Experienced chef Dan Nistorescu is planning to channel his three decades of experience into opening a new Italian restaurant at 145 East 61st St. in Lenox Hill. La Piovra, which means “the octopus” in Italian, will offer a twist on Italian cuisine.
“I’m trying to go back to my first love, which is Italian cooking, but I’m trying to do it a bit differently,” Nistorescu told What Now New York.
Nistorescu, who has worked with Greek and pizza concepts in addition to Italian, will incorporate Mediterranean flavors into his Italian menu. Rather than relying on dishes from northern Italy, Nistorescu will pull in dishes from southern Italy, Malta and Greece, alongside Italian pizza.
Nistorescu enjoys experimenting with adding subtle touches of unique flavors to classic dishes. He might add an element of peppers from South America or citrus from Japan to offer a new take on a meal.
“I’m concentrating on dishes that don’t appear in many menus. In the Italian restaurant business, everybody copies from each other’s menus,” Nistorescu said. “I like to have the leisure to take a classic dish and add a secret ingredient so that it changes the whole flavor of the dish.”
The spot will offer a gastro-tavern atmosphere, designed for people to enjoy an appetizer and glass of wine alongside their meal for an affordable price.
“I’m trying to attract people from the neighborhood with a power lunch that is going to include an appetizer, the main and a beverage for less that $30,” Nistorescu said.
The design of the space will center around Mediterranean architecture, featuring earth tones, texture, warm touches and elements of wood and glass. There will also be a glass house and garden in the back for customers to enjoy.
Nistorescu hopes to soft open around the beginning of next year.
