From the Mediterranean to Madison Avenue

By W. A. Muller

Iconic Upper East Side restaurant Amaranth continues to thrive – even after 15 years in the business. Owners Paola Pedrignani and Francois Marchand, who recently marked the Mediterranean Bistro's Anniversary with a glamorous celebration for over 500 of their most loyal customers, attribute its long-running success to "staying true to their Mediterranean roots and never compromising on quality."

Located just off Madison Avenue on 62nd Street, between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue, Amaranth offers a fusion of original Italian food and French food, with a large portion of specialty items imported directly from Italy and France. "We're renowned for our classics, like our famous Focaccia Robiola, baked in our brick oven and served with Robiola cheese – there would be an outcry if we took this off the menu! But we also constantly evolve," says owner Francois Marchand. Other fixtures on the menu include the Steak Tartare, which is prepared in front of customers to ensure freshness and the right balance of spices, and the Octopus Carpaccio – fresh, quality seafood from the Mediterranean served on a bed of greens.

There are also a number of healthy, light choices served with the highest quality ingredients – like the Whole Maine Lobster Salad, served with radicchio, endive, arugula, cremini mushrooms and citrus vinaigrette. The Pan Seared Nantucket Sea Scallops with mushrooms, braised leeks and lemon white wine sauce always impresses. Amaranth's pastas are homemade and are available whole wheat and gluten free. The dessert menu is hard to resist – from the Mille Feuille Napolean with mixed berries and crème anglaise to the Cantucci al Vin Santo – a homemade biscotti served with Vin Santo Wine for dipping.

Amaranth is named after the deep redrose colored flowers of the Amaranth plant, owner Paola Pedrignani says. "The deep, wine red color is warm and welcoming – we thought it represents the way our restaurant feels brilliantly." Customers come to Amaranth for the full dining experience – excellent service, elegant décor, and the casual, home-away-from-home feel.

The restaurant's charm has attracted a dedicated fan base of New Yorkers, Europeans, and celebrity clientele including the late Joan Rivers, Miranda Kerr, Orlando Bloom, former president of France Nicolas Sarkozy, and many more. Regular visitors, Kevin O'Sullivan and partner Jim, who held the first New York State same-sex marriage at Amaranth on October 6, 2011, say they hold Amaranth in very high regard for "terrific service and wonderful food". "It holds a very special place in our hearts – our wedding was one of the happiest days of our lives and the restaurant always reminds of that day," says O'Sullivan.

Amaranth is the perfect place to hold private parties and special celebrations. The team can organize private sit-down dinners and cocktail parties, with a special menu personalized by the chef. Amaranth staff love celebrating birthdays with customers. With sparkler candles and delicious Valhona Chocolate Cake, a birthday celebration at Amaranth will always be an unforgettable one.
Amaranth Restaurant21

E 62nd St #1

New York, NY 10065
212.980.6700
amaranthrestaurant.com