Cipriani Le Specialita
I was around the Bryant Park area this Tuesday and needed something quick to eat, and knowing the Cipriani had an outpost across the street from Grand Central made my decision a bit easier. The Cipriani “chain” is known for its lavish decor and excellent Italian cuisine…and also for its astronomical prices. The Cipriani Le Specialita takes the traditional Italian food served at the three New York Cipriani restaurants and the breath taking decor and turns it into a take-out restaurant for the business clientele. This Cipriani is even smaller than the sit-down Cipriani restaurants and features maybe 3 tables along with a stand-up bar. In the summer there’s an additional 3 two-person tables outside. The menu changes daily and features a pasta and meat dish along with a side and dessert. There’s also a salad bar and an array of sandwiches and cakes to choose from if the three course menu doesn’t appeal to you. The service is above average for a take out place as the servers actually bring the food to your table but doesn’t compare to the actual Cipriani restaurants. The food is good enough to justify the price tag. A normal sized portion of Farfalle with tomato sauce and pancetta will cost $13.50 (half the price of the Cipriani Downtown and almost a third of the price they charge at Harry Cipriani on 5th Avenue). The pasta is good, not the best like I said but good, and its cooked well with a sauce that wasn’t heavy or thick. Overall the Cipriani Le Specialita is a good option for those who aren’t willing to pay the hefty price tags of $26.95 for a plate of Penne with Veal Ragu at the Cipriani Downtown or $57 for Veal Milanese at Harry Cipriani or the Midtown business workers looking for someplace quick to eat. But those looking for the full Cipriani effect should look to dine at the other three Cipriani restaurants in Manhattan.
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