Il Mulino New York - San Juan/Isla Verde (Ritz Hotel)-Thrilled to Give Great Report This Time
So happy we went to Il Mulino's to give it another chance after a so-so experience about 6 months ago.
WOW! Hit 100% in every area. Great ambiance, warm/welcoming and inviting staff, great anticipatory service -- with just the right touches, delicious food, value priced for the quality and quantity. So happy to report this.
Drinks were served promptly as ordered. Then, as we were browsing the menu we were given a bread basket with white, wheat, and garlic bread sticks. (No measly one roll per person doled out on request,here). Followed by their complimentary appetizer plate:a few slices of salami/sausage, a small chunk of cheese, a toasted chunk of italian bread topped with chopped tomatoes,onions, etc (bruschetta),and a mound of thinly sliced perfectly sauteed zuchinni.
For dinner I had the grilled salmon which came perfectly cooked (I like my fish cooked in the center) covered with a melange of a variety of mushrooms on top a bed of broccoli rabe. The fish portion was huge..and could easily have been shared. I hated to leave so much on the plate....wound up giving some of the rabe and mushrooms to my spouse. My husband had a half order of fettucine with lamb ragout -- his favorite. The regular portions are tremendous bowls and even the half portion he had was a nice size especially after the appetizers. He said it was so good he wished he could eat a whole order! (PS they don't show half orders on the menu but are happy to do so for almost any of the pasta dishes, just ask!)
New serving pieces were given at each course, water glasses refilled before you needed to ask them to be, pleasant friendly waiters assisted. What a refreshing delightful evening!
Too full to even consider desert, we passed on them but admired with longing some sabayon and berries garnishing of one of our neighbors's selections.
NB I'm not a grappa fan (to me it's like drinking lighter fluid), but I was fascinated by the container in which it was stored: A huge copper pot filled with crushed ice surrounding a glass inset with a long handled ladle in the middle disappearing deep within the pot. This serves to keep the liquid ice cold. When I asked about it, we received a little taste to try it. Sure clears your sinuses!
And how lovely to be told, thanks for coming, hope you come back as we were leaving...
We'll definitely be back.
