Vinateria Opens Up Its Doors For Harlem EatUp!

Last weekend's Harlem Eatup! event brought together some of the biggest names in the culinary world. Vinateria was one of the many restaurants that opened up its doors to guests looking for a curated menu and a one-of-a-kind dining experience. By Carly Petrone.

Foodies headed uptown this past weekend to celebrate Harlem Eatup!, the food festival co-founded by chef Marcus Samuelsson and Herb Karlitz. The Food Network's own Ted Allen hosted a private dinner at Vinateria on Friday night as part of the festival's Dine in Harlem event. The restaurant's head chef, Gustavo Lopez, had the chance to collaborate with Atlanta-based chef Linton Hopkins (Restaurant Eugene) to create an enticing menu and wine pairing. Starters included baked sapelo clams with sunchokes, prosciutto and escarole balls, and Catskill smoked salmon with pickled onions and crème fraiche. The scarlet shrimp with Carolina rice grits was a stand out (and also one of chef Lopez's favorite dishes). The roast and braised pork with fava beans, carrots, beets radishes, and morels hit the spot, with the natural broth giving it a hearty tone. Diners ended the meal with a rich dessert – Estate Grown Chocolate with Colombian Coffee and Sorgium Caramel.

Owner Yvette Leeper-Bueno was thrilled to be a part of the event, especially since she opened up Vinateria so people could enjoy good food without having to go downtown.

"I've lived in the neighborhood for 13 years and noticed the need for more menus. Everyone is hailing cabs downtown. I thought, why not bring this type of cuisine and this level of freshness and service to the neighborhood. We knew Gustavo's cuisine would make a big splash here."

It certainly has. Not only does it bring a Spanish and Italian influence to Harlem, but it boasts a great cocktail menu, as well. Tequila lovers should try The Matador – mint, tequila, pure blood orange liquor, grapefruit and lime juice – while those looking for a vodka based drink can sip on The Vodka Joy – oregano, wodka, and lemon juice.

All of the pasta at Vinateria is made in-house, including one of Chef Lopez's favorites - the black spaghetti with octopus and breadcrumbs. The linguini with wild mixed mushrooms and parmigiano is hearty yet light, making it a great vegetarian option. Enjoy a glass of crisp white wine with the grilled whole branzino with spring vegetables, farro, and leeks sauce. And if you're craving something sweet, the chocolate panna cotta with vanilla bean whipped cream, pate sablee, and espresso caramel will do the trick.

Brunch goers can also dine here on the weekends, with service starting at 11 a.m. Try their frittata of the day, huevos rancheros, or french toast with vanilla bean whipped cream and fresh fruit. Opt for an exotic cocktail instead of the traditional mimosa or Bloody Mary. The El de Ruben is a spicy choice made with tequila, cucumber juice, jalapeno puree and lime juice. If you're a film buff, you may notice the Pedro Almodovar-inspired drinks on the menu like the High Heels – mint, mescal, averna amaro, lemon juice and tonic.

Harlem is proving to be the next culinary destination with places like Vinateria and Marcus Samuelsson's latest restaurant, Streetbird, recently opening up shop down the street on 116th Street. Grab a cab uptown and start eating your way through this eclectic neighborhood.

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Carly Petrone is a freelance writer living in New York City.