BLT Group Opens Casa Nonna in NYC

Today, the hospitality group behind the staple BLT franchise opens its NYC outpost of the popular Casa Nonna trattoria from D.C. The menu features a seasonal selection of traditional, local and organic northern Italian fare such as Branzino alla Griglia, Papardelle Ai Funghi, and a variety of authentic, wood-fired pizzas, accompanied by a stellar, entirely Italian wine list. The space is chic with a rustic flair, with the centerpiece being the Pizza Bar, a marble countertop from which there is a full view of the open kitchen and mosaic-tiled pizza oven.

Chef David Amorelli, who served as Chef de Cuisine at David Burke Townhouse back when it was davidburke & donatella, will head the kitchen, bringing Executive Chef Amy Brandwein’s concept of refined, family-style Italian to fruition. “I want to focus on the basics of Italian cuisine, maintaining the authenticity of the food, adding my own fresh twist and making food that people crave,” says Brandwein. ”There is a new ‘Nonna’ in town, more Sophia Loren than your typical Italian grandmother, but hopefully fed just as well.”

310 W 38th St between Eighth and Ninth Aves (212-736-3000)