The Spot: Alessa Cucina e Bar (Website) (Instagram)
The Location: 237 West 35th Street in Manhattan, New York City
Days & Hours of Operation: Monday – Sunday 3 PM – 12 AM.
Alessa, the brand new restaurant from Thomas Murphy of 212 Hospitality Group (Juniper Bar, Bourbon & Branch), opens its doors in The Penn District on September 20th.
Executive Chef Denevin Miranda, who was previously the Head Chef at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, will bring a slice of ‘La Dolce Vita’ to Midtown with a menu of housemade pizzas made in an Italian-imported oven, Italian Caviar Bumps, contemporary Italian dishes and a can’t miss Aperitivo Hour. Alessa brings the culinary heritage of Italy in an elevated, yet casual atmosphere. The beverage program comes from Damiano Corren who previously worked at Employees Only, Macao Trading Company and Sant Ambroeus.
Alessa’s antipasti offerings include House-Made Focaccia with Cacio E Pepe Butter, Crimini Caps stuffed with Blue Crab, Mascarpone, and Fontina, and Arancini with Charred Eggplant, Tomato Jam, and Smoked Mozzarella.
The Raw Bar features Oysters, Fluke Crudo, Octopus Carpaccio, and Tuna Tartare. Housemade pastas cater to every palate, with options like Risotto with Hen of the Woods, Truffle Butter, Pesto, and Grana Padano; Gnudo with Blue Crab, Caviar, Almond, and Amaretto Cream Sauce; and Rigatoni with Braised Short Rib Sugo, Ricotta, and Basil.
Pizzas are baked to order, with classic options like Meatball with Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato, and Ricotta, or Spicy Salami with Pork Soppressata, Calabrian Chili, and Pecorino.
Main dishes include fresh Bronzino with Spinach, Artichoke, and Salsa Verde, or Lemon Chicken with Capers and White Wine. Signature dishes for two include Squid Ink Linguine with 1.5 lb Lobster, Bisque Sauce, and Tarragon, and Bistecca Alla Fiorentina (32oz Bone-in Ribeye) with Arugula and Cacio E Pepe Butter.
For drinks, Alessa’s signature cocktail list includes irresistible concoctions like the Dolce Vita with Tequila, Prickly Pear, Ancho Reyes, and Campari; the Costiera Negroni with Malfy Orange, lstine Vermouth, Campari, and Cedro Nardini; and the Ambra with Vodka, Mint, Lemon, Italicus, and Ginger Beer.
The meticulously curated wine list features grapes from around the world, with a strong emphasis on Italian wines from regions such as Tuscany, Piedmont, and Bolgheri. The beer menu caters to all tastes, offering both domestic and imported brews on tap and in bottles, along with non-alcoholic options.
