Ancient Rome inspires new Culinaria in New York

Nation's Restaurant News, March 10, 2003

New YORK -- Ancient Rome is the primary inspiration for Culinaria, a new Italian restaurant in the Garment District here.

For the menu Chef-owner Vincenzo Pezzilli has updated some recipes dating from the first century. Among his signature items are stuffed scallops with porcini and spinach mousse in a wine and truffle emulsion and roasted suckling pig Dianne style, in honor of both his wife and the huntress Diana of Roman mythology.

Pezzilli's credentials include professional training at Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School in Rome and experience at Comme Chez Soi in Brussels. He also has worked at Mad 28, Coco Pazzo Cafe and Osteria al Doge, all in New York.