Via Quadronno a restaurant of timeless value

Restaurant Critique

Via Quadronno

25 East 73rd
New York, NY

Patch.com
Upper East Side

Pamela Goldman

Photos: Gerald Feldman

Walking into Via Quadronno is an experience of being transported

through time and space to the old cafe/espresso bars of Italy which go

back decades. You really feel like you are in a timeless space steeped

in Milanese tradition. The restaurant is rustic and is named after a
little street in Milan.

We must first talk about the history of the panini sandwiches for which

they are most famous. The panini sandwich, a hot pressed bread

which in between are a variety of combinations of delectable

ingredients, meats, cheeses vegetables...really anything you can

think of, made to order, served hot off the grill. In the late 60’s the
paninis created by Guiseppe Tusi of Milan, had become such a sensation that celebrities

and upscale clients came from far and wide to taste this chef’s morsels.

Here in New York, it is no different. The likes of Steve Martin, Alec
Baldwin and Frederic Fekkai have been known to frequent the restaurant. Many

choose to eat Italian style, standing at the wood bar although tables are
placed throughout the restaurant. The most interesting fact is that Guiseppe Tusi, the

original Milanese master of the panini, came to America with the owners of Via

Quadronna back in 1999 to help consult them upon opening their wildly succesful

venture.

The panini we tasted was La Madunina. A symphony of flavors, inside the

homemade bread called Francesino loaf was prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, black
olive pate and fresh tomatoes. The sandwich was incomparably, the best panini I have ever had.

Via Quadronno has many paninis to choose from, at least 21 kinds. It also
has Italian fare such as Lasagne Bolognese which is served piping hot with the

cheese still bubbling as it reaches the table. Also the restaurant boasts a huge

array of drinks, espressos, cappucinos, hot chocolate as well as fresh squeezed juices. Finally

we had a restaurant favorite, their Tiramisu Tradizionale although their

Annegato Nel Piave was very tempting. (lemon sorbetto with Prosecco).

Much of their food and drink is served all day through into the night.

With everything made fresh to order, the food was served at lightening
speed by very courteous waiters who treat everyone like they are stars in

their own right.