manhattan. The upscale space is home to modern art and architecture with numerous and priceless original Andy Warhol paintings adorning the walls. The wine list is extensive (and a tad on the expensive side) and very well thought out, with numerous selections from around the world. As we settled into our table, we put ourselves in the very capable hands of Chief Sommelier Gaetano Muscatello for our wine selection. We told him what we were planning on ordering and he suggested a 2000 Domaine de la Solitude Cuvée Barberini Chateauneuf-du-Pape to complement the dishes. I am a big fan of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, but I was not familiar with this producer. Double decanted, the wine drank beautifully. A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre that is aged 24 months in 40% small barrels and 60% neutral wood foudres, the wine had a dark inky hue, earthy bouquet and exquisitly balanced fruit on the palate. It continued to evolve in the glass with each sip and finished with considerable elegance and length. A wine with soul and a perfect match for our food selections. Current vintages of the wine are available at $50 - $75 a bottle, depending on the vintage. Wine-Searcher.What we ate
I began with a classic dish from Milan, Italy, Vitello Tonnato. For this dish the veal is slow roasted, chilled, then thinly sliced, and served with a tuna & caper sauce. This has long been one of my favorites and it was superbly done here. David opted for the Caprese Salad of heirloom tomato, mozzarella di bufala, modena aged balsamic vinegar (sorry photo was blurred).
Compliments of the house, we also enjoyed an absolutely delicious Melanze Alla Parmigianna. This was one of the better versions I have had of this classic dish. The crispy fried eggplant was layered with soft mozzarella di bufala. A sweet tomato sauce was poured around the eggplant at the time of serving, allowing you to dredge each bite in it.
For my entrée I chose Risotto Al Peperone. Creamy al dente Arborio rice made with a sweet red bell pepper essence and a dollop of chilled goat cheese mousse in the center. A wonderful combination. The chilled goat cheese helped cut the richness of the risotto. It paired magically with the wine. David selected the Veal Milanese topped with an arugula & cherry tomato salad. I snuck a small piece and it was delicious.Espresso helped to wash down a classic Tiramisu and Giandua, a decadent chocolaty dessert fashioned from milk chocolate, hazelnut crunch, gianduia mousse and hazelnut cream.
It was quite a lunch.
Saluté
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