Alta Strada

Alta Strada is an Italian restaurant from Chef Michael Schlow, named “Best Chef in the Northeast” by the James Beard Foundation. His ability to capture a variety of global cuisines and techniques has led to appearances on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters as well as other popular late night shows.  Closest Metro is Chinatown-Gallery Place.

 

We ordered a bottle of Montepulciano D'Abruzzo, Colline Teramane, Cerulli Spinozzi, Abruzzo, 2011 which was a very dry dark red that complimented our shared meal of the night that included Housemade Ricotta with sage and chili flakes, Prosciutto with fig jam and crostini, and a Tallegio Melt with mushrooms and truffle oil.  Each of these bites were satisfying and freshly made.

For a little heavier antipasti, Keith wanted to try the Crunchy Meatballs with spicy tomato basil sauce.  It was hard to discern the meat inside the fried coating, but the portion was decent and perfect for sharing.

The Eggplant "Parmigiano" with basil marinated tomatoes and shaved parmesan cheese stood out to me on the menu, however I was expecting a bit more traditional of a baked presentation.  Instead individual slices of eggplant were deep fried and topped with the raw chopped cherry tomatoes and micro-basil.  I would have preferred actual sauce on top of this dish.

Lastly, we shared a pasta dish of Cavatelli with pancetta, broccoli rabe and rosemary.  This dish was over salted, but the pasta was cooked perfectly and the flavor combinations were satisfying.

For dessert we ordered the fun sounding Mascarporeos - chocolate shortbread with mascarpone cream.  It was pretty bland, though.  The cream was light and fluffy, but I wanted more chocolate flavor to go with the glass of Barolo Chinato that we shared (a strong, port-like dessert wine).

Overall, the food at Alta Strada was nothing special, but are decent portions for sharing.  The location is kind of out of the way within the new City Vista area, yet still very accessible.  The tables were made of uneven wood to give a rustic appeal, I suppose, but were annoying as glasses and plates did not stay flat on top.  Service was very attentive - there were way more servers floating around than guests - and they timed out the courses expertly.  If you're in the area and looking for a place to hang with friends with great nibbles and wine, then this is your place.

Total Rating: 3.83
Food: 3.5, Price: 4, Service: 5, Ambience: 3.5, Accessibility: 5