Macelleria

By Nancy Preiser

Located at 48 Gansevoort Street, Macelleria’s kitchen is open weekly from 12pm until 1am. Macelleria can easily accommodate large groups, with a seating capacity for 180 persons indoors and 30 persons in the outdoor café. For reservations and details on private parties call 212-741-2555. http://www.macelleriarestaurant.com/

Press: http://whodoespr.com

You’ll Love This Butcher Shop

Award-winning website, Punchin-dot-com, features the Walman Report and reviews of restaurants, travel, wine and theater. Macelleria is intrinsic in its name. Italian for “butcher shop,” it is one of the first Meatpacking District meat houses to be converted into an upscale steakhouse.

The food is prepared using only the finest cuts of meat. To ensure the customer’s satisfaction, one can hand-pick their choice of prime dry aged Porterhouse, T-Bone Steak, Rib Eye, or Filet Mignon from an exposed meat-locker. In the main dining room, exposed brick walls and fresh cut flowers form a cool juxtaposition to the butcher block tables and meat hooks that hang from the ceiling, reminiscent of the space’s former incarnation.

Downstairs, the candlelit Wine Cellar makes for a more romantic dining experience, with walls made of stone and quartz. The Iceberg Wedge with Gorgonzola and peppercorn dressing is a refreshing starter, as well as selections like terrific mixed Salumi and the wonderful fresh bufala mozzarella. Entrées offer fresh homemade pastas, including the Straw and Hay with Peas and Prosciutto, with a rich cream sauce or the exotic Pappardelle with a Wild Boar Sauce (our favorite). Lighter options include the Freshwater Trout with herbs and lemon, or the Baby Squid grilled with Black ink. The Porterhouse for two is one of the best examples in town. Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Thin Fries are delicious.

For dessert don’t miss the Caramel Walnut Tart, American Cheesecake and superb Biscotti. The cocktails are constructed by a real mixologist, the wine list is beautifully chosen(Check out bottle not on the list like the incredible 2004 Barbaresco from Produttori del Barbaresco). Service is gracious and efficient and Macelleria, 48 Gansevoort Street, is a personal favorite and rates A Major” on the Walman Report.

Copyright 2008 by Punch In International. All Rights Reserved

Sergio Bitici , A Legend In His Own Right.

Background

Since the evolution of New York’s legendary Meatpacking District into a more lively brand of industry, it seems that hardly a week goes by without the opening of a shiny new hotspot. As modern eateries rapidly replace old meateries, the 8 year old Macelleria continues to retain its distinguishably traditional flavor.

Perhaps this is why you’re not likely to see the merry-making throngs that populate most West Village restaurants congregating outside Macelleria, a restaurant whose solid reputation and classic vibe makes it an unmistakable haven for the discriminating, no-nonsense diner. If it’s a scene you’re looking for, you won’t have to look far; but if what you want is delectable, consistent, quality food, than Macelleria is what’s on the menu.

This is not to say that there’s no fun to be had at this unpretentious, authentic Italian Steakhouse. In fact, manning the bar at Macelleria is Sherif Neza, one of New York’s most eminent bartenders and a “scene” in his own right. Sherif, who made the Guinness Book of World Records for receiving the biggest tip ever, is a recognized NY personality with a following of his own.

Serving up inventive proprietary cocktails like the Bocce Ball (Campari, orange juice and club soda), The Italian Stinger (Brandy with Galliano), or the Fragolini (Prosecco with Wild Strawberry liqueur) only adds to his eclectic charm as he keeps the bar abuzz with enchantment.

However, the true essence of Macelleria is intrinsic in its name. Italian for “butcher shop,” it is one of the first Meatpacking District meat houses to be converted into an upscale steakhouse, and it with this same brand of straightforward authenticity that the food is prepared using the highest quality ingredients and, most notably, only the finest cuts of meat. To ensure the customer’s satisfaction, one can hand-pick their choice of prime dry aged Porterhouse, T-Bone Steak, Rib Eye, or Filet Mignon from an exposed meat-locker.

Owner Violetta Bitici, daughter of renowned restaurateur Sergio Bitici (credited with opening one of the first Tuscan restaurants in the U.S as well as being the first to receive a 3-star rating for an Italian restaurant in New York) is unswerving in her dedication to USDA prime beef from the Strassburger family. Everything about Macelleria, from the menu to the décor, stays true to its roots.

In the main dining room, exposed brick walls and fresh cut flowers form a cool juxtaposition to the butcher block tables and meat hooks that hang from the ceiling, reminiscent of the space’s former incarnation. Downstairs, the candlelit Wine Cellar makes for a more romantic dining experience, with walls made of stone and quartz. The structure is actually part of a fortress that dates back to the late 16th Century, regularly attracting tour groups and lovers of fine international wine.

Chef de Cuisine Carlos Simoes, who trained in Europe at some of the world’s most exclusive hotels, including in France and at the Meridien Hotel in Portugal, executes a menu that is characteristic of the cuisine from Northern Italy. The Iceberg Wedge with Gorgonzola and peppercorn dressing is a refreshing starter, as well as selections such as the Salumi Misti Italiani and the fresh bufala mozzarella.

As an entrée, fresh homemade pastas, including the Straw and Hay Tagliolini with Peas and Prosciutto, served al dente with a rich cream sauce, the exotic Pappardelle alle Cinghiale with a Wild Boar Sauce are all exquisite selections. The USDA Prime Dry Aged Porterhouse for two, Macelleria’s signature dish, is a tender, melt-in-your-mouth steak. Lighter options include the Freshwater Trout with herbs and lemon, or the Baby Squid grilled with Black ink. Sautéed Broccoli Rabe and crispy Zucchini Fries are some of the side options that complement the main courses.

For dessert, any of the homemade selections like the Caramel Walnut Tart, Apple Strudel with cinnamon and hazelnut ice cream, or the Tiramisu will be the perfect top-off to a truly excellent meal.

Another distinguishing feature of Macelleria is that it opens daily at 8AM for breakfast. In perhaps the only corner of New York City devoid of a Starbucks, diners flock to the restaurant for the best cappucino and takeaway coffee, or to enjoy a full breakfast menu. The brunch menu, which is served during the weekends from 11am-4pm, features hearty selections like Grilled Marinated Skirt Steak with scrambled eggs, a savory Zucchini and Onion Frittata, or Pancakes with freshly sliced Bananas and Strawberries. Macelleria accommodates large dinner parties, corporate luncheons, catered events, and is the perfect spot for holiday and social gatherings.

Macelleria, New York’s premier Italian Steakhouse, run by Sergio Bitici and his daughter, Violetta. Attention to detail is key at Macelleria - fresh espresso is brewed for breakfast in the morning, pastas are hand rolled before lunch in the afternoon, and dry aged Strassburger meats becomes the star of the show every night. Macelleria possesses a warm, enveloping allure that is found in so few neighborhood-y restaurants today.

Much like its interior (which happens to be built out of an historic Meatpacking District vault that tourists visit in groups daily), the menu does what it does best, and although there’s always a special salad, appetizer, pasta, and meat dish reflecting what’s good in the local market, Macelleria’s menu has too stayed the same. When it comes to product, Macelleria shines when serving a stellar assortment of cured salumis and cheeses, or a short and sweet selection of raw bar offerings, and exceeds when the kitchen is more involved. Fresh pastas are irresistible; straw and hay taglioni is gently tossed in a light cream sauce, dotted with peas and sprinkled with bits of salty proscuitto, and a pumpkin ravioli features thin pasta wrapped around a gently sweet, rewardingly savory pumpkin ricotta filling and touched with a nutty brown butter sauce.

Compliment the steaks with addictive zucchini fries or creamed spinach, made fresh to order. Complete a fantastic dinner with a divine flourless chocolate cake with ice cream or any of the other wonderful, homemade desserts.

The Lovely Violetta

Macelleria
48 Gansevoort St - Btwn Greenwich & Washington St
New York, NY 10014

212 741-2555

Lunch Menu
Antipasti
Verdure Alla Griglia 8.00

Salumeria Board 10.00

Iceberg Wedge with gorgonzola and peppercorns 6.00

Sliced Tomatoes And Onions, Basil Vinaigrette 7.00

Bufala Mozzarella And Beefsteak Tomatoes 10.00

Arugula, Pear And Pecorino Toscano Salad 9.00

Caesar Salad with garlic toast 7.00

with grilled chicken breast 12.00

with shrimp 15.00

Mixed Green Salad with goat cheese 9.00

Tuscan Tomato And Bread Soup 6.00

White Bean Soup 6.00

Primi
Ravioli Del Giorno 10.00

Linguine with white clam sauce 11.00

Straw And Hay Tagliolini with peas and prosciutto 12.00

Spaghetti Carbonara 10.00

Spaghetti Al Pomodoro 9.00

Secondi
Fresh Herb Omelette with your choice of ingredient 8.00

Grilled Portobello And Mozzarella Panino 9.00

Prosciutto And Mozzarella Panino 9.00

Eggplant Parmigiana 10.00

Beef Burger, Provolone, Bacon & Shoestring Fries 10.00

Grilled Skirt Steak with house salad 16.00

Chicken Paillard with mixed greens 12.00

Pollo Alla Diavola with shoestring fries 12.00

Chicken Scarpariello, Spicy Sausage And Mushrooms 14.00

Calamaretti Grigliati 13.00

Per Due
Shoestring Fries 5.00

Fried Zucchini 6.00

Roasted Potatoes 5.00

Grilled Mushrooms 6.00

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Spring Dinner Menu 2008
A La Carte
Chilled Little Neck Clams each 1.50

Blue Point Oysters each 2.25

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail each 4.00

Fresh Bufala Mozzarella 12.00

Salumi Misti Italiani 12.00

Arugula, Pear & Pecorino Toscano Salad 10.00

Clams Casino 10.00

Iceberg Wedge with gorgonzola & peppercorn dressing 9.00

Sliced Tomato & Onion with basil vinaigrette 9.00

Tuscan Tomato & Bread Soup 7.50

Pasta Fagioli 7.50

Straw & Hay Tagliolini with peas & prosciutto 16.00

Garganelli with oxtail ragu 16.00

Linguine with white clams sauce 16.00

Spaghetti Alla Carbonara 15.00

Spinach Ravioli with tomato and basil 15.00

Pappardelle Al Cinghiale, Wild Boar Sauce 16.00

Freshwater Trout, Herbs & Lemon 20.00

Baby Squid Grilled with black ink (when available) 17.00

Fresh Fish Of The Day

Prime Dry Aged Porterhouse, For Two 86.00

Prime Dry Aged T-bone Steak 42.00

Prime Dry Aged Rib Eye On The Bone 42.00

Prime Chopped Steak & Fries 19.00

Veal Piccata with artichoke hearts 22.00

Grilled Fennel Sausage with cannellini beans 18.00

Crispy Roasted Duck with orange sauce 21.00

Chicken Alla Diavola 18.00

Chicken Scarpariello, Spicy Sausage & Mushrooms 18.00

Eggplant Baked with mozzarella and tomatoes 17.00

Fried Zucchini 8.00

Roasted Potatoes 7.00

Shoestring Fries 8.00

Creamed Spinach 8.00

Grilled Mushrooms 9.00

Sautéed Spinach 8.00

Broccoli Di Rape 9.00

Roasted Brussel Sprouts 8.00

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Italian Butcher Shop Brunch
Cornetti traditional or chocolate 3.00

Scrambled Egg And Cheese Cornetti 6.00

Bacon Or Sausage add 1.50

Tuscan Tomato Soup 6.00

Zuppe Del Giorno 6.00

Salumi Misti Italiani 9.00

Fresh Fruit Platter 9.00

Granola with fresh berries and yogurt 8.00

Iceberg Wedge with gorgonzola and peppercorns 6.00

Fresh Mozzarella And Tomato 10.00

Fried Calamari 12.00

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad with garlic toast 12.95

Ravioli Al Pomodoro 11.00

Straw And Hay Tagliolini Peas And Pancetta 12.00

Portobello And Mozzarella Panino 10.00

Zucchini And Onion Frittata 8.50

Two Eggs Any Style with sliced tomato 8.50

Grilled Marinated Skirt Steak And Scrambled Eggs 18.00

Sicilian Egg Toast with asparagus and truffle oil 11.00

Macelleria Beef Burger, Provolone, Bacon 10.95

Crepes with nutella 9.00

Pancakes with sliced bananas and strawberries 10.00

Per Due
Shoestring Fries 6.00

Crispy Bacon 5.00

Fried Zucchini 6.00

Roasted Potatoes 5.00

Grilled Spicy Sausage 6.00

Grilled Wild Mushrooms 6.00

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Copyright 2008 By Punchin International. All Rights Reserved.