Ribot Opens--mediterranean Bistro Spices Up New York's Midtown Neighborhood

NEW YORK, June 2005--- Sensible, chic fare arrives in the midtown area this month when Executive Chef Patrick Woodside, restaurateur Mario Vesciari, and Managing Director Ratha Chau (formerly of Fleur de Sel), bring the clean and sparkling flavors of the Mediterranean to Ribot (780 3rd Avenue, at 48th St., 212-355-3700). Housed in an elegant, leather and wooden adorned bi-level space that evokes the true spirit of a thoroughbred hostelry, Ribot features a menu resplendent with ingredients indigenous to the Mediterranean region in simple yet savory dishesbringing the soul of the Mediterranean into the heart of Manhattan.

The name Ribot pays homage to the 50th anniversary of Ribot, the best Italian-stabled racehorse of all time. According to Mario (a native of Italy), "Ribot is known as the 'Seabiscuit' of Italy, he had the blistering pace of a champion and the charm of a grand legend. We hope to bring alive the drama, beauty, and charm of this legendary runner to our restaurant."

Like a local taverna in the Mediterranean, you'll delight in the region's authentic meals that have built its glowing reputation at Ribot. Chef Woodside serves a diverse lineup of Mediterranean mezzes, like Calamari Stuffed with a Fricasse of Chorizo and Fennel laces with Licorice juice, and Asparagus and Sorrel Soup. He believes in using fresh, simple, and seasonal ingredients but adds unexpected spices to create sexy and refreshing dishes. A Moroccan Braised Shoulder of Baby Lamb wrapped in a Phyllo dough shell, Poached Corned-Fed Chicken in with Classic Red Cabbage, Truffles, Apples, and Juniper, and a Baked Spanish Mackerel Saffron Escabiche served with vegetables entries are examples of these hallmarks apparent throughout the menu.

Completing the experience is the warm and inviting interior. Caroline Grant and Dolores Suarez, founders of DeKar interior design company (worked with Anna Wintour, Nathan Lane, Roy Teeluck Salon, Paul Simon, and many New York socialites) evoke the equestrian atmosphere with an array of deep browns, and copper and golden hues. The 50-seat dining room is complemented by light woods and leather banquettes and a 20-foot chandelier of blown glass from the Italian island of La Morina. During the summer, Ribot offers al fresco dining in a gorgeous terrace blooming with fresh greens and flowers, and home to its own outdoor bar. Perfect for summer and fall seasons, guests will delight in Ribot's delicacies while basking in the sun or enjoying the cool evening breeze.

At the bar, guests may enjoy drinks from a cocktail list that evokes the balmy breezes of the Mediterranean coastline. In addition, the upstairs wine cellar offers an eclectic selection of wines. Offerings such as Greek red from Agiorgitiko grape, Greco di Tufo from Campania and dessert wine from Sicily portray the true Mediterranean spirit alive in each aspect of Ribot.

Ribot will serve dinner Monday through Sunday from 5:30 pm, and weekend brunch from 11:30am-3:30pm. Attire is dressy casual and jackets are not required. Reservations are strongly recommended and all major credit cards are accepted.

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