The French Riviera conjures a lot of images for me, handsome french men in short swimsuits, little eateries by the coast, drinking an espresso peering out onto the crystal blue waters dotted with sailboats and giant yachts. The just-right tempered breeze glancing under your sunglasses as your server brings you a plate full of delicious smells. Recently filled glass of rosé all patiently waiting for your enjoyment.
All of those images flashed through my internal movie screen when I heard that the popular Antibes, France decades old hotspot Mamo La Michelangelo would be opening a NYC outpost. The owner Mike Mammoliti brought the brand, and one of the best Italian chefs he could find to West Broadway in the SoHo neighborhood.
I just had to try it out so when I was tasked with booking a rezzie for a few of my best gf’s last week I jumped to book a table at MAMO.
The location couldn’t have been better. I had a meeting with clients at the Soho Grand right before my dinner, which just happened to be across the street. I literally walked right across the street and into the doors of Mamo. The hostess stand downstairs gives the space the feel of checking into a luxe boutique hotel.
Now, my gf’s are some of the most impressive media mavens I know and also have pretty impressive palates. Having booked the reservation I was hoping the evening would live up to the discerning crew.
Luckily we were not disappointed. Eating at Mamo surpassed my expectations and we left feeling like Queens.
Starting off with cocktails I asked for “something manly” and got exactly what I was looking for. The Amorena cocktail is mixed with Glenmorangie, Basil, Cherry Liquor and Anisette and had a delicious bite to it that finished with the perfect amount of sweetness. The other girls had the Valentina which I ordered for my second drink and it was divine.
After we settled in with our cocktails, the chef Massimo with his delicious Italian accent came over for a visit and to welcome us on our journey of culinary amazement.
Over the next few hours the chef and attentive staff brought over a range of dishes all of which had a stunning presentation and delighted the tastebuds.
Highlights included the fresh fish tartare w/ panzenella salad and a to die for squid ink risotto topped with crème fraîche and an avocado puree. The wild seabass was also one of the best I’ve had.
While MAMO doesn’t have french men in short shorts it does have a great atmosphere and a well designed menu with a dish for anyone and wine list that is expertly curated. Overall I would highly recommend MAMO!
Cheers to Massimo!
www.MAMONYC.com
323 W BROADWAY – NEW YORK
RESERVATIONS@MAMONYC.COM OR CALL US (646) 964-4641
