Salumeria Rosi
283 Amsterdam Ave.;
212-877-4800
If you’ve traveled to Italy, one of the many things you probably miss upon your return is its incredible salumerias – corner shops hung with all manner of cured and smoked meats and sausages. Thanks to Chef Cesare Casella (of Maremma), New York City now has one to call its own. This Upper West Side Italian restaurant and cured-meat emporium, owned by Alessandro Rosi of Parma’s Parmacotto, Italy’s acclaimed cured-meat business, seats just 25 and feels snug and authentic with its glass meat counter and hung prosciutto.
Must-have meal: The menu is made for sharing, so start out with a mixed plate of cured meats and cheeses (MP) and Cesare’s signature salad of soft scrambled eggs, pancetta and market greens ($6). Then have the Tacconi al Ragu di Coniglio: artisanal pasta with slow cooked rabbit, juniper and tomatoes ($6); and Pere al Vino Rosso: poached pears in red wine ($5).
Soundtrack: A fun and varied mix that includes Dave Brubeck, Thievery Corporation, Cat Power, Nick Drake, Miles Davis and Jimi Hendrix.
Hours: Mon.-Sun., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
10 Downing
10 Downing St.; 212-255-0300
Three old-time buddies from the restaurant business – Joel Michel (of 5 Ninth), Vincent Seufert (of Rhone) and Stephane Dorian (of Le Zoo) – have realized their longtime dream of opening up a neighborhood restaurant together. Their 10 Downing is a sun-drenched, art-filled corner spot, serving a fresh and inventive seasonal American menu.
Must-have meal: Brussels sprouts with soft egg, Parmesan and anchovy vinaigrette ($9); herb-roasted chicken over a panzanella salad with almonds, currants and preserved lemon (right, $23); and the “peanut butter and jelly” (peanut butter gelato with concord grape jam with homemade spiced challah toast, $8).
Soundtrack: An eclectic mix of classic jazz, R&B and world beats.
Hours: Tues.-Sun., 6 p.m.-midnight.