Peachy Picks Sofia Wine Bar Our Coverage Sponsored by Maine Woolens
Tommaso and Thomas DeGrezia
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Tommaso and Rosalie DeGrezia
Sofia Wine Bar is clearly a family affair by the acclaimed DeGrezia family in Manhattan, from the recipes by mother Antonia DeGrezia, and Sofia herself was father Tommaso DeGrezia's great-great-grandmother on his father's Neopolitan side. Tommaso runs the business of Sofia Wine Bar with Thomas. Antonia and Tommaso have three children: Rosalie, Elaina and Thomas. We were also pleased to meet Rosalie and Thomas worked with us all evening and was a total delight as was his father who regaled us with superb stories. Sofia Wine Bar was first featured in Tasty Tidbits:
We are pleased to announce it has joined the ranks of Peachy's Picks because of its high-quality cuisine, genuine care of the family behind it committed to getting 110% right down to the last detail (Antonia we hear you are behind this so Peachy can't wait to meet you!), and welcoming, warm, clean atmosphere that sets it apart from whatever wine bar on the corner that you absolutely can improve upon by frequenting Sofia's! The space it is in was once the Ulla Darni Gallery, and on February 27, 2013 they will be celebrating their 4th Anniversary at Sofia Wine Bar.
You know Peachy Deegan is enamored of red full-bodied Italian wines, and Thomas DeGrezia had the perfect suggestion for her: #242 Valpolicella Ripasso, Corte Giara, Verona Italy. It was spot-on full-bodied that had a depth of flavor that is best enjoyed in these chilly months now upon us. The selection of wines is tops and unlike many other places there is a huge variety that you can order by the glass. Wine dominates the menu of course as it IS a wine bar after all, however you should know that there are splendid culinary endeavors available by the DeGrezia family that you should capitalize on while sipping on their wine. In fact you know we always advocate eating while drinking. To begin with, Peachy ordered the small dish Stuffed Mushroom and Artichoke, which was simply fantastic. Beautifully arranged in a square, four lovely stuffed mushrooms were short-lived because of their delectable stuffing: sliced prosciutto, grated cheese from Italy, and sour cream among other ingredients said Tommaso.
The mozzarella cheese, which Peachy had heard about prior to her Sofia experience, lived up to all expectations.
It is made every few hours so it is among the freshest mozzarella cheeses you can acquire in Manhattan. A drizzle of olive oil and a tomato slice with basil punctuates the star side. It's rich, it's creamy, and you must have it.
Our panelist ordered the Bruschetta Trio, and Peachy tried the Tomato and Ricotta - just terrific. You absolutely cannot leave Sofia without trying the outstanding pizza-and the Prosciutto Crudo is the crowning glory of the selection:
The prosciutto is straight from Italy and the crust was fresh and light and we already told you how much Peachy loves their mozzarella cheese. This is serious pizza by real Italians and total quality.
A cannoli was the perfect ending:
Especially since it made the trip from Sicily!!!
Our esteemed panelist adds:
Tucked along east 50th street, charming, authentic and delicious, Sofia Wine Bar, had us from hello. This exceptional family owned and run business is a delightful respite from the bustling streets. The cozy wine bar lined with rustic brick walls, transports its patrons to an intimate wine cellar in Italy. We were promptly greeted by Tommy DeGrezia, part owner and son of Tommaso DeGrezia, part owner and a restauranteur with a proven track record. As we were seated and looked over the menu we noticed Sofia Wine Bar was intent on making us feel at home. They put it best by their disclaimer "Our goal is to ensure your dining experience is less like a night out at a restaurant and more of a Sunday dinner with family and friends". A motto we can attest they live up to.
They offer over 70 wines by the glass. We love that they offer every wine by the bottle and glass, so all one's options are covered. Tommy explained that restaurants and quality Italian food made with love run in the family and that each recipe on the menu was created by his mother and himself. We couldn't wait to try their labor of love. Popular small dishes include meatballs, meatball sliders, stuffed mushrooms, the bruschetta trio and Tommy's own special recipe, spinach and artichoke dip. They also offer market fresh seafood items such as tuna tar tar, shrimp cocktail and colossal lump crabmeat.
With so many options it was hard to pick just one, but we settled on the bruschetta trio paired with a lovely glass of Giuseppe Campagnolo Pinot Grigio from Veneto, Italy. The large platter of bruschetta included olive which featured a blend of three Italian olives as a tapenade with light olive oil, fresh tomato and herbs and our favorite, homemade ricotta drizzeled with honey. All wonderful toppings were on beautiful and slightly toasted crispy Italian bread, a perfect treat. The essential item to accompany any glass of wine. We also sampled their excellent stuffed mushrooms and artichoke, stuffed with a heavenly combination of cheese, breadcrumbs, San Daniele prosciutto and a few secret ingredients. We normally don't go crazy about this type of thing but we are telling you, these can not be missed. Tommy also shared what we consider to be the best thing to ever come out of Italy, Mozzarella cheese. Sofia Wine Bar actually makes theirs in house every few hours, yes you read that right, they make it through out the day as needed. Please tell us anywhere else you can find Mozzarella that fresh and delicious. This delicacy melted in our mouth with every bite. As we were sampling the Mozzarella we were introduced to Tommaso DeGrezia. Tommaso was just as passionate about the food served at Sofia Wine Bar and enthusiastically explained the process of the Mozzarella, Ricotta and Burrata making that takes place.
Of course we couldn't leave with out sampling Sofia Wine Bar's famous pizza, we ordered hot sopressata on their classic margherita. Wow, it was amazing. The crust was prefect, thin and crispy, fresh melted cheese with tomato and the prefect seasoning, and let's not forget the best hot sopressata we have ever tasted. We can see why this pizza is raved about, it is the best, authentic, fresh and simple goodness.
We had the full bodied Klinker Brick Zinfandel from Lodi, California which accompanied the delightful pizza flavors. Just when we thought things couldn't get any better Tommy joined us for the best cannolis from Sicily we have ever had, fresh, creamy, sweet with a slight spice, the prefect ending to a perfect meal. When you are looking for a truly authentic, unique and relaxing experience look no further than Sofia Wine Bar.
Peachy Picks Sofia Wine Bar!
Sofia Wine Bar is Highly Recommended by Whom You Know.
