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New York Nightlife 2008

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Cesca

164 W 75th St
New York, NY 10023-1903
Phone: (212) 787-6300
Cesca
Price:
$$$$
Cross Street:
Between Amsterdam Avenue and Columbus Avenue
Directions:
1, 2, 3 at 72nd St
Hours:
Mon-Thu 5pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-11:30pm, Sun 12pm-3pm, 5pm-10pm

Editorial Review for Cesca – by Kathleen Squires

The Scene
Chef Tom Valenti's departure hasn't discouraged hungry neighborhooders from their regular haunt, as local professionals continue to crowd the sepia-toned, chestnut-banqueted dining rooms. They seem relieved that the decor and energy fueled by the open kitchen remain, though the staff could look happier about a persistently full house.

The Food
Del Posto alum Kevin Garcia and his Southern Italian menu come on strong with stewy octopus and crisp green beans dressed in a spicy, minty roasted tomato vinaigrette, but smoky rice balls disappointingly crumble at a fork's touch. Some pasta dishes need work: Square sheets of tacconi arrive with a ho-hum tomato sauce and a too-sparing serving of the promised pecorino. Orecchiette, however, bursts with the rustic flavor of house-made sausage and welcomely bitter broccoli rabe. A side of fritto misto vegetables go on to upstage an overcooked pork chop, but desserts like the fluffy Italian cheesecake exceed expectations after such a string of unevenness.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.

Insider Tips

What to Drink

Order off the 400-bottle wine list, or try one of the house cocktails, like the Vespa--brandy, amaretto and lemon juice served in a sugar-rimmed glass.

Save Money

A three-course pre-theater prix fixe is served between 5pm and 6pm daily for $31.

The Extras

A wine-lined nook, complete with privacy curtains, holds a large table perfect for groups.

User Reviews for Cesca

4 Star Rating: Recommended

02/17/2008 Posted by DaniBees

My boyfriend and I went here last night and had a great dinner. The entrance is a bit chaotic, but there's a nice bar area with narrow, long tables for drinks with friends. We are in our late 20s and the crowd was considerably older except for a guy (with a sweater tied around his neck - I kid u not) and his equally preppy wife. Tables of 2 are dangerously close together so not the most romantic. We felt a tad out of place, but we had a wonderful meal. The waitress was not the happiest looking girl, but she was very nice and extremely knowledgeable about the menu. We ordered the parmigiano fritters to start, which were fantastic. You'll definitely want to share these amongst 2+ people b/c they are very very rich. I also had the beef and scallop krudos, which I'd recommend. The wine menu is enormous and overwhelming. They were out of our first choice, but recommended a similar, cheaper bottle. Can't argue with that! I ordered the orecchiette based on good reviews I'd read. It was delicious and I'd highly recommend it too. The rapini complimented the spicyness of the sausage well. My bf ordered the pork chop. I tried to dissuade him b/c of some of the reviews, but it was actually very good and was cooked nicely, not overdone. The pea tendrils were lightly battered and fried, which was a nice touch to an otherwise pretty boring-sounding entree. For dessert, the cheesecake was awesome. I had something with chocolate (not listed on the online menu), which was disappointing. I'd stick with the cheesecake or maybe the sorbet and gelato. Overall we had a great experience here. For someone around the same age (late 20s), I'd recommend it for date night or for when your parents are in town.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/10/2008 Posted by nat235

From the service to the menu, the experience is why I eat out. My family enjoys it..my grandson who is 3 years old to the rest of us. I know the evening will be a pleasure.

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Editor's Review

Patient Upper West Siders weather a chef change in a local Italian favorite.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

What to Drink

Order off the 400-bottle wine list, or try one of the house cocktails, like the Vespa--brandy, amaretto and lemon juice served in a sugar-rimmed glass.

More Insider Tips

Restaurant Information

Parking

  • Street

Coat Check

  • Yes

Hours

  • Mon-Thu 5pm-11pm
  • Fri-Sat 5pm-11:30pm
  • Sun 12pm-3pm, 5pm-10pm

Dress Code

  • Casual

Cuisines

  • Italian

Payment Types

  • Visa
  • American Express
  • MasterCard

Meal Price

  • $$$$

Amenities

  • Group Dining
  • Online Reservations
  • Dine at the Bar
  • Open 7 Days
  • Bar Scene
  • Local Favorites
  • People Watching
  • Notable Wine List
  • Date Spot
  • Prix Fixe Menus
  • Private Rooms

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