Osteria Del Circo in NYC, NY
From January 23rd to 29th 2017, Circo is hosting its 5th Annual Bollito Misto and I was invited by Mauro Maccioni for a preview tasting last Thursday. I could not believe it had been 5 years already since the first occurrence of this special dinner, where I got the chance to meet with Mauro and Egidiana Maccioni, the matriarch of this famous family.
Dining room of Osteria Del Circo in NYC, NY
I love this casual Italian place that has an amazing decor that matches its name: a circus. Colorful and playful, it has a certain charm and the food served there has always been delicious. For the Bollito Misto meal, I was there for a treat, with a 4 course dinner that, at $49 with a glass of wine is a steal.
Bollisto Misto Menu at Osteria Del Circo in NYC, NY
The wine was a Lambrusco di Sorbara, Omaggio a Gino Friedman, a sparkling wine with a rosé color and notes of berries, perfect with antipasti like prosciutto or the Bollito Misto itself.
Lambrusco di Sorbara, Omaggio a Gino Friedman wine at Osteria Del Circo in NYC, NY
Lambrusco di Sorbara, Omaggio a Gino Friedman wine at Osteria Del Circo in NYC, NY
In fact, the first course was the antipasti, composed of prosciutto, mortadella, gnoccho fritto (that is fried dough), Parmigiano reggiano cheese, some sort of rilette, as well as candied fruit called Mostarda di cremona.
Antipasti at Osteria Del Circo in NYC, NY
Antipasti at Osteria Del Circo in NYC, NY
For the second dish, I was supposed to choose between the tortelli di zucca or pumpkin tortelli or cappelletti in brodo di capone. They graciously offered to serve both so I could try them. Both were really good, the pumpkin tortelli having a nice sweetness and being light and soft. The cappelletti were quite tasty, with a mix of herbs and meat, in a light broth.
Pasta course at Osteria Del Circo in NYC, NY
Pumpkin tortelli at at Osteria Del Circo in NYC, NY
Pasta course at Osteria Del Circo in NYC, NY
Cappelletti in brodo at at Osteria Del Circo in NYC, NY
Next was the bollito misto, the Italian pot au feu, that I have never seen on a restaurant menu before. It came with different condiments: roasted tomatoes and garlic, salsa verde, candied fruit, sea salt and mustard seeds similar to a moutarde a l'ancienne that you will put around the plate and eat with the meat. There were many different slices of meat that I admit could not name, and, in the center, a delicious bone marrow that was sublime.
Bollito misto at Osteria Del Circo in NYC, NY
Condiments for the bollito misto at Osteria Del Circo in NYC, NY
Last was dessert. It was a pear poached in wine, served with zabaglione, a thick Italian custard that was fantastic. The ice cream was chocolate flavor. It looked very elegant and was delicious.
Poached pear at Osteria Del Circo in NYC, NY
With it came some Italian cookies, but I admit that I barely touched them as I was already full...
Italian cookies at Osteria Del Circo in NYC, NY
This was a great dinner: comforting and delicious, and I thank the team at Circo for their hospitality. This is a unique meal that is served only one week every year, so do not miss it: it is worth trying!
Enjoy (I did)!
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