We're exploring Ithaca's Italian Renaissance this week with a visit to Mercato Bar & Kitchen in downtown Ithaca. This new eatery where Ragmann's used to be has a creative menu, terrific attention to detail, and masterfully prepared food.
We started with a classic cocktail at the beautiful new bar, in my case a Lion's Tail, a Manhattan-like drink featuring Maker's Mark bourbon with allspice liqueur, lime juice, and agave nectar for a dash of sweetness. The cocktail menu leans toward the classic, featuring the gin and whisky concoctions of decades gone by, but Mercato's skilled bartenders can make just about anything at their full bar.
Beyond the cocktails are over a dozen wine selections at just $6 a glass and $25 a bottle, and a couple dozen more featured wines at higher but still reasonable prices, including some excellent Finger Lakes wines as well as nice Italian picks. We've been very happy with the $25 bottle options on multiple visits.
On the appetizer menu, the chicken liver and pickled red onion crostini were a nice surprise, the pickled onion offering a bright contrast to the chopped liver. A cured meats & cheese plate features some mouthwatering morsels imported from Italy.
A dining companion said his gnocchi with short rib ragu was the best gnocchi he'd had since moving from California's Bay Area, and my chicken saltimbocca was tender and perfectly cooked, wrapped in a crispy layer of prosciutto and served up with fresh spinach and roasted fingerling potatoes.
The fresh fish in parchment paper was an exercise in simplicity and perfection, delicately seasoned fish steamed in a pouch and unwrapped at the table. Vegetarian options vary; ask your server for suggestions and to make sure a vegetarian-sounding item actually is.
Save room for a housemade dessert, such as the excellent pine nut tart or a special on one visit, light and creamy chocolate eclairs. Add an espresso or explore Mercato's interesting Italian liqueurs.
Plan on spending $25-40 per person for your meal. Mercato is open for dinner Monday through Saturday starting at 5. Find them on Restaurant Row at 108 North Aurora Street in Downtown Ithaca, visit mercatobarandkitchen.com, or call 607-319-5171 and tell them you heard about them here.
