Enoteca Maria - Staten Island

So our friend Julia found the Enoteca Maria...

... in Staten Island.

This is my first time riding the Ferry for a destination.  I've done the ferry to 'swing by' the Statue and turn back around.  I've done the ferry to go to work, but otherwise, never a place to eat or visit.

Since you have to past by the Statue of Liberty, it is kinda nice to see it in the Sunset light.

They serve you with these yummy Italian bread with onion, tomato and chives.  It's like little pillows when you bite into them.

This is Risotto con Gorgonzola by Nonna Christina from Bergamo, Milano.  

That's their schtick, as the saying goes, who cooks better than grandmas, so they have all the grandmas from across the world to cook the dinner.  Every day is different, even though they have a main Nonna D'Italia in the house.

I ended up asking for salmon for entree.  Don't think the dish is simple, the Nonna really packed in the flavors.  It is well seasoned, not dried, and delicious.

It comes with side of vegetables... well, it's a bit more than I'd imagined.  It's sweet potato with pesto sauce, and broccoli.  Yum!

Despite having so much food, we all decided to split the tiramisu, it's not too much alcohol or coffee, it's light and not heavy.  If all tiramisu are that way, I'll never put down the spoon.

Night view of the City.  

We had to take the Staten Island Ferry from downtown to Staten Island.  It runs every half hour and doesn't cost you anything to ride it.  It does get crazy around dinner time, because people want to go home to have dinner with their family.  

The Enoteca is just a short walk from the Ferry Terminal.  Though the place is tiny, they have 2 kitchens, one small one upstairs and a bigger one downstairs.  The upstairs one is for the featuring Nonna, the downstair one is the main Nonna's.  The staff are super friendly, totally expecting tourist crowds, though we've seen quite a few locals coming in.  They only accept cash, and you do need to make a reservation.  Don't make a trek out there for nothing, call ahead.

My tip: on the way there, the Statue of Liberty is on your right side, try to go to 2nd deck and sit out on the outside (weather permitting) you can get a pretty good shot of the harbor plus the Statue.  Coming back, Statue is on your left side so plan accordingly.  You can also go up to the 3rd deck, hurricane deck to get a good view, but don't be surprised if it gets filled up quickly.  Front of the deck is of course the best view, but you have to book it when you get on the Ferry.

Enoteca Maria

27 Hyatt Street

Staten Island, NY 10301

718-447-2777

http://www.enotecamaria.com/