Del Posto, New York
One of the most memorable evenings during our New York stay was at Del Posto. A veritable institution in the Meatpacking District, we had originally intended to go for lunch to take advantage of what looked like a very generous lunch deal. Alas, our booking at ABC Kitchen took precedence, so we decided our only option was dinner in the evening. I made the booking in Australia before we left, but Del Posto called me to advise that for a table of six, we would need to either do the Il Menu Del Posto (5 courses for $115) or the Captain’s Menu (8 courses for $165). After a quick online conference, we figured 5 courses would be plenty and signed up!
Upon entering, the restaurant takes your breath away. Absolutely stunning, it presents everything on a grand scale with soaring ceilings, massive flower displays, two levels of dining, and ambient lighting. We settled into the bar for some pre-dinner drinks, which was by itself, a fabulous classy New York affair. Don’t you love my glamorous friend AT!!!?
Now, I have to admit that my notes for this evening were pretty scatty – let’s even say non-existent. So, I won’t rave on about the dishes, and will hope instead that the pics do them justice. Auto-focus was an issue, due to that wonderful ambient lighting that confuses machines!! But you’ll get the gist….
Amuse Bouche
Bread, butter and lardo
First course – Appetisers
Charred Octopus
Umbrian Garbanzo, Celery Hearts & 25 year Aceto Tradizionale
Lobster Salad Oreganata
Chilled Tomato & Summer Squash Ragù
Chilled Market Corn Chowder
Perilla & Shaved Tartufo Nero
Truffled Beef Carne Cruda
Grana Padano & Watercress Buds
Second course – Pasta
Spaghetti
Dungeness Crab, Sliced Jalapeño & Minced Scallion
Traditional Del Posto Garganelli
Verdi al Ragù Bolognese
Just a small note about this pasta. It was about as perfect a rendering of pasta that you will get anywhere. This is Del Posto’s signature dish – and it was amazing. As evidenced by her proud display of a clean plate, imac was still dreaming of it days later!
Third course – Mains
Neapolitan Lamb
Smoked Tail, Salsa Madre & Wilted Water Spinach
Apician Spiced Duck Breast
Braised Endive, Hazelnuts & Black Mission Figs
Livorno Style Cacciucco
Garlic Bread Crostini & Kelp Cured Cod
Native Swordfish
Caponatina, Toasted Sesame & Spring Blossoms
Fourth Course – Dessert
Chocolate Ricotta Tortino
Toasted Sicilian Pistachios & Extra Virgin Olive Oil Gelato
Butterscotch Semifreddo
Melon Agrumata & Crumbled Sbrisolona
Quadrello di Bufala
Eucalyptus Honey
Browned Butter Panna Cotta
Sour Chery Marmellata & Pasta Frolla
Fifth Course – Petit Fours
Petit fours
One of the most amazing parts of the evening was the presentation of petit fours. Not that we could really eat any more – but how beautiful are they? We loved that they were served on a cheese grater! Only because we were dedicated – did we manage to finish off these little delights!
And a beautiful presentation to take home – pistachio cookies inside.
Del Posto was a magnificent evening – the restaurant was spectacular, the service awesome, and the food delicious. Another indulgent night with friends that we’ll remember for a long time to come.
