By Olivia Cuccaro
Courtesy of Coffeemania
What has become a household name among gourmands in Moscow should not be overlooked as merely a latte lounge in New York. Opening its doors to Manhattan is Coffeemania, a fine dining destination with Russian roots.
After the success of more than 30 locations overseas, Coffeemania has finally made its stateside debut where it offers guests contemporary American cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. Designed by GBRH, the 105-seat venue features simple but stately decor, with wooden accents and sage green leather beneath high ceilings and soft pendant lighting. Teak tables and banquettes present opportunities for both intimate dining as well as family fare. An open-concept bar area allows guests a glimpse into the kitchen where Executive Chef Titus Wang combines Asian influence with classic French techniques to create an exquisite culinary program.
Courtesy of Coffeemania
“We focus on the seasonality of local ingredients, using only the freshest available, while creating an approachable menu with a twist,” said Wang in speaking to Elite Traveler. “The Kale and Oyster dish is currently my favorite dish on the menu. The barely cooked baby kale, combined with oyster mushrooms and candied pecans, is beautifully pulled together with the oyster cream, giving this simple composed salad an earthy, briny taste.”
Carried over from Russia, the restaurant’s starter of homemade black bread with herb butter is to be savored while you explore the menu. For drinks, the bar serves up classic cocktails–try the Gin & Tonic for the presentation, alone–but the health-conscious will revel in Coffeemania’s selection of non-alcoholic spritzers and fruit infusions. Appetizers include Wagyu Carpaccio, Roasted Bone Marrow, the Kale and Oyster dish along with salads, soups (like Borsch, of course). Entrees range from a decadent Lobster Uni Carbonara to Berkshire Pork Chop, but we personally recommend the olive oil poached Skuna Bay Salmon with white asparagus. It’s important to save room for dessert as the restaurant prides itself on after-dinner delicacies made in-house. Treat yourself to a Pannochka hazelnut cake and, out of necessity, a Raf sweet coffee.
Courtesy of Coffeemania
“Each aspect of our guest’s dining experience has been consciously curated,” Coffeemania General Manager Chelsea Nightengale told us. “Taking into account every detail such as how a glass feels in one’s hand, to the luxurious comfort and aesthetically pleasing design of our interior decor and tableware, to the wine list which features varietal driven selections from unique, lesser-known producers from popular regions. We look to offer guests a complete dining experience from the moment they walk in the door.”
Coffeemania is now open for lunch and dinner (breakfast and brunch coming soon) at 1065 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10018. For reservations, email info@coffeemanianyc.com or call +1 212 221 2510.
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