I had the pleasure of attending a preview for a new restaurant, which opens tonight — Accademia di Vino, which translates as Wine School. The Italian restaurant is located at 1081 Third Avenue, New York, between 63rd and 64th Streets.

The decor is absolutely beautiful, with the tone set from the exterior and carried throughout the bar and dining areas. Much (all?) of the tile and stone was important from Italy and the rich, dark wood and burnt sienna walls create an intimate and inviting atmosphere.

Dinner itself was wonderful. We started with salad. My guest ordered the Endive salad, while I chose the Arugula, Cremini mushroom and Parmesan salad, drizzled with lemon vinaigrette. It was fresh and bright, with the acidity from the lemon matching nicely with the bitter arugula. We then shared a thin-crust, (brick-oven?) pizza with Sopressata and Red Peppers. As our main courses, my friend had the orrichiette (sp?) with sausage and brocolli rabe, which she enjoyed very much. I had the veal chop, which was tender and full of flavor. After panna cotta (me) and creme brulee with passion fruit sorbet (my friend), we rolled out the door, stomachs heavier, but hearts light.

I have yet to see the full wine list as they were only serving a limited selection, but I am confident that it will be a terrific assortment of food-friendly, Italian wines. As Schwartzenager was wont to say, "I’ll be back!"