Peachy Picks Divino
Divino was first featured in Terrific Takeout:
& then it was featured in Tasty Tidbits:
Well ever since Peachy Deegan had the
fresh whipped zabaglione, she has been dreaming about it. It is truly one of the best desserts ever, but Divino is so much more than zabaglione alone. Proprietor Mario Balducci is a total peach! Mario hails from Genoa, and has been running Divino with charm since 1977, always at 1556 Second Avenue. He used to work on a cruise liner in cuisine, but we like him on land! Divino has earned a spot in Peachy's Picks and here's why:
The calamari was simply outstanding. Every chewy morsel dipped in extraordinary marinara was a delight to the senses, and Peachy Deegan was not one bit disappointed that she threw caution to the wind and skipped her usual green salad. Silvia from Ecuador was attentive to every last detail throughout the evening and is a 12-year veteran of Divino. She made some excellent suggestions and was accurate in all of them! You know Peachy Deegan is a fan of seafood, so at Mario's suggestion she tried the Zuppa di Pesce:
The mixed seafood casserole bursted with flavor from salmon to shrimp! Clams joined the party and the garlic toast was especially spectacular. We loooove garlic! Peachy first sipped on an outstanding Chianti and then tried a lovely Pinot Noir at Silvia's suggestion.
A refreshing dessert, particularly as we head into the summer season, is the fresh fruit on ice. It's seasonal, and last night some ripe melon, strawberries and apples were the perfect finishing touch on Peachy's meal:
But don't listen to just Peachy...she brought her fabulous panel!
And the panel was extraordinarily unique!
It's not who you know, it's Whom You Know, and we all know because Mover and Shaker Rennie McQuilkin was our English teacher just a few years ago at Miss Porter's School. In over 50 dining reviews, this is the first panel comprised of ancients only, and they all happen to be from Peachy's class, so we certainly hope you all think this is the most well-written review in the history of Whom You Know's Peachy's Picks!
Divino was a great place to catch up with friends and enjoy a nice meal after a long day at work! The atmosphere was calm and relaxing, and it was not too loud which is a good thing. Our server Silvia was genuinely helpful and she knows the menu well having worked at Divino for 12 years! The owner Mario, originally from Genoa, Italy, extended warm hospitality to our group. While perusing the menu we enjoyed bread with tasty olive oil, breadsticks and a chickpea salad. I chose to start with an appetizer -sized portion of pasta, the Capellini with Broccoli Rapa. When this dish arrived I could smell the fragrant garlic with perfectly cooked broccoli rabe. Mixed with olive oil and seasoned with pepper and grated cheese, the mix of simple flavors was delicious and I could have happily eaten only this as a main course.
However I followed Silvia’s suggestion and tried one of the restaurant’s specialties, Chicken Champagne. The chicken was topped with a decadent and delicious creamy champagne sauce and fresh grapes and served with rice pilaf and vegetables. Champagne finding its way into my entrée was a treat! For dessert I had something new I had not tried before, Zabaglione, which is a light custard made from eggs, sugar and champagne and served with fresh strawberries.
It was a perfect end to the meal! For those of you who can’t drink a whole bottle of wine the restaurant offers a variety of wines by the glass; the Montepulciano Farnese went along nicely with the cuisine. It is unusual to find a restaurant that has been open since 1977 and I truly enjoyed my dinner at Divino.
I am not sure who or what was more charming; Marion Balducci, proprietor of Divino, or the restaurant and the food created within its kitchen walls. However, the overall dining experience was fun, relaxing and full of delicious bites. Starting with a very refreshing and light San Rocco pinot grigio, I paired the wine with the Avocado and Shrimp appetizer, which was full of flavor and presentation! The shrimp overflowing from a half avocado, waiting only to be dipped into the beautiful decoration made with the tangy mustard sauce proved to be delicious. For my main course I paired a glass of Malbec with the Veal Buongustaio. Once again, I was impressed with the flavor of the veal, mushrooms, asparagus and artichokes all coming together with a perfectly proportionate serving of rice pilaf. The veal was soft melted in my mouth! The artichokes were cooked perfectly and created great dimension to the dish, as well as the fresh asparagus. After looking through the dessert menu, I decided against the tantalizing sweets, however, at the last minute I ordered the Tartufo Ice Cream.
Sliced thinly with a side of whipped cream, the chocolate covered vanilla and mocha ice cream was incredible. Perhaps there were hints of hazelnuts hidden in the ice cream? Whatever the combination, there would be no complaints from me! I was full but very pleased I took the dive in ordering the dessert. For a great atmosphere and great food for a reasonable price, I would recommend Divino, especially since the restaurant has been an establishment since 1977. And Mr. Balducci, an Italian native himself, knows how to provide great service in his restaurant.
The sesame shrimp was a great appetizer Рa healthy portion of light and tender shrimp with the slightest hint of sesame. The plate was carried by the garlic and ginger flavors that stood out in the white wine sauce. Really good! My entr̩e of steamed mussels piled high in the bowl and rested in a pool of white wine and garlic sauce.
The mussels were tasty, steamed to perfection… I only wish they were bathing in more of the divine broth. The tiramisu is to die for! A perfect balance of cake, chocolate, cream, coffee, and liquor….but the best part was that it was sitting a top a heavenly bed of fresh whipped zabaglione – yum!
Peachy Picks Divino!
Divino
212 861 1096
1556 Second Avenue
