Vitae Opens March 5

Chef and owner Edwin Bellanco will open his new eatery, Vitae, to the public on Monday, March 5, 2012. Located in the heart of midtown Manhattan at 4 East 46 Street between Rockefeller Center and Grand Central Terminal, Vitae is prepared to fill the current void of reliable, refined dining in the neighborhood.

Chef Bellanco and general manager Emily Iverson will offer a sophisticated yet approachable experience with a focus on delicious food and genuine hospitality. The seasonal, contemporary American menu will feature a hearty selection of starters, house-made pastas and entr�e choices using the best ingredients from New York City's finest purveyors. Tuna and tartare with celery root and apple; pulled pork and avocado on a polenta tuile or seared scallops with cauliflower and curry will make for a great start to your meal. Continue with chestnut agnolotti or ricotta gnudi, in either full or half portions. Entree selections include dishes such as striped bass with lentils and Colorado lamb loin with black eyed peas and peanuts. Country salad with a scotch egg and a burger are offered at lunch.
Vitae will offer an international wine list with 25 available by the glass (6 oz.) or taste (3 oz.), encouraging guests to enjoy many different options at one sitting. A selection of craft beers, classic cocktails and fine spirits are also featured.

Vitae's beautiful space, designed by architect Niels Guldager of Studio CMP, flows seamlessly from the handsome cocktail and bar area into the main dining room, with a glass-enclosed staircase leading to the mezzanine. This secluded area upstairs, bordered at the south end by a 1000 bottle wine wall, overlooks the entire space and will be available for dinner parties and private events. The cocktail and dining room are separated by a screen of artfully sculpted metal, which accents the dining room walls and appears in the negative on the terrazzo floors. Plush seats at both the tables and bar are made of white leather and Danish teal fabric. A handsome alder wood bar, decorative alder columns and sixteen-foot ceilings add to the comfort and visual appeal. All the woodwork was done by hand.

Vitae will be open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, lunch 11:30-3:00p.m., and dinner from 5:30pm - 11:00pm. Sunday brunch coming soon. An abbreviated menu of small plates, cheese, charcuterie and oysters will be available between lunch and dinner services in the bar. For reservations, or to discuss private parties, please phone (212) 682-3562 or email info@vitaenyc.com.