VAI: MEDITERRANEAN DELIGHT OF THE UPPER WEST SIDE

By Peter Elston

Leading a quiet revolution in contemporary Mediterranean dining on New York's Amsterdam Avenue is Vincent Chirico's Vai Restaurant. Now entering its seventh season, Vai (meaning "go" in Italian) is led by Chef Chirico, who has drawn on his extensive culinary experiences while traveling Europe, Asia, and across the United States to craft dishes blending flavors and ingredients for a unique dining experience.

The restaurant ambience emphasizes cozy with a palette of warm colors and textures used throughout the design. The bar is a petite-though-perfectly-formed horseshoe where diners can indulge in la dolce vita with an aperitif or cocktail from the selection crafted by the bar staff—why not try a refreshing Cucumber Martini with cucumber infused gin and lime juice, or a pashion fruit margarita with Herradura Blanco, Cointreau, lime, and some chilli pepper?

The dinner menu is constructed around the principles of fresh, in-season, and intelligent. Current highlights of the ever changing menu include the charred Portuguese octopus with jalapeño pesto, burrata ravioli with truffle cream and 18 month old parmigiano, and slow roasted pork loin with baby turnip and apple smoked bacon. For dessert the frozen chocolate mousse with espresso mascarpone is a must-try.

Dinner is available daily and lunch available to indulge on Friday, Saturday, and Sundays.

The low key, intimate ambience and quality of cuisine at Vai Restaurant have attracted a celebrity dining clientele including Harry Belafonte, Matt Damon, Hugh Grant, Bill Mahr, Robin Roberts, and Ving Rhames. Why not join them?

Vai Restaurant
429 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10024
212-362-4500
vairestaurant.com