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| Ancora Ristorante 11 Stone Street, New York, NY 10004-2211 (212) 480-3880 |
These words “ You Better Believe It” rang out among the crowd of happy diners
last Friday night when the New York Optimist was invited to dinner with the
owner of Ancora ristorante Tony Fantastico.
Yes that’s his name and guess what he lives up to it.
The guy is Fantastico!! Ancora is one of those hidden gems nestled in the heart of
the financial district on 11 Stone street just steps away from the famous Wall street
where the world bets their pretty penny’s on the global markets.
last Friday night when the New York Optimist was invited to dinner with the
owner of Ancora ristorante Tony Fantastico.
Yes that’s his name and guess what he lives up to it.
The guy is Fantastico!! Ancora is one of those hidden gems nestled in the heart of
the financial district on 11 Stone street just steps away from the famous Wall street
where the world bets their pretty penny’s on the global markets.
| Owners Tony Fantastico & Elio Albanese |
I stopped in briefly before I brought my guests back for dinner at 9:00.
Meeting with the beautiful bartender I mentioned I was there to meet with Tony
Fantastico, she said he was expecting me and then poured me an ice cold Peroni as
I waited. Looking around I could see the crowd slowly coming in. Tony came out
with a huge smile on his face and looking sharp in a nicely fitted tuxedo.
Meeting with the beautiful bartender I mentioned I was there to meet with Tony
Fantastico, she said he was expecting me and then poured me an ice cold Peroni as
I waited. Looking around I could see the crowd slowly coming in. Tony came out
with a huge smile on his face and looking sharp in a nicely fitted tuxedo.
I told him I was here to have a look around before I returned later with my guests.
Before I knew it there was a plate of soppressatta and aged provolone in front of me.
I had a few bites and said I will be back; I had an art show to attend at the old JP Morgan
building on the corner of Wall and Broad where I would be meeting my other guests.
After viewing what would turn out to be a very dark group showing of art we looked
forward to dinner at Ancora. We arrived right on time to find Tony waiting for us at the
door. He led us downstairs where the dining room was now buzzing with activity.
Before I knew it there was a plate of soppressatta and aged provolone in front of me.
I had a few bites and said I will be back; I had an art show to attend at the old JP Morgan
building on the corner of Wall and Broad where I would be meeting my other guests.
After viewing what would turn out to be a very dark group showing of art we looked
forward to dinner at Ancora. We arrived right on time to find Tony waiting for us at the
door. He led us downstairs where the dining room was now buzzing with activity.
The lights were low adding a nice calming feeling to the room set up mainly with family
sized tables. Tony asked if we wanted to have a look at the menus but added that Ancora
was known for it’s nightly off the cuff specials which were arranged daily by Tony and his
partner Elio Albanese. Of course I asked if we should put the selection in his hands and in
an Italian accent he replied You better Believe it.
sized tables. Tony asked if we wanted to have a look at the menus but added that Ancora
was known for it’s nightly off the cuff specials which were arranged daily by Tony and his
partner Elio Albanese. Of course I asked if we should put the selection in his hands and in
an Italian accent he replied You better Believe it.
He then brought out an assortment of dishes that had each of us oooooing and
ahhing at every new selection. The list was extensive starting with marinated
grilled calamari served over mixed green salad with oil and lemon then Blue
Point Oysters with gorgonzola cheese and champagne, Scallops fra diablo with
garlic wine fresh tomatoes basil, fresh figs with proscitto di parma and a
boratta cheese, by the way this cheese was so fresh and delicious it literally
melted in your mouth. Hawaiian prawns grilled and marinated capers garlic
and wine sauce.
ahhing at every new selection. The list was extensive starting with marinated
grilled calamari served over mixed green salad with oil and lemon then Blue
Point Oysters with gorgonzola cheese and champagne, Scallops fra diablo with
garlic wine fresh tomatoes basil, fresh figs with proscitto di parma and a
boratta cheese, by the way this cheese was so fresh and delicious it literally
melted in your mouth. Hawaiian prawns grilled and marinated capers garlic
and wine sauce.
Carpaccio di Manzo air-dried filet mignon thinly sliced over arrugula and
Parmigiano reggiano cheese. Wait there’s more much more – the main soup of
the many different kinds served is a lobster bisque which they are well known
for. Risotto Italian rice made with Gorgonzola cheese topped
with fresh pears for the perfect combination of salty and sweet.
Parmigiano reggiano cheese. Wait there’s more much more – the main soup of
the many different kinds served is a lobster bisque which they are well known
for. Risotto Italian rice made with Gorgonzola cheese topped
with fresh pears for the perfect combination of salty and sweet.
Veal chops grilled over arrugula salad and the foods just kept coming every dish
served with the freshest ingredients and tastier then the last.
After three bottles of a delicious red wine that we shared between the four of us our
taste buds were poppin and our heads were giddy and buzzing with the atmosphere
this lovely italian style family restaurant brings to its guests.
Tony mentioned not only was this place about the best of the best in food but that it
was an experience that its loyal clientele keep coming back for.
At one point the whole room seemed to be in synch and all at once everyone chanted
at the same time you better believe it !!!
We finished the meal with a selection of home made grappas in five different flavors
and a wonderful selection of deserts from chocolate cakes to yummy pastries.
Will I be back with friends to dine with Tony, Elio and his wonderful staff -
You Better Beleive It !!! ;-)
served with the freshest ingredients and tastier then the last.
After three bottles of a delicious red wine that we shared between the four of us our
taste buds were poppin and our heads were giddy and buzzing with the atmosphere
this lovely italian style family restaurant brings to its guests.
Tony mentioned not only was this place about the best of the best in food but that it
was an experience that its loyal clientele keep coming back for.
At one point the whole room seemed to be in synch and all at once everyone chanted
at the same time you better believe it !!!
We finished the meal with a selection of home made grappas in five different flavors
and a wonderful selection of deserts from chocolate cakes to yummy pastries.
Will I be back with friends to dine with Tony, Elio and his wonderful staff -
You Better Beleive It !!! ;-)
