Cari Amici Miei,  

When will spring finally get here? Aren't you tired of the cold, bitter weather and let's not talk about the snow/ice events? 

This month Sotto Sopra Restaurant celebrates its 15th anniversary, can you believe it? What started as a playful idea with some investors 15 years ago turned out to be a full blown business - who knew? 

Anyway, Monika, Amelia and I are back from a recent culinary tour in New York con la famiglia. We first went to Eataly, Mario Batali's version of Harrods but all Italian food. We actually entered the store as Maria Bartiromo was interviewing Lidia Bastianich on CNBC and Amelia made her starring debut as she walked beside them and got on camera. Amelia had a blast going all around and flirting with the mozzarella maker from Sicily and the baristas at the front entrance. (check out video below). 

We then visited Da Ciro restaurant. He was the man that invented the famous focaccia Sofia at Serafina restaurants. Pizza stuffed with Robiola cheese and truffle oil - yummy. We visited Locanda Verde on Greenwich Street. This is an unbelievable restaurant. Owner, chef Andrew Carmellini has a great cookbook out called Urban Italian: Simple Recipes and True Stories from a life in food. You should check it out. The food was amazing and so simple. Next time you are in New York you must taste their food, make reservations PRONTO!

We hope to see you this month. We have created Sotto Sopra's In and Out Farm Fresh lunches - a two course lunch for $20 which includes coffee or iced tea. We want to offer a "quality" lunch, fresh products from the farm that will have you in and out of the restaurant within an hour. Don't get us wrong, please feel free to linger.  Want a glass of wine or dessert just add $6. In reality, the menu reflects whatever the farmers bring me. This past week we offered a red beet risotto with goat cheese

The spring holidays are upon us, Passover and Easter. On Easter Sunday Sotto Sopra will be open our normal hours 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will be offering our regular menu. To all our clientele, we wish you the best of the holiday season.  Anytime you gather family around a table it is a celebration.    

This month's Opera Night is coming earlier in the month, April 10th in deference to the holidays. 

Finally I want to thank you for your patronage this past 15 years. I hope you will continue coming to Sotto Sopra and I hope to provide you always with great food and a memorable dining experience.

Until next month,

Take care of each other.

Ciao,