Ciano is the new home of Shea Gallante, the former CRU chef. I had the privilege to wine and dine at Ciano’s ‘Sneak Peek’ event on October 27th. The restaurant begins taking reservations on November 4th, and opening night is November 5th.
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Interior of Ciano Credit: Ciano Restaurant |
Below is a snapshot of what the first floor looks like. From what my bartender told me, there is are 2 additional floors. The restaurant and bar has a nice relaxing, homey feel.
I’ve also learned the menu of Ciano is focused on seasonal ingredients, rather than the specific cuisine of a particular Italian region. I don’t know what exactly will be featured on the menu, but from what I’ve tasted at the sneak peek, I’m sure they will be delightful. Of all the bite-size hors d’oeuvres I’ve sampled that night, the tuna topped with dill resting atop a slice of cucumber was my favorite.
The desserts at Ciano were amazing. Maybe it’s my aura, but the waitstaff kept dropping off plates for me to try: hazelnuts dusted with confectioners sugar, hazelnut pastries, mini chocolate cookies, and endless Italian cookies. It’s too bad I don’t know the names of these treats (I’m going off of memory).
Some of their signature cocktails will be:
Prickly Pear Margarita – Prickly pear puree, Avion Tequila, fresh lime and orange juice with a splash of Cointreau
Lychee Lime Martini – Lychee puree, vanilla vodka, kaffir lime leaves, coconut milk and fresh lime juice
The lychee martini was delicious. I was expecting the typical lychee martini with an actual lychee floating in my drink, but the puree was a nice surprise.
Ciano
45 E 22nd Street
New York, NY