SERRA by Birreria is one of the hot spots for a dinner date night this summer season. Located at Eataly’s rooftop, and changing per season, this Summer vine-draped hideaway is the perfect escape in the middle of the busy NoMad streets. And of course being located on top of some of the most fresh and authentic pasta groceries on this side of the Atlantic, you’re expecting to have some delicious #eeeeeats.
I will get right to it – my main had to be one of the housemade pastas. Pictured above is the Gnocchi Al Pomodoro. Potato gnocchi, Mutti tomato, basil, Zerto ricotta salata served in a surprisingly generous portion. My first question, what are Mutti tomatoes? Turns out they are Italy’s number one brand of tomatoes thanks to their focus on quality and consistency in sauces produced by the brand from them. Mutti tomatoes are renowned for their great taste – each tomato remains remarkably fresh tasting, fragrant and naturally-sweet. It’s quite an interesting story you can read all about here! OK now what is Zerto ricotta salata? Simply put, it is a variation of ricotta cheese that originates in Italy and differs in its being made from sheep’s milk and more dry texture. What is the same is it is any cheese lovers dream.
Combined with fresh basil and gnocchi that you can taste the love having gone into- this dish is everything you could want in a pasta. It is deeply rich in flavor, combines several chewy textures and has the history behind it to be worth the description of an “authentic” Italian meal.
But alas, to not try something else when doing a seasonal visit would be a shame. So why not try a bit of everything with the Grande Antipasto, the grand appetizer. Liuzzi burrata, peperonata, giardiniera and marinated olives served with grilled homemade bread.
Liuzzi burrata is known for being made authentically and is that creamy, melt in your mouth cheese you can expect when cutting into it. Slightly oozing out, it is begging to be scooped onto the grilled bread or directly in your mouth with a spoon. Perfected with a drizzle of olive oil and sea salt, it is a mouthwatering burrata, some of the best. The peppers and tomatoes you see in the front of the image are the peperonata- an Italian vegetable stew typically composed of red bell peppers, tomatoes and garlic. While served as a side here, it can be used directly in a pasta, a sauce or a ragu. It reminds me of a dish my mom makes, sautéing these ingredients and serving directly from the pan with some warm homemade bread. Brought me right back to those childhood meals and I absolutely love it. Healthy, real ingredients that combined bring a lot of flavor by themselves or to any complimentary dish, and very filling. Giardiniera serves a contrast in flavor. Vegetables are pickled in vinegar or oil but seasoned with spice for a bit of a kick. Unlike the other vegetables or cheeses served, these have their own “pickly” taste but similarly could be served with another dish like pizza or atop hot dogs. Overall, a great appetizer to share and try so many different flavors and quality Italian foods.
Of course I can’t mention a getaway oasis without sharing the scene. The lights and greenery below round out the feeling that Dorothy, we’re not in Manhattan anymore:
PS this is not our first time in one of Eataly’s restaurant establishments. Il Patio di Eataly was just as stunning of an ambiance to soak in some classics.
