Its location within NY's landmark Hotel des Artistes was originally used as an artists' commune during the 1920s when it was home to painters like Howard Chandler Christy who created many of the murals found throughout the glamorous dining space found today at the Leopard. One of NY's most unique dining rooms, Leopard is contained within a series of interconnecting parlor rooms captured within elegant spaces lined in terrazzo, concrete or hardwood floors under glossy white-coffer ceiling and walls strewn with exquisite examples of early 20th impressionist art. Although the menu today is thoroughly Italian, the space oozes a timeless gentility at tables with starched white linens and rattan-accent bistro chairs with bentwood detailing.
The Food
A Southern Italian menu that mimics the flavors of Sicily as well as Sardinia and Campania, the Leopard is led by chef Vito Gnazzo who creates a menu of appetizers like fennel and orange salad, eggplant with smoked mozzarella and lentil ricotta cakes with yogurt sauce. Pastas include variations on ravioli with braised artichokes and burrata, spaghetti chitarra with cherry tomatoes and rigatoni with sautéed eggplant and ricotta. Main course dabbles between land and sea for shellfish ragout with couscous, lamb loin in red wine sauce and sensational meatloaf on bed of spinach and mashed potatoes.
Last Word
Hotel des Artistes gets glam restaurant makeover that preserves landmark murals and integrates starry Southern Italian eatery in the kitchen.
