Galli Opens Today, In The Heart Of New York City's Soho Neighborhood

Galli (plural for Gallo, "rooster" in Italian), envisioned by Steve Gallo [Brio Downtown and Long Island cult favorites La Piazza and Mama Theresa's] and business partner Michael Forrest, opens today in the heart of SoHo [45 Mercer Street, between Broome and Grand Streets]. This restaurant marks the first collaboration between the two successful, young entrepreneurs. Galli will bring Italian comfort food to the spotlight, serving tried-and-true Gallo family recipes and modern, instant favorites, in a contemporary, fresh atmosphere.

The expansive Galli menu offers "Starters, Salads, Pastas, Parms and Mains" featuring a combination of Old and New World style dishes. Highlights to begin the meal include Baked Clams; Baby Rice Balls (green peas, chopped meat, mozzarella, pomodoro); Zuppa di Cozze (PEI mussels served with either white wine garlic or marinara sauce) and Tegamino (baked eggplant parm style). Lighter fare, including over seven varieties of salads such as the signature Galli (iceberg, tomato, cucumber, carrots, olives, shredded mozzarella served with Italian dressing) is also served. With over 15 selections, the main attraction to Galli's menu is the variety of pasta dishes served. Old-school (Bolognese; Vodka; Amatriciana and Marinara) and modern (Integrale served with whole wheat spaghetti, escarole, cannellini beans, cherry tomato in a garlic oil brodino) pasta offerings both share the spotlight here. Mains feature Italian favorites like Veal Milanese; Chicken Francese; Chicken Marsala and Branzino. Galli even has a portion of its menu dedicated to the truest Italian comfort food staple, "Parm." Proteins such as Chicken (breaded or grilled), Meatball and Veal are all available to be prepared traditional Parmigiana style.

The vast, Italian marble bar with seating for ten, offers an extensive selection of house-curated cocktails inspired by, and often named after, extended family members and friends of Gallo and Forrest. Unique cocktails made with liquor infused in-house and housemade syrups and grenadine include Daria's Melons (fresh watermelon, Campari, Bombay Sapphire and pink peppercorn) and Lansky (Rittenhouse Rye, Aperol and Ramazotti). In addition, a variety of bourbons, whiskeys, gins, beers and over 40 wines round out the beverage offerings at Galli.

Sweets such as Panna Cotta and Tartufo will provide a perfect ending to every meal and pastries will also be offered in the morning for both quick-casual sit down cafe service accompanied by a traditional European coffee bar as well as to-go. The cafe will enhance the local morning offerings for residents and visitors alike in the neighborhood.

Designed by Steve's creative consultant and fashion stylist wife Karen Gallo and her team, the modern look and feel of the restaurant juxtaposes the menu. High ceilings, black and white Italian marble tile laid by hand and a casual counter next to cafe tables highlight the entrance of Galli to reflect an upscale chic diner and cafe. Upon entering, a neon pink sign noting "This Way" with an arrow guides diners past the large Italian marble bar to the dining room, which features large, comfortable booths and communal tables, ideal for large parties, all situated under a grand glass roof. Embracing their heritage and traditions, Galli displays original photos of Steve and Michael's families. Rotating up-and-coming artists will also play a large role in the d�cor of the space, in both the entranceway and main dining room.

Galli is located at 45 Mercer Street, between Broome and Grand Streets in Manhattan. The restaurant serves breakfast in the cafe and lunch and dinner in the dining room seven days from 9AM to close. For more information, please visit www.gallirestaurant.com or call 212-966-9288.