Late this spring, my friend Debra suggested we meet at MOMA to see the Henri Cartier-Bresson: The Modern Century photography exhibit before dinner. The French photographer is considered the father of modern photojournalism and the master of candid photography. The exhibit featured hundreds of Cartier-Bresson’s photographs, some printed for the first time. That exhibit is no longer, but the Italian place across the street still is. I recommend it the next time you’re at MOMA — or just in the area.
Il Gattopardo is located across West 54th Street going out the back door of the museum, in a ground floor of a townhouse. We walking right through the indoor dining room, opting to sit in the still-sun-lit atrium.
Our meal began with a refreshing and crispy salad ($9) of radicchio, frisee, fennel, celery and carrots, lightly dressed with a red wine vinaigrette. Having heard that the restaurant is famous for their pasta, we had to have at least one. The tender artichoke and burrata ravioli with fresh tomatoes and fresh marjoram ($22) lived up to our expectations. Delicate and delicious.
I seem to be on a branzini kick, ordering this tender sweet white-fleshed fish whenever available. We ordered the whole branzini ($40) broiled, filled and drizzled with olive oil and fresh lemon, and seasoned with salt and pepper, which was served with a cranberry bean salad (red onion, tiny pieces of tomato in a balsamic vinaigrette).
Our evening’s libation: a bottle of Gavi di Gavi “Broglia” La Meirana 2008 ($45).
– bonnie
Il Gattopardo
33 West 54th Street
New York, NY 10019
212.246-0412
www.ilgattopardonyc.com
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