Peachy Picks Celeste Our Coverage Sponsored by Cosmopolitan Dental, Official Dentist of Whom You Know
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A great start at Celeste is delicious and refreshing for summer: Saute di Cozze-Mussels sauteed in white wine and garlic. Usually this is a starter we see in a French spot but we were pleased to see it grace this tiny Italian spot's menu. At 502 Amsterdam Avenue, Celeste is a neighborhood secret in terms of the cuisine, which is fantastic as is the wine list. Peachy sipped on a deeply flavorful Cesanese di Piglio Cantina Volpetti 2008 Lazio that was delightful and versatile. Celeste was featured in Tasty Tidbits earlier:
Led by owner Carmine (along with Giancarlo Quataei he owns 4 restaurants, 2 others in Manhattan), who is Italian from near Vicenza, Celeste serves gorgeous pasta:
The pasta was perfectly al dente and the mozzarella cubes just melted in our mouths. We split this one order and you should not skip the pasta course. Their fresh bread and olive oil especially is terrific.
Celeste is a terribly bustling place that maximizes its space. Note that you do need to put in your whole order at once so be decisive-they are quite efficient. If you are going to Celeste, you are going for the cuisine.
We heard the specials are lovely but we stuck to the main menu so you'd be able to order the same if you see something you like in our review. We did not get a chance to try the specials, but Peachy can confirm they do salmon quite well: it arrived medium as requested and the potatoes were roasted just right and together they were balanced perfectly by the sauteed spinach.
Traditional Tiramisu we believe was the final lovely touch of cuisine:
Our esteemed panelist adds:
Celeste is tucked along Amsterdam Avenue, a tiny brick joint, that if not for the happy crowds of hungry patrons waiting outside, you might actually pass right by. It is a great find with a bustling, cozy atmosphere serving authentic Neapolitan cuisine.
To start off the meal, the Involtini di Melanzane, beautiful freshly grilled eggplant stuffed with mouth watering pecorino cheese and prosciutto baked with fresh tomato sauce. Every bite melted in my mouth, flavorful but not too heavy. The eggplant was perfectly matched with a glass of Pinto Nero Villa Rocco 2010, one of 30 wines by the glass Celeste offers. The pasta course consisted of Pennette Mo Mo, penne with tomato sauce and diced fresh mozzarella. The pasta was cooked to perfection and this simple dish was great, something everyone would enjoy.
Medallioni di Vitelli al limone was a fantastic second piatti. Large pieces of fresh veal, seasoned just right and served with a large helping of roasted potatoes and spinach. And of course what Italian meal wouldn't be complete without a hot cappuccino and delightful tiramisu. Celeste is great neighborhood joint that will keep you coming back for more.
Peachy Picks the cuisine of Celeste!
502 Amsterdam Avenue New York, NY 10024
(212) 874-4559
no website as of this review
