Brunch at Asellina, Park Ave

Words by, Igee Okafor

Photography by, Kassie Shanafelt

"Let's have an Italian brunch!" says no one. At least not typically in New York City. So, when I was given an opportunity to try it for the first time alongside my team of content creators, courtesy of my friend Kassie Shanafelt, I jumped at the opportunity. 

Asellina is a high end Italian restaurant located on Park Avenue in New York City as an extension of the Gansevoort Hotel. Brunch at Asellina on a Sunday feels like something out of a holiday movie. The Jazz music, the modern upscale decor, the dim lighting and the courteous service really sets the mood. 

THE INTERIOR

Exuding an intimate ambiance at first sight, I would define the Asellina space as "adequate". It's not a huge space, but it's not a small space. Walking into the restaurant before seating, one of the first Asellina trademarks guests are exposed to before the bar is the fireplace and sign above it that reads, "Happiness Dwells Here" . An instagram moment for sure but also foreshadowing the guest experience? I think so. Clever! With an achromatic decor scheme featuring wooden chairs, tables and dim lighting, the decor bridges a gap between the old and new. 

THE FOOD

The menu mostly consists of an egg, pasta, and pizza mix. Probably the least extensive of all the menus I have ever come across considering the variety of restaurants I have visited. It wasn't a problem for me, at all. It made the selection process faster and easier.  Funny enough, the meals took a while but the restaurant had pastries and sangria for us on the go. 

WHAT TO ORDER

Greek Yogurt & Granola Parfait /

seasonal fruit & berries, wildflower honey

Eggs Benedict /

poached eggs, grilled focaccia, pancetta, avocado, hollandaise

Kale & Quinoa Salad /

roasted beets, crispy quinoa, fennel pecorino romano, hazelnut-mustard vinaigrette

Buckwheat Tagliatelle Carbonara / 

poaches farmer's egg, crispy guanciale, parmigiano

Boscaiola /

wild mushroom, fontina, leeks

THE SERVICE

The servers had great etiquette. They greeted, they smiled and they were very responsive to our needs. The Jazz music was also an appropriate compliment to the upscale aura of the restaurant. A bit loud but, the performer was fantastic and some of the songs that were performed were quite popular so it wasn't too much of a bother. 

Overall Experience

8 / 10

Thank you for reading!