RENOWNED ITALIAN CHEF UMBERTO MONTANO PREMIERES NEW MENU AT THE METROPOLITAN OPERA’S GRAND TIER RESTAURANT
Pre-ordered intermission dining is available to ensure a quick return to the performance, along with pre-curtain dining. The Grand Tier Restaurant is open to all Lincoln Center guests. Located on the Grand Tier level of the Metropolitan Opera House, the restaurant boasts impeccable service, a view of two breathtaking Chagall paintings and a wall of windows overlooking Lincoln Center’s fountain.
The Grand Tier Restaurant is located in the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center Plaza, 150 W 65th St, New York, NY 10023.
A La Carter Menu
First Courses $14-$19
Main Courses: $29-$44
Excellent Selection of Wines, Starting around $45
9 Wines by the Glass: $14-$25
Open at 6:00 pm to Lincoln Center ticket holders for pre-curtain and intermission dining. For reservations, guests can call (212) 799-3400.
http://www.rapatina.com/grandTierMetOpera/
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Review by Nancy Walman
Patina Restaurant Group opened The Grand Tier Restaurant at the Metropolitan Opera House this season by introducing both a new chef and menu. The restaurant’s new Executive Chef, Jeff Raider, executes the menu of the Florence-based chef and restaurateur, Umberto Montano.
Montano is known for balancing sophisticated Italian cuisine with age-old, traditional techniques, set beneath world-class art – a combination that made his restaurant Alle Murate one of Florence’s most famous. Alle Murate boasts breathtaking medieval art on its ceilings and walls that were uncovered by Montano and his staff. The frescoes date to the 14th century and include the only known portrait of Dante Alighieri. (Some can be seen on the limited-edition menus and postcards).
Dante Alighieri, By Permission of Umberto Montano
Among Montano’s signature dishes are an outstanding gragnano pasta with a ragout of red snapper sauce and basil pesto. Mixed seafood stew with toasted rustic bread (noted for not including shellfish) was light and delicious, while free-range chicken, stuffed with figs and prosciutto and served with sautéed spinach, was truly unique. Beef filet arrived in an intense Brunello di Montalcino wine sauce accompanied by an airy parmesan soufflé.
While appetizers offered such tempting choices as sliced veal with oven roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed Florida shrimp with ginger and saffron sauce, we went for the Grand Tier Signature Smoked Salmon, which was a glorious presentation, of the highest quality and perfectly sliced.
For desserts, fresh fruit was in impeccable condition and a perfect conclusion. Besides the excellent wine list, cocktails are beautifully constructed and service is smooth as silk.
If you’re going to Lincoln Center, The Grand Tier Restaurant is a must- include and rates A Major on The Walman Report.
Copyright 2008 By Punch In International. All Rights Reserved
Chef’s Bio
Chef Raider’s background includes time with Ed Brown, formerly of The Sea Grill. Raider has most recently held the executive chef position at One Restaurant in Irvington, New York.
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About Patina Restaurant Group
Patina Restaurant Group (www.patinagroup.com) is the nation’s leading multi-concept operator in the premium segments of the restaurant and food service industry. On the East Coast its portfolio features New York City’s world-famous Rockefeller Center Ice Rink, Rock Center Café, The Sea Grill, Brasserie, Brasserie 8 ½, Naples 45 and The Grand Tier Restaurant at the Metropolitan Opera. Other East Coast properties include Tutto Italia Ristorante at the Epcot World Showcase in Orlando, FLA and Tanglewood Music Center in Lenox, MA.
On the West Coast the portfolio includes the renowned Patina Restaurant in Walt Disney Concert Hall, Paperfish in Beverly Hills, Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse, Café Pinot at the Maguire Gardens, Zucca Ristorante, Catal and three other restaurants in Anaheim’s Downtown Disney District®, Leatherby’s Cafe Rouge at the Orange County Performing Artscenter, Pinot Brasserie in Las Vegas and catering and food service in museums and cultural centers throughout Southern California.
