Aria the very popular West Village Wine Bar and taverna is dedicated to women wine makers and excellent cucina Italiana. Creator Tanya Hiro succeeds on both counts. We first visited Aria a few weeks ago and enjoyed the wines. We were back again to taste the food.
ARIA is open for business again, after the storm. Applausi, Congratulazioni....
This sparkling rose called Belle Rose has a wonderful sherry like quality. Love the glass, Aria steps away from tradition when it comes to glasses. Makes it all more fun.
This platter of little neck oysters was so fresh you'd swear they were just plucked from the sea. With perfect cocktail and mignonette sauces.
We then shared this beautiful Branzino with braised broccoli rape and fennel. Very delicious.
and fabulous homemade gnocchi in a delicate tomato sauce with basil and ricotta salata.
Gnocchi is one of those things that has got to be just right. The real thing is like eating little fluffy clouds that melt in your mouth, not like the stuff you buy in stores that is in comparison usually tough and chewy. The sauce has got to be just right too. I remember my first in 1985 in a cute little waterfront restaurant on Lake Como in Italy, then there was one at I Tre Merli in NY, the waiter there told us the restaurants owner's mother made them.
These at Aria were very very nice.
With these dishes we had a very nice South African Cabernet that our bartender suggested, and an Italian rosso which was very good too.
We got to Aria at 6:00 and found many seats at the convenial bar, but by 8:00 when we left the place was packed and when we walked by later after a walk on the High Line there was a line down the block. This is pretty amazing with no website, Facebook or any Social Media to speak of. Just good old fashioned word of mouth.
I hope Aria has reopened since Sandy, call and ask. (212) 242-4233
Aria
117 Perry Street, New York, NY
Things to do, places to see, with food and booze
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