Peachy Picks Trattoria Alba Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
Owner Myra Banta
Fresh Origins is America’s leading producer of Microgreens and Edible Flowers. Combining the benefits of an ideal climate with a deep passion for quality and innovation, Fresh Origins products are sought after by the finest restaurants and top chefs. The farm is located in the picturesque rolling hills of San Diego County, where the near perfect weather allows for production and harvest all year. Fresh Origins produces almost 400 Microgreens, Petitegreens, Edible Flowers, Shoots, Tiny Veggies™ and related items. Many are not available anywhere else, with new introductions nearly every month. Fresh Origins products are on top of the finest cuisine in the world! Fresh Origins supplies distributors of specialty produce who serve fine dining restaurants and resorts nationwide. There are also a few online sources of their products available to private chefs and home cooks. For more information about Fresh Origins, visit their website at www.freshorigins.com
Though they have six children, Myra and Mel Banta have a seventh child called Trattoria Alba that is a charming space in Murray Hill serving delicious Italian fare that absolutely hits the spot. Since 1990, Trattoria Alba has been impressing both locals and tourists alike as they are conveniently located on 34th Street in Manhattan. Myra graciously greeted us as soon as we arrived and immediately we felt at home at Trattoria Alba.
Trattoria Alba was first featured in Tasty Tidbits:
and we are pleased to announce it has joined the ranks of Peachy's Picks.
Trattoria Alba has a wine list that is both extensive and impressive, and make sure you turn the page over to see all the fantastic selections from Italy! At Myra's suggestion, we sipped on a superior bottle: Dolcetto D'Alba 2009 which had a crisp finish and full body. It was an ideal pairing for our visit throughout the meal.
Though Peachy Deegan often orders from regular menus when in review mode so readers can replicate her experience if they wish, in this case she deviated from the norm as you know she is quite a crabby girl (with enhanced crabbiness by Pam Barefoot recently...).
If you heard that jumbo shrimp with crabmeat sauteed in white wine olive oil was on the menu with peruvian asparagus as a special, you'd also have a hard time resisting this winner of a starter. The seafood was delectable and the asparagus provided both a visual and nutritional highlight.
As a pasta course, though there were many intriguing and enticing options, the one Peachy heard calling her name most convincingly was the Rigatoni Al Quattro Formaggi otherwise known as large tube pasta with fresh mozzarella, parmesan, pecorino and fontina cheese in pink sauce. The pasta was perfectly al dente and the symphony of fromage delighted our senses. The atmosphere at Trattoria Alba has a homey neighborhood feel to it and would be equally suited for a casual dinner or a romantic one. Myra is an engaged owner and is truly interested in all her guests; all of them were enjoying themselves...and we noted she also excels at eyeliner application and like Mover and Shaker Sandra Davidoff, she loves to talk about her precious grandchild!
As an entree, you can't go wrong with the splendid Dentice Moniere: Wild Red Snapper sauteed in white wine sauce with lemon and capers. Green beans, carrots and rice also joined the party from the sea. The sauteing was masterful and the finished result snapped your most impressed tastebuds to attention.
Also, Peachy Deegan wore shoes made in Italy by Dee Keller to the review. We look forward to telling you more about these two more great things coming out of Italy!
There is a bevy of desserts to choose from...
...and no matter which you choose, a cappuccino is in order! Peachy Deegan opted for the chocolate raspberry cake, but must admit that the Tiramisu made in-house ordered by our panelist was even better!
Our esteemed panelist adds:
Every neighborhood needs a great Italian joint and Trattoria Alba is the go-to spot for Murray Hill. This cozy restaurant has been serving authentic northern Italian for over twenty two years. At Trattoria Alba, owners Mel and Myra Bauta make you feel at home. Their top priority is your comfort and enjoyment, and trust me, you will enjoy this meal.
We started our meal with a delightful bottle of full bodied Dolcetto d'alba. An excellent choice off Trattoria Alba's extensive wine list. This paired nicely with the mouthwatering Melanzane Rollatini, fresh rolled eggplant oozing with tomato and ricotta cheese. It was awesome, perfect for a cold winter's night and something I would come back for. I also sampled the house special of fresh jumbo shrimp and crab meat with white wine, garlic and lemon, served with asparagus. It was fresh and flavorful the perfect start to our meal.
Next we sampled a few pasta dishes from Trattoria Alba's many offerings. The Spaghette Alla Carbonara was wonderful, perfectly al dente with just the right amount of cheese and cured bacon. If I lived in Murray Hill this would be my star dish after a long day.
From the Carni menu I tried the delicious Saltimbocca Alla Romana, veal scalloppini with prosciutto and spinach. From the presentation to the quality of veal, this dish hit the nail on the head. With just the right amount of seasoning the veal melted in my mouth. It was so good that despite the portion being quite large, I cleaned my plate. Yes, it was that good.
Just when we thought we couldn't have a bite more a temping dessert tray was brought to the table. I settled on a lovely frothy cappuccino and the home made tiramisu. The tiramisu was to die for, creamy, sweet with hints of expresso and cinnamon the perfect dessert to go with such a lovely meal.
The perfect ending to our experience was over a nice glass of lemoncello with owner, Myra learning about Trattoria Alba, her staff, many of which have been with her for all twenty two years, and of course her own family. You begin to see that the lines blur and that for Myra Trattoria Alba is a labor of love and everyone who walks through her door is treated just like family.
You don't have to live in Murray Hill to discover this fantastic Italian experience, venture over to 34th street and be treated like family at Trattoria Alba.
Peachy Picks Trattoria Alba!
Trattoria Alba is Recommended by Whom You Know.
