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Legendary restaurateur Shelly Fireman opens yet another New York dining destination: Shelly’s Trattoria La Tradizionale. The freshest fish in town, flown in daily from the Mediterranean (as well as the Pacific, the Gulf and the North Atlantic), and featured at his new coastal Italian dining spot, previously home to Shelly’s Prime Steak.
Fireman’s chefs have created a menu that falls under two sections, Mare (MAR-ay) (sea) and Terra (TEAR-ah) (land), each dish bursting with robust flavors and natural ingredients. Daily seafood offerings include an extensive raw bar that Walman christens “Oyster Heaven,†Patrons can enjoy a broad selection of Italian fare, including delectable pasta selections from both land and sea such as open-faced hand made pasta with scallops, shrimp and calamari. Fish entrees include signature whole fish. Walman raves about the Gorgonzola bread and steaks that will blow you away.
Don’t miss the banana cream pie at Shelly’s Trattoria La Tradizionale, 41 W. 57th St. That’s A Major on the Walman Report.
Click Here To Read The Entire Review On The Blog
On August 1st, legendary restaurateur Shelly Fireman opens yet another New York dining destination with the launch of Shelly’s Trattoria La Tradizionale located at 41 W. 57th Street (212-245-2422).
The finest and freshest fish in town, flown in daily from the Mediterranean (as well as the Pacific, the Gulf and the North Atlantic), is now featured at his new coastal Italian dining spot, previously home to Shelly’s Prime Steak. Fireman’s love for his Italian seaside home and the clean, simple seafood dishes he enjoys there inspired him to make this exciting change.
Under Fireman’s direction, executive chef Shane “Babbo†Cash (yes, he is related to the beloved Johnny) and chef de cuisine Brando De Oliveira have created a menu that falls under two sections, Mare (sea) and Terra (land), each dish bursting with robust flavors and natural ingredients.
Daily seafood offerings include an extensive raw bar and a large selection of antipasti di mare treats such as Crudo del Giorno, shrimp cocktail and a chilled multi-tier shellfish platter piled high with Maine lobster, Atlantic and Pacific Oysters, jumbo shrimp, littleneck clams and mussels. Clam specialties are both raw and cooked and include a traditional Clams Oregante, a refreshing Vongole Crudo and an addicting Vongole Fritte, fried to perfection and served with herb mascarpone.
Patrons will enjoy a broad selection of Italian fare, including delectable pasta selections from both land and sea such as Lasagne del Pescatore, open-faced hand made pasta with scallops, shrimp and calamari; Bucatini Lobster Amatriciana, prepared with a pound of succulent lobster meat, pomodoro and pancetta; and Fazzoletto, a large raviolo filled with creamy burrata and stracchino cheese.
Fish entrees at Shelly’s La Tradizionale include signature whole fishes such as Branzino in Acqua Pazza served with manila clams and pear tomatoes; Mediterranean Dorado with baby fennel and black olive salmoriglio; a subtle Trota Salmonata with potato carpaccio, zucchini, fava beans and radicchio and Dentice in Crosta Pugliese, wild yellow tail snapper baked in a salt dough crust.
Meat offerings include classic favorites like Filetto di Manzo, Bistecca Fiorentina per Due and a tangy Vitello Piccata with artichokes.
At Shelly’s La Tradizionale, beverage director Andre Mack has created a special and informative “Red Wine With Fish: Non-Tradizionale Pairing†menu, debunking the myth that only white wines best complement fish entrees. According to Mack, “Some of the best food and wine pairings are often the most surprising.†Suggested pairings from this “cheat sheet†include trout with Valtellina from Lombardia, tuna dishes with Enta Rosso from Sicilia, sea bass served with Lacrima from the Marche region and salmon dishes paired with a refreshing Pinot Nero from Alto Adige.
The tempting desserts at Shelly’s La Tradizionale bring the meal to a delightful close. A mix of local and Italian favorites, the menu features traditional Tiramisu in Coccio, Mousse al Ciccolato and Coppa della Mamma (Mamma’s Mixing Bowl), a decadent treat that includes chocolate peperoncino gelato with a subtle hint of spice and chocolate biscotti, all drenched in gianduia sauce and served in a large sharing bowl.
Shelly’s La Tradizionale was designed by John Lee Beatty, theatrical set designer of The Color Purple and Chicago, to name just a few. Upon entering the bright and lofty space, guests are greeted by a spectacular raw bar with an abundance of fresh shellfish. Shelly’s impressive wine collection is displayed opposite the raw bar, giving guests the opportunity to peruse the bottles before making a selection. The raw bar, colorful liquor display, striped canopy and large mirrored walls come together to create the perfect trattoria ambience. Downstairs, Beatty created a speakeasy vibe with pumpkin terracotta walls, maroon banquettes and several colorful paintings from famed artists Peter Max and Leroy Neiman. Upstairs, the cozy fireplace room is the ideal setting for exclusive and intimate dining.
Shelly’s La Tradizionale’s wine cellar also doubles as their sleek private dining room and can seat up to eight guests. The intimate room is encased in restoration glass and surrounded by dark wood and an array of wine bottles, perfect for any special event. The outdoor café, with seating for 16, is the ideal spot for midtown peoplewatching or a refreshing break from a long day of shopping.
Shelly’s Trattoria La Tradizionale is open Monday-Thursday from 11:30AM-11:30 PM, Friday-Saturday from 11:30AM-12:00AM and Sunday’s from 11:00AM-10:30PM.
