The latest NYC hotspot from Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich, La Sirena, is located in the heart of Chelsea at 88 9th Avenue between 16th and 17th Streets. The restaurant will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Wine Chef is giving this restaurant a BIG 👍!

#1) THE BAR - A big, long (38 feet!!), beautiful white marble bar with friendly and knowledgeable bartenders who were happy to give little tastes of wines by the glass. I had a wonderful conversation about wine, sherry and whiskies with one barman..... so much fun!! Their cocktail list was quite extensive with unique offerings such as the "Siren Song" made from anejo tequila, St George spiced pear, walnut and cinnamon smoke! The bar stools are as plush and comfortable as any dining room chair. I could have easily stayed there for the whole evening!

Sampling a delicious Teroldego wine from the Trentino-Alto Adige region of Italy.

#2) THE FOOD - Everything my daughter and I ordered was tasty and beautifully presented. Don't miss either the homemade buratta with chunks of deliciously sweet butternut squash with a pesto pantesco or the fresh crudo preparation of the day. We also enjoyed grilled, meaty sardines and a braised veal brisket dish with olive oil potatoes and salsa verde. The portions are quite hearty so we could only fit in one dessert to share 😩 but it sure was good! 😋. The light and pillowy doughnuts were served with roasted pineapple and vanilla gelato….yum!

Beautifully presented Crudo of the Day with

Fresh, plump, grilled sardines served with a tangy coleslaw.

Who doesn't like doughnuts, especially when they are as light and fluffy as these?!

#3). THE SERVICE - Excellent service for such a new restaurant. The wait staff anticipated all of our needs and the timing between courses was just right, not too fast nor too slow. There are two dining rooms and the night we were there only the one to the left of the bar was open and it was completely full by the time we were leaving around 11:00 pm.

#4). THE VIBE - The decor is a beautiful, 1960s "mod" design with a casually elegant feel to it. There are striking Portuguese tiles for the flooring with a matching motif found in the tableware . The lighting was just right, neither too dim nor too bright. The acoustics were loud but not overly so. Overall, a great vibe!

#5). THE LOCATION - You're in Chelsea! One of the most "happening" parts of NYC. Just walking to and from La Sirena you can feel a party spirit from the people you pass on the street. I'm looking forward to warmer weather and being able to sit outside on the large, elevated patio overlooking Ninth Avenue. I think I will start off that evening with a Spicy Little Number as I watch the sun set over the Hudson River!