Paola's Raises Its Flag on Carnegie Hill
By Doug Singer
Traditional Italian comfort food is one of those soul warming pleasures in life that once experienced, is hard to forget. With centuries of cultural culinary rituals, these delights are celebrated around the world. On a cool fall night, we ventured out to explore the timeless treasures from the Northern and Central regions of Italy, on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Paola’s Restaurant, located at 1295 Madison Avenue, in the heart of Carnegie Hill, was pulsing with a positive energy from the moment we arrived. With every chair filled and an ambiance that welcomes, the surroundings were vibrant, while being extremely cozy. Like a family gathering, everybody seemed genuinely happy to be present, making it immediately apparent that this place is indeed something special. From the soft shades of orange enveloping the walls, to the beautiful wooden bar, to the tiled floors, this environment is infused with warmth, caring and taste.
Paola’s has a nomadic history--with twenty-six years of pleasing the demanding palette of New Yorkers, their current home is their third location. Enhancing this vibrant neighborhood since February 2009, they have developed a fierce loyalty from the friendly locals. The problems of the world are checked at the front door and you are welcomed into Paola’s “home”, by Paola Bottero herself--an animated, warm and inspiring entrepreneur. She is the embodiment of kindness and professionalism, and manages her domain with a grace that only a lifetime of experience can bring.
We started off the evening at the bar with a Peach Martini. Sounds simple, but add blended fresh peach puree to the mix and your taste buds are jolted to life. With heavenly aromas swirling about and warmed up with a rosy hue from the tasty cocktail, we were ready to feast. Upon its way out of the busy kitchen. Off to an inspired start we proceeded to explore the appetizer menu in more detail. The Polpettine Alla Romana (little meatballs in savory tomato sauce with pecorino and ricotta) and the Calamari In Padella (seared squid topped with aromatic breadcrumbs, extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon, served in a cast iron pan) firmly put the “C” in comfort food. Add to that the ever popular and visually appealing Carciofi Alla Giudea (a Roman-style preparation of crispy fried artichokes), which seems to be a favorite among the regulars, and the appetizer portion of the meal was complete.
The secondi portion of the evening got started in a grand nature with Anatra (seared duck breast with whole grain red Italian mushroom risotto, house made apricot mustard and black truffle vinaigrette). This masterpiece was traditional, straight forward and absolutely cooked to perfection. We were sighing with satisfaction when the Seared Scallops with Leeks were placed before us. The feathery lightness of this dish gave us just enough breathing room to indulge in the final offering which arrived in the form of New Zealand Venison (a rare sight in this neck of the woods), with a red wine reduction, served alongside a heavenly soft polenta blended with kabocha squash.
After a decaf espresso and a slice of a sublime Lemon Tart which was served with an unsweetened whipped cream to delicately balance the sugary goodness, we were ready for a warm blanket.
Paola’s Restaurant was a discovery that will be re-visited enthusiastically. If I have any say in the matter, one of the city’s best-kept secrets will have their cover blown.
1295 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10128
(212) 794-1890
www.paolasrestaurant.com
Traditional Italian comfort food is one of those soul warming pleasures in life that once experienced, is hard to forget. With centuries of cultural culinary rituals, these delights are celebrated around the world. On a cool fall night, we ventured out to explore the timeless treasures from the Northern and Central regions of Italy, on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Paola’s Restaurant, located at 1295 Madison Avenue, in the heart of Carnegie Hill, was pulsing with a positive energy from the moment we arrived. With every chair filled and an ambiance that welcomes, the surroundings were vibrant, while being extremely cozy. Like a family gathering, everybody seemed genuinely happy to be present, making it immediately apparent that this place is indeed something special. From the soft shades of orange enveloping the walls, to the beautiful wooden bar, to the tiled floors, this environment is infused with warmth, caring and taste.
Paola’s has a nomadic history--with twenty-six years of pleasing the demanding palette of New Yorkers, their current home is their third location. Enhancing this vibrant neighborhood since February 2009, they have developed a fierce loyalty from the friendly locals. The problems of the world are checked at the front door and you are welcomed into Paola’s “home”, by Paola Bottero herself--an animated, warm and inspiring entrepreneur. She is the embodiment of kindness and professionalism, and manages her domain with a grace that only a lifetime of experience can bring.
We started off the evening at the bar with a Peach Martini. Sounds simple, but add blended fresh peach puree to the mix and your taste buds are jolted to life. With heavenly aromas swirling about and warmed up with a rosy hue from the tasty cocktail, we were ready to feast. Upon its way out of the busy kitchen. Off to an inspired start we proceeded to explore the appetizer menu in more detail. The Polpettine Alla Romana (little meatballs in savory tomato sauce with pecorino and ricotta) and the Calamari In Padella (seared squid topped with aromatic breadcrumbs, extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon, served in a cast iron pan) firmly put the “C” in comfort food. Add to that the ever popular and visually appealing Carciofi Alla Giudea (a Roman-style preparation of crispy fried artichokes), which seems to be a favorite among the regulars, and the appetizer portion of the meal was complete.
The secondi portion of the evening got started in a grand nature with Anatra (seared duck breast with whole grain red Italian mushroom risotto, house made apricot mustard and black truffle vinaigrette). This masterpiece was traditional, straight forward and absolutely cooked to perfection. We were sighing with satisfaction when the Seared Scallops with Leeks were placed before us. The feathery lightness of this dish gave us just enough breathing room to indulge in the final offering which arrived in the form of New Zealand Venison (a rare sight in this neck of the woods), with a red wine reduction, served alongside a heavenly soft polenta blended with kabocha squash.
After a decaf espresso and a slice of a sublime Lemon Tart which was served with an unsweetened whipped cream to delicately balance the sugary goodness, we were ready for a warm blanket.
Paola’s Restaurant was a discovery that will be re-visited enthusiastically. If I have any say in the matter, one of the city’s best-kept secrets will have their cover blown.
1295 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10128
(212) 794-1890
www.paolasrestaurant.com
