By Michelle Payer
Like strolling into a Sophia Loren movie, entering Acqualina’s Il Mulino New York is a dreamy escape from the everyday. With its elevated, yet warm surroundings, the restaurant takes advantage of its locale with outdoor Romeo and Juliet balconies perched above glistening pools and a white-sand beach, while indoors, comfortable elegance reigns supreme. It’s the ideal destination at which to celebrate the family’s matriarch with an extravagant Mother’s Day Brunch Sunday, May 8. From delicacies including a seafood tower with lobster tail, shrimp, and oysters to Rigatoni alla Bolognese, braised veal and beef in a rich tomato sauce, every dish is more magnificent than the last. Free-flowing mimosas, Bellinis, Bloody Marys, Mojitos and Prosecco accompany a-la-carte specialties that are elegantly served tableside from 12 to 4 p.m., in beautiful surroundings. Reservations are highly recommended by contacting the concierge or phoning Il Mulino at 305-466-9191, as this special Sunday Brunch is an annual sensation. Pricing is $100 plus tax and gratuity.
Throughout the month and beyond, Il Mulino Executive Michele Mazza has created menus surrounding lunch and sunsets. Il Mulino’s three-course pre-fixe lunch menu is ideal for casual catchups with friends or more serious power lunches. Offered Monday through Saturday from 12:30 to 2 p.m., his menu features appetizer delicacies including Burrata Caprese, Insalata di Rucola and Polpette (meatballs, ricotta and marinara). Second course choices include Rigatoni alla Bolognese, Paillard di Pollo with tomato, arugula and onion, Salmone with capers, asparagus and mustard sauce; red snapper with Gaeta black olives, capers and tomatoes, veal with lemon and white wine sauce and much more, plus dessert, all for $35 plus tax and gratuity.
The Sunset Menu was especially curated as a three-course, pre-fixe collection of Il Mulino favorites and is offered from 5:30 to 7 p.m. – for a limited time – only until July 31, 2022. Appetizer selections include Prosciutto e Melone, Polipo alla Griglia (grilled octopus with Campari tomatoes, Gaeta olives and potatoes), Tartare di Salmone and Insalata di Pomodori Bio. A choice of seven second courses are just as mouthwatering and include Il Mulino favorites from Filetto di Branzino and Rigatoni alla Bolognese to Piccata di Vitello al Limone. A selection of three signature desserts finishes the gourmet repast, all for $49 plus tax and gratuity.