Cavatappo

As it turns out, a few wine bars happen to be flocking to the Murray Hill neighborhood and there's nothing that pleases me more. I'm sure most of you would agree that Winter is nearly here if it isn't already, and though I like to go out, it's that much more fun if it's a mere few blocks away from where you live.

Cavatappo is the second newest wine bar to join the Murray Hill clan (Vino 313 being the newest), and is the perfect place to catch up with friends, grab a quick glass of wine, and even impress a date. Though this is Cavatappo's newest location, they also have a wine bar and a "grill", both located on the Upper East Side. Cavatappo's narrow interior proves to be more charming than cramped and quite lively considering its size. It's vast selection of reasonably priced wines definitely appeals to the discerning (and younger) Murray Hill clientele. And due to its size, there is sure to be a wait in the Winter months, and you all know how lines attract the Murray Hill crowd (Brother Jimmy's - wink, wink). In any case, Cavatappo is a wonderful Wine Bar that is deserving of wine conoisseurs from any borough.

A few months ago, I happened to be catching up with an old friend myself and was very pleased by my initial once over. The crowd was pleasantly a bit older and the conversation at a nice even pitch. I usually go to wine bars for a more relaxed setting where I don't have to scream every other word, and Cavatappo has somehow accomplished that.

We started off with a half carafe of ‘07 Malbec-Alamos from Mendoza, Argentina which was very tasty. Though overwhelmed by the large selection of cheese, meats, salads, and pizzas, we finally decided on a few delicious plates. We started off with the following:

Salad of Blue Cheese, Apple, Walnut, & Endive

Proscuitto di San Daniele



Mushroom and White Truffle Oil Pizza



All three dishes were delectable, as their ingredients were incredibly fresh and fragrant. My favorite was the Proscuitto S. Daniele, which was perfectly moist and just delicious. There's really no other word for it. I can't wait to go back and try some of their other Italian tapas! Mid way through our meal we ordered a second carafe of wine, which though I cannot remember the name had a nice cherry and oak flavoring, which was a bit spicy. It made a great finish to our meal.

I highly recommend this great, and somewhat new spot, for anyone who's interested in wine and fabulously fresh Italian produce.

CAVATAPPO, Wine Bar

347 Third Avenue, between 25th & 26th Streets (Murray Hill)
1728 Second Avenue, between 89 & 90th Streets (Upper East Side)

CAVATAPPO, Grill

1712 First Avenue, between 88th & 89th Streets