ATHLEISURE MAG #96 DEC ISSUE | ATHLEISURE LIST Cucina 8 ½

We love a classic NYC experience and you'll find it when you head to Midtown at Cucina 8 ½ opened in 2021 and was formerly the home of Brasserie 8 ½ where you will descend into the restaurant for your next meal. In changing the space over, it was redesigned by fashion designer Cesar Galindo who was inspired by the high fashion crowd of 5th Ave as well as the timeless elegance of Old New York with the sweeping staircase. The interiors combine jewel tones and nature hues that can be seen from open seating as well as tufted booths with curtains that can close for privacy.

The team is excited to have Chef Sam Hazen who has worked at a number of restaurants, and is most known as the Executive Chef for 11 years at TAO

where he crafted its menu that highlights the combination of different Asian cuisines. He will revamp Cucina 8 ½’s menu items and add to its extensive offering.

For lunch with family and friends, we suggest 3 appetizers that you should try: Insalata Verde – Gem lettuce, aged ricotta, marcona almonds, Meatballs – whipped ricotta, tomato, basil, constini, and Tonno – tuna tartare, sicilian oil, spicy aioli, fett’unta.

For your entrees for this midday meal, we suggest: Sterling Caviar Omelette –lemon mascarpone, baby greens, caviar, Chicken Milanese – Tuscan potato, arugula, and Grilled Salmone – Olivada, charred trevisano.

For dinner, we suggest their Caesar Salad (prepared table-side), Polpo Alla Griglia – Grilled octopus, celery hearts, sicilian oregano, and Raviolo Al’ Uovo – Farm egg, ricotta, black truffle as options for appetizers.

For your main meal, you should have your eye on the Branzino – Shaved fennel salad, citrus mint, Prime Ribeye for 2 36 OZ – Puttanesca vinaigrette, grilled filone bread, and Chicken Parmesan (served tableside) – bianco di Napoli tomato, basil, fior di latte mozzarella.

To end your meal, think about sharing Orange Olive Oil Cake – Crema Chantilly, Seasonal Selection of Gelato & Sorbet, and Tiramisu – Espresso-soaked lady fingers, mascarpone cream.

These classic cocktails are perfect to pair with your meal whether it's a Negroni, Limoncello Spritz, or a Cosmopolitan.

If you're still thinking about your NYE plans, Cucina 8 ½ will be open for dinner on New Years Eve and will have specials for the night and live music. They will be closed on New Years day.

CUCINA 8 ½

9 W 57th St NY, NY 10019

cucina812.com

@812newyork

PHOTO CREDITS | Liz Clayman