Charming Il Buco

Once an antique store on a quiet cobblestone street, Il Buco (47 Bond Street, 212-533-1932) has evolved into one of New York’s most treasured restaurants. Revered for its rustic Mediterranean cuisine, outstanding wine list and wonderful hospitality, Il Buco is an enduring favorite among notable chefs and restaurateurs including Alain Ducasse and Le Bernardin’s Eric Ripert who have both been known to enjoy a late supper in the restaurant’s 200 year old wine cellar.

With its sconce lit brick walls, floor to ceiling wine racks and recessed alcoves with wrought-iron gates, the wine cellar is full of old world charm and history. Legend has it that Edgar Allen Poe, once a regular patron of 47 Bond Street, was inspired by the private cellar while writing his short story, “The Cask of Amontillado.”

Perfect for an intimate dinner party or cocktail reception, the wine cellar can accommodate up to 25 guests. To have the space exclusively, the room rental is $500 and the food and beverage minimum ranges from $2800 to $3500 depending on the night of the week.

A prix fixe dinner menu starts at $75 per person and includes a choice of five appetizers served family style, a choice of four entrées and dessert with coffee and tea. Some of our favorite dishes include raw fluke with sliced avocado, orange, pine nuts, lemon and cilantro and the Pappardelle ai Funghi, a delicious home-made pasta with porcini and black trumpet mushrooms, parsley and parmesan. Cocktails include passed hors d’oeuvres selected from a seasonal list of appetizers and crostini.

As a party favor, order custom gift boxes of their Umbrian olive oil, Fiore di Sale (sea salt) and aged balsamic vinegar for your guests.

For large groups in the main dining room, at the chef’s table or to reserve the wine cellar, contact Cat Supernavage at 212-533-0601 or visit www.ilbuco.com.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Il Buco.