Vino 313

12-4-10...Another spot that has been on my "to do" list. I love checking out these random finds. I am really over the large commercial spots. Why go for the same old stuff when you can have innovation right at your fingertips? AND you don't even have to withdraw from your 401k to have it. It's New York, a melting pot of flavor, opportunity, creativity, and competition. And it's a sinful shame not to take advantage and live it up! Any-hooser, moving on, I knew Vino 313 (With a name derived from its location at 31st Street and 3rd Avenue, http://www.vino313.com) would have a decent wine selection, and boy did they! But I was pleasantly surprised at the menu and quality of the food that crossed my palate that night. Talk about a gastronomical experience. I didn't take pics on this one, sorry, but only because I didn't want to ruin the soothing ambiance with my flash. So put on your imagination caps for this one and come away with me. I started with a Tempranillo Codice Tierra de Castilla 2007, tempranillo is one of my favorites and this one was well done. My company had a Peroni on tap, which is nice because you don't see that too often on tap, but a great Italian beer.  First course was salad. I chose the Baked Apple Salad. Even the presentation was creative. Slices of prosciutto on the plate, topped with micro greens, a nice gorgonzola cheese, and baked apple slices. These had to done with a balsamic glaze and a touch of cinnamon, maybe allspice. Tender but still with body. The sweet and salty and all the textures were in harmony. My company had a goat cheese salad. Again presented well, the goat cheese smeared in a little peak on the plate and topped with mixed greens and roasted butternut squash. The dressings were light and refreshing on both, just the way I like it, it shouldn't be soup. You could taste the true flavor of each ingredient. Next we shared two entrees, Homemade Gnocchi with a Butternut Squash Sauce. Creamy yet light, flavor of sage, delicate little gnocchi bites---in the top 3 gnocchi dishes that I have had. By the way, I love when a restaurant incorporates the flavors of the season. If you look at their menu now it probably won't be there, they also seem to change it up often--I love that too. The next dish was Seared Hanger Steak with Spinach and Gorgonzola. Perfectly put together. The steak was tender and cooked to perfection, with the natural flavor of the meat and juices mingling with the other players in this dish. The spinach, simple, yet overcooked by many, was just right. And accompanied with a slice of a nice imported gorgonzola on the plate that gently melted under the hot steak. With flavors like this and reasonable prices you can't go wrong.
And at this time of year, you can visit the Rockefeller Christmas Tree (not too far away) if you are feeling nostalgic. Or even just hang around for another glass of wine. Also to note, this spot is great for a small bite and wine, they serve a nice selection of antipasti, cheese, and charcuterie. Buon Appetito!