Peachy Picks Intimo
In the heatwave, sometimes you feel like you just can't eat.
It's too hot.
However, when you walk into Intimo and see the menu and the chic wine bar, you will immediately change your mind, especially if you are seated in the fabulous back area with a sharp skylight and lovely ambiance.
Open for ten months, Intimo is a newcomer to Peachy's favorite part of town, which you all know is the Upper East side.
Intimo was first featured in Terrific Takeout:
It then advanced to Tasty Tidbits:
And our panel agrees it has advanced to Peachy's Picks!
The friendly staff, the solid cuisine, and the knockout wine selection make Intimo a great neighborhood place to visit. Peachy Deegan sipped on a French rose wine while she began with the Mediterranean Mussels in Light Tomato Sauce and Crushed Peppers, above. Packed with flavor and freshness, this was a great summer starter you don't want to miss if you are a seafood lover like Peachy.
Our group also began with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and cured meats which will absolutely cool you off in this summer weather. Fresh and delightful, even if you are in the bar area for a drink this would be a nice touch to your Intimo experience if you aren't planning on a whole dinner.
However, we suggest you go for the dinner!
Peachy Deegan had a nice Pollo alla Milanese and it was pounded and baked to perfection. Peachy does not often order chicken, because she finds many chicken dishes on menus to be tired or less exciting than the seafood or carnivore-driven selections, but she was pleased with this choice. Joined by some fresh greens and a festive drizzle, this is a dish you should consider.
Raspberry Sorbet is exactly what you need to end a lovely Intimo experience in this heat!
Our esteemed panel adds:
I was happy to see Grilled Octopus, a Mediterranean favorite, offered as an appetizer, and ordered it without hesitation. This dish is a knockout. Presented beautifully over a bed of warm red potato salad, the chef prepares the octopus to succulent perfection: chewy without being rubbery in the middle, and the grill adds a nice crunch on the outside to balance the meatiness of the tentacles. The red potato salad adds a wonderful tanginess to enhance the seasoning on the octopus, but neither overpowered its mild taste. If you love octopus or you've always been curious but too afraid to try, Intimo will not let you down!
For the main course, I opted for the Penne Gorgonzola Noci et Piselli (Penne with Imported Gogonzola, Walnuts, and Green Peas). Again, this was the hottest day of the year; I was hoping for something lighter than the proteins served on the menu but not lacking in taste, and this dish delivered. The Gorgonzola sauce is creamy without being heavy. The peas add a refreshing summery sweetness to the dish, while the walnuts round it out with rich, earthy undertones and a satisfying crunch. I paired this dish with a French Cinsault Syrah Rose from Laurent Miquel Vineyards' Pere et Fils line (vintage unknown). Fruity yet dry, this rose has a velvety, medium-bodied smoothness that finishes light and crisp. The strong berry undertones of the wine provided a complimentary contrast to the savory Gorgonzola sauce, and my tastebuds were well-pleased! Despite my waning appetite, I couldn't resist trying the Chocolate Gelato for desert. Intimo makes a textbook chocolate gelato, bursting with a perfectly bittersweet cocoa flavor and the smooth, rich texture that distinguishes this Italian favorite from other frozen desserts. Paired with a wonderfully frothy cappuccino, this was a delightful ending to a scrumptious meal. Initimo offers a fantastic setting to bring a date or bring a friend to share a bottle (or two) of wine with. The unobtrusive dining atmosphere, which is low-lit and encapsulated by the visually-striking wine collection, the ease and friendliness of the staff, and the classic simplicity of the menu that marks good Italian food all work together to reflect the restaurant's name. Patrons are beckoned to sit, converse, and enjoy the company of one another over tasty food and cocktails.
Intimo is a newly renovated classic Italian restaurant, situated on the Upper East Side. It features a full bar, extensive wine list and classic cuisine at an affordable price. Decorated in rich tones with brick walls and wine barrels, we felt as if we were dining in our favorite Uncle's wine cellar. The quiet atmosphere allows diners to relax and enjoy their meal to the fullest. The cocktail list caught our eye right from the beginning and we had a wonderful Mango Martini, made with fresh mango and pineapple juice.
After a refreshing drink it was time for some stuzzchini and we sampled the tasty Gamberi sullo Stecchino, skewered jumbo shrimp with cannellini beans, which was extremely fresh and flavorful. We also tried the fresh mozzarella and prosciutto , which we also enjoyed. For dinner our friendly server helped each of us select an excellent wine to accompany our main course. For me, he suggested a crisp Pinot grigio, which was lovely with my Veal Picatta. The veal was served as three large pieces which has been sautéed with lemon, white wine, garlic and capers, we couldn't have been happier.
The veal was accompanied by parmesan potatoes and broccoli rabe. For dessert, we had a cool and creamy panna cotta which was drizzled in sweet mango sauce. To end our meal in true Italian fashion our server suggested a chilled glass of limoncello and a hot cup of espresso, molto bene! Intimo makes you feel at home with it's warm service, good food, and cool atmosphere, you really can't go wrong.
Situated along Second Avenue on the Upper East Side, Intimo, a new renovated space, is the perfect spot for classic Italian fare without the fuss. I thought Intimo had good food in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. The food was very fresh and the portions generous. I found the menu diverse and reasonably priced, there was something for every taste. It’s also important to mention, the service was friendly and our server was very knowledgeable. Intimo also has a full bar featuring many specialty drinks. I was able to try one of their signature martinis, the “Mystery”, which featured muddled blueberries and raspberries, it had just the right amount of vodka, and was chilled to perfection. It was the perfect drink for a steamy night.
I started out my meal with the Involtini di Zucchine e Ricotta, fresh zucchini wrapped around sweet ricotta with a light hint of mint, it was a great starter. To go with my entrée I selected an excellent glass of Nero d'Avola wine from Intimo’s extensive wine list. The wine perfectly complimented my Branzino Grigliato, which was grilled to perfection and was accompanied by delicious broccoli rabe.
And of course, what Italian meal would be complete without amazing gelato, the generous portion of creamy vanilla would have been the perfect end to my meal. But no, we weren’t done just yet, in typical Italian style we also enjoyed chilled limoncello and a cup of espresso, now our meal was truly complete. I would recommend Intimo for a nice dinner or lunch whenever you happen to be in the mood for Italian on Second Avenue.
Peachy Picks Intimo!
