Stories from the Lucciola table: Italian fine dining, wine culture, tasting experiences, private dining, and the people who shape our restaurant on the Upper West Side.
Lucciola Blog
Stories from the Lucciola Table
This is where we collect the ideas, dinners, wines, ingredients, and moments that define Lucciola. Some stories begin in the kitchen, others at the table, others in the cellar. Together, they reflect our way of thinking about Italian fine dining in New York City: with time, coherence, and intention.
All | Restaurant | By Chef MCM | Italian Food Culture | Wine | Wine Dinners | Events | Press & Awards
25-Year-Old White Wine Dinner in NYC
At our latest Lucciola Wine Club dinner in NYC, we devoted the evening to aged white wines with Cantina Terlano — including a nearly 20-year-old Pinot Bianco that redefined what white wine can become.
An intimate setting, a full vertical lineup, and a menu built to move in step with the wines — this is what Wine Club is for.
Barbaresco and Il Bricco by Pio Cesare
Cesare Benvenuto shared that at Pio Cesare, every vintage is seen as exceptional, thanks to their unwavering commitment to high standards in both winemaking and viticulture. With the same winemaker at the helm for over 40 years, they have masterfully balanced tradition with innovation. Together with his cousin Federica, Cesare personally ensures that every release upholds the family’s legacy of excellence.
Costaripa Wine Dinner
Expert Excerpt: Mastering Rosé Wine Pairing in Fine Dining
Pairing rosé wines with fine dining is an art, blending flavors that enhance both the dish and the wine. At Lucciola's recent Costaripa dinner, Executive Chef Michele Casadei Massari created a menu that perfectly complemented the vibrant acidity and floral notes of the rosé wines. Guided by Nicole Vezzola, daughter of winemaker Mattia Vezzola, the pairings focused on storytelling and tradition. With dishes like Lobster Pasticcio and Duck à l'Orange Risotto, the evening showcased how versatile and elegant rosé wines can be in a gourmet setting.
Exciting New Wine Club Dinner Season at Lucciola
We are delighted to announce the launch of our new Wine Club Dinner season at Lucciola, beginning on September 5, 2024. This season promises an exploration of both young, innovative wineries and legendary estates, offering our guests a truly unique and enriching experience. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious newcomer, this series of dinners is designed to captivate your palate and expand your appreciation for the art of winemaking.
Beyond Brut Rosé: A Journey Through Billecart-Salmon
Following the resounding success of the 2023 event, Lucciola once again hosted Billecart-Salmon for a culinary journey. Chef Michele Casadei Massari has curated a seven-course tasting menu paired with the latest releases from this Champagne House, including highlights like the 2012 Billecart-Salmon Elisabeth Rosé Vintage and the 2012 Louis Salmon Blanc de Blancs.
When Wine and Exotic Cars Meet. A Night of Elegance, Sophistication and Patina
On June 4th, at Lucciola, it was not an ordinary night. Wine connoisseurs and exotic car enthusiasts, two communities driven by passion and a keen eye for excellence, gathered for a truly extraordinary event. Like a patina, the setting sun casts a golden glow over the gathering, hinting at the splendor that awaited within.
Savoring Excellence: A Night with Casanova di Neri
On May 22nd, 2024, Lucciola hosted a special evening. The spotlight shone on the legendary Casanova di Neri estate, whose wines were a siren song for wine lovers.
Tasting Journey with Château Angelus and Lucciola
Last night, Apr 3, 2023, at Lucciola, we kicked off our Wine Club's French Wines Month in style, showcasing the extraordinary Bordeaux from Chateau Angelus.
Maître d' Alexandra Lascu warmly welcomed the guests, adding a personal touch to the evening. From the first bite to the last sip, every moment celebrated culinary excellence and shared camaraderie.
Suadela Showcase: An Evening of Italian Wine Excellence
In the heart of New York City's Upper West Side, amidst the bustling streets of the metropolis, a symphony of flavors unfolded on the evening of March 20, 2024. At the esteemed Lucciola restaurant, renowned chef Michele Casadei Massari crafted an unforgettable seven-course menu to accompany the exquisite lineup of wines from Suadela.
Wine Dinner with Donnafugata at Lucciola
On the evening of Monday, February 26, 2024, Lucciola hosted an unforgettable wine dinner, featuring the exquisite wines of Donnafugata, a beacon among Sicilian wine brands. This event marked Lucciola's second wine dinner of the year, showcasing a remarkable collaboration with Donnafugata, a name synonymous with the best wines from Sicily. Antonio Rallo, the esteemed winemaker from Donnafugata, graced New York City with his presence, bringing with him the rich flavors and heritage of Sicilian wines after a nearly five-year absence.
Champagne Dinner with Frank Pascal at Lucciola
Lucciola, the exquisite Italian restaurant in the heart of the city, played host to a Champagne Dinner curated by none other than the masterful winemaker, Frank Pascal. This exclusive event, organized by the Wine Society, marked the beginning of a spectacular year for wine enthusiasts, bringing together the finest biodynamic wines from Champagne.
A Journey Through Gattinara
Lucciola, New York's culinary gem, hosted an exclusive Travaglini wine dinner on October 26, 2023. Guided by Alessia Travaglini, guests embarked on a journey through Gattinara's terroir. Each pour—from the vibrant Coste della Sesia 2022 to the ethereal Nebolè—unveiled the region's rich heritage. Chef Michele Massari's culinary artistry enhanced the experience, with dishes thoughtfully paired to complement the wines' nuances. As Alessia shared the family's winemaking legacy, guests were transported to Gattinara's sun-drenched slopes. It was an evening of elegance, flavor, and camaraderie—a celebration of Travaglini's timeless wines and the enduring allure of Italian terroir.