Cesca
New York, NY 10023-1903
Phone: (212) 787-6300
- 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.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkOrder 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 MoneyA three-course pre-theater prix fixe is served between 5pm and 6pm daily for $31.
The ExtrasA wine-lined nook, complete with privacy curtains, holds a large table perfect for groups.
User Reviews for Cesca
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.
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.
