Marea: Seafood, Pasta, and My Latest Fave NYC Lunch
Oh, Marea ... Your Michelin 1-star, NYT 3 stars, and best new restaurant are all well-deserved.
But that wasn't why I went. I went because Sam Kim of LAist said I should, and I'm more than glad I did.
Business lunch at Marea runs $34 for 2 courses and the bright and spacious restaurant across from Central Park was a pleasure to dine in.
My lunch buddy got a tasting of three crudos for the first course ($8 supplement).All three of the crudos we chose were wonderful but in particular I really enjoyed the delicateness and simplicity of the PASSERA which is the long island fluke with lemon thyme and olio nuovo.
I (surprise, surprise) ordered the ASTICE containing Nova Scotia lobster, burrata, eggplant al fungheto, basil and basil seeds.
![](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2723/4276223290_e079e2af59_o.jpg)
Moving into a more flavor-forward dish with the POLIPO (grilled octopus, insalata di riso, fava, yellow tomato).
![](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2766/4269735735_47f0e91638_o.jpg)
In contrast to the delicate and meticulous plating of our first courses, the pasta courses looked decidedly simple but they were just as masterfully executed.
For my second course: Spaghetti with Santa Barbara uni, crab, and basil.
![](http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4272224757_20310b4551.jpg)
You can actually get some meat or fish dishes as your second course, but we both got our pasta this late afternoon. My companion had the equally delicious MARE (acquarello risotto, scallops, gulf shrimp, lobster - $5 supplement).
![](http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4276210618_4b81a36969.jpg)
Both of the desserts we initially ordered were nice but they were shadowed by the brilliance of our two courses.
![](http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4277288971_36e0c51bf0_m.jpg)
![](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2702/4277292833_07018190a6_m.jpg)
The dessert portions were small and we were somehow unsatisfied, and so we ended up getting another one. Our server recommended the Torrone and it proved to be more satisfying than the first two.
![](http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4278031950_79dd33f131_o.jpg)
For their crudi, antipasti, and pasta, however, there is no reason not to go to Marea. Just go.
Marea
240 Central Park South
New York, NY 10021
(212) 582-5100
www.marea-nyc.com
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