The address brought back fond memories. During my college days at Columbia (mid-1950's), I often hung out at the 1 Fifth Avenue hotel that was built in 1927. The ground floor ballroom, bar, and restaurant originally served hotel guests and residents. In 1976 the building went co-op and a restaurant opened that served residents and guests.
From 1989 to 1991 it operated as a steakhouse. The curse of 1 Fifth Ave continued when a sequel to Gotham opened in the space in 1992 followed by One-Fifth Ave in 1994. Clementine occupied the space from 1997 to 2000. The curse was removed when Joe Bastianich and his then partner Mario Batali (that is another story) opened an Italian Enoteca Pizzeria modeled after an Italian train station. Otto (meaning 8 in Italian) began in January 2003 and has been rocking ever since.
The Saturday afternoon wine tastings (4:00-5:30 PM) are located at the standing high-top tables in the front enoteca, or private dining room. Each class includes tastes of five wines (normally there are three reds and two whites). To complement the wines, classes include the chef’s selection of artisanal cheeses and house-cured meats. All classes are led by a Sommelier from Otto’s staff.
Sicilia, You’re Breakin’ My Heart- $75 – Saturday, February 15th, 2020. Kris Tracy joined Otto in the fall of 2019 and conducted the tasting. "The tiny island has so many fabulous wines to offer. Drink wines from Mount Etna in the East to Vittoria in the South." The wine list had about 280 ALL Italian wines listed, as well as a separate page of 55 wines, priced $50 and under (great idea). The room was sold out with 20 people. The capacity for the restaurant is 283.
Wine 1- Rosato- 2018 Faro DOC, Rosato, Bonavita- 80% nerello mascalese, 20% nocera- $50 on the wine list- Herbal, balanced acidity, soft fruity, fills the mouth.
Wine 2- Bianco- 2017 Terre Siciliane IGT, E.T. Acosta, Versante Nord- minella bianco- $65 on the wine list- Strawberries, honey, crisp acidity.
Wine 3- Bianco- 2016 Sicilia DOC, Eruzione 1614- carricante, riesling- $70 on the wine list- Soft, light, flinty, metallic, small amount of Riesling.
Wine 4- Rossi- 2014 Etna DOC, Alice Bonaccorsi, Val Cerasa- 80% nerello mascalese, 20% nerello cappuccio- $65 on the wine list- minerality, needs food.
Wine 5- Rossi- 2017 Terre Siciliane IGT, E.T. Acosta, "Versante Nord"- 80% nerello mascalese, 20% indigenous grapes including carricante- $65 on the wine list- black pepper, light color, tannins. My favorite.
The audience seemed to know wine and was involved with the discussion. I asked for a spitoon and perhaps the participants should be given an extra plastic cup for spitting. Also, maybe refill the cheese plate or at least add bread? But thoroughly educational and well done.
Can’t make one of the public sessions? Looking for a special event? Private wine classes are available for groups of 6+guests. For more information, contact [email protected]. Or call 212- 995-9559. Restaurant open 7 days a week- Noon-10PM- 11 PM on Friday & Saturday.
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