Fresco by Scotto
Photo: Cititour.com
Contact Info:
Address: 34 E. 52nd St (bet. Madison & Park Aves)
City: New York, NY
Zip: 10022
map: View the Map
Phone: (212) 935-3434
Website: http://www.frescobyscotto.com/
Food Info:
Menu: View the Menu
Chef:
Dominic S. Santoro
Cuisine:
Italian
Cititour Review:
The Scotto family runs a tight ship at their bustling midtown east restaurant. My friend and I were walking by the restaurant in search of some comfort food after a long day at work. We didn't have a reservation, but were promptly seated in the bar area where tables are reserved for walk-ins. The main dining area has a warm glow with brightly colored frescos on the walls. The atmosphere of a family run business is evident with a friendly staff ready to accommodate. The waitress arrived at our table before we had even peeked at the menu. We each ordered a glass of wine and listened to the plentiful array of daily specials. The waitress described the chef's preparation of each meal as if she had been in the kitchen and helped choose the ingredients. To start we ordered the fresco bread and hand-rolled breadsticks. The grilled triangular flat bread was brushed with olive oil, garlic and herbs. The bread was served with a white bean dip. We also shared an order of homemade mozzarella, marinated roasted peppers and grilled asparagus all drizzled with sweet basil oil. As we waited for our entrees to arrive we listened to melodies of Frank Sinatra music playing faintly in the background. The bar area was small, but buzzing during our entire meal and became more crowded as the night wore on. Our entrees finally arrived and they were indeed worth the short wait. My friend ordered the Orecchiette with baby artichokes and crispy prosciutto. The pasta was tossed with roasted peppers, caramelized onions and extra virgin olive oil. Her meal looked good until I tasted mine and then I knew I had made the better choice. I had chosen the homemade ravioli special of the day. My seafood ravioli were generously stuffed with lobster, shrimp and scallops. The raviolis were bathed in a pink cream sauce that the waitress had explained began as a shrimp stock. The pasta portions were plentiful and we were both quite stuffed after our meals. We skipped dessert and opted for tea to finish off the meal. We walked down the hallway glancing at the many celebrity photos lining the walls. Many New York personalities have dined at Fresco and seem to have become regulars over the years. I don't know about becoming a regular just yet, but I do know that I have to come again. On the way out, I spied an amazing grilled margherita pizza on someone's table that I just have to try!
Review By: Jennifer Voit
Location: