Ecco Restaurant Since 1983 Inaugural Review Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
The phenomenal Carpaccio!
Scampi alla Griglia!
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A bastion of classy gentility in downtown Manhattan, Ecco Restaurant was a distinct pleasure to visit recently for the first time.
Originally opened in 1983, Ecco has a wonderful history that was continued in 1998 when current owner Ray Colovic joined as manager, becoming owner in 2013. Ecco is a beautiful one-of-a-kind experience that will simply delight you in every way.
Peachy and Ray
When we were walking by, an angel named Liz Smith whispered in our ear: "You're going to love it there Peachy because they even have a bartender from Swifty's." You know what Swifty's was famous for on Whom You Know...and actually, Ecco did remind us of Swifty's.
On our first visit, all the little details were flawlessly attended to, and it's clear why this venue has thrived for so many years. Dishes are prepared fresh daily and the welcoming elegant atmosphere is surely attractive from anyone on a date to a family celebration.
The appetizer that jumped out at us impressively was the Carpaccio, and we rejoiced in its succulent thinness. Sliced raw filet mignon will make your carnivorous dreams come true, and every bite was divine. Below you will discover a garden of well-chopped arugula, a bevy of nutrition! It is exactly this gorgeous, darling:
The Insalate course continued in classic style with Tricolore: Arugula, endive and raddicchio. Brilliant in both color and flavor, this salad was completely fresh and exactly what you'd want in a simple salad. And, they put the dressing on the side for us as requested, getting it right the first time.
We thought we had found every pasta we coveted in Manhattan by 2018, but we were wrong. When we're wrong, we'll tell you as soon as we figure it out! There are literally a dozen pasta choices on the Ecco menu, which are twelve reasons alone to go visit based on our first incredible taste of this amazing dish: Tortelloni alla Pannna: Cheese filled pasta, cream and parmesean absolutely hits the spot in the dead of winter. Pure creamy deliciousness will make your day. Fresh pepper and fresh parmesean make all the difference.
Speaking of the dead of winter, we are totally impressed that Ray is the kind of restaurant owner that personally is there greeting his guests with a smile and cheer, and making sure his sidewalks are perfect like a great Manhattan citizen. Snow does not stop Ray! Most restaurant owners here are absolutely in it to win it, but pictures speak louder than words.
Mmmmmm more hearty goodness arrives with Pollo alla Fiorentina! No ordinary chicken, this exceptional dish boasts welcoming warmth and gracefully rests upon spinach with white wine and shallots, striking the right balance between hit-the-spot and uber-upscale. Perfectly pounded, this should be your dinner tonight.
We applaud the green beans! They are Peachy's favorite vegetable.
Wait! Is that Chris Kreider (BC ALUM!), Ryan McDonagh, Rick Nash, Mats Zuccarello and Henrik Lundqvist? (They are all New York Rangers if you are not reading NHL Peachy...) You might think so because there's nothing small or shimpy about these winners that are ready to score a hat trick in your stomach. Meet Scampi alla Griglia! Beautifully butterflied, this shrimp grilled with herbs and garlic has jumbo flavor and you'll be so glad to meet them. Note that we did spy NHL action on the tv by the bar and this is a hockey-friendly atmosphere, which does make every bite taste even better.
We were incredibly impressed with Ecco and Ray on our first visit and we can't wait to see what they do next.
