Il Mulino New York Trattoria at the Swan

[JERSEYDISFAN]

I've been too long in getting a review or two to these boards, sorry. Anyway, here's one from our last trip during the IF&WF in October, 2008.

The restaurant is dark, with dark wood furnishings which makes for an intimate setting.

Immediately upon being seated a complimentary tasting dish of thinly sliced sausage and an eggplant appetizer arrived at the table (sorry about the focus):

And, a rustic (also out of focus) bread basket:

The only mistake of the evening was ordering the Misto Di Mare, described as a "Raw Bar Platter including Shrimp, Clams, Oysters and Langostines with a Salad of Calamari, Scallops and Baby Shrimp $36 for two".

That's it folks, minus one eaten clam! Can you say, "rip-off"?

Other than that, the meal was very good and we enjoyed ourselves. DW was not feeling all that hungry and so our Sommelier/Server, "J.R." Pagan - (oh, by the way he was a great server if you dine there ask for him

he's very personable and helpful), as I was saying, J.R. suggested that DW try a half-serving of one of their pasta dishes, the Rigatoni Con Funghi - rigatoni with wild mushrooms, garlic and truffle oil. Well all I heard for the rest of the night was how great that pasta was. Here's a look:

Me, I'm a piccata freak but I didn't want the Pollo Piccata on the menu so I asked J.R. if the chef would do a Vitello Piccata for me. No problem! And it was excellent, nice and piquant as I like it:

And, for a side dish we ordered the sauted escarole with kalamata Olives and onions. Another home run:

Sorry, no dessert. We were just too full from the IF&WF tastings.

 

[firemanx]

Nice review its always good to see a restaurant reviewed that doesn't get alot of exposure.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Enjoyed the review and the pics! That Picatta looks especially good. We're trying Il MUlino ourselves in May

 

[DisOrBust]

Is he really old enough to serve ETOH?

 

[suzimar57]

thanks for the review and the photos - wow - $36 for that glorified shrimp cocktail, huh? - ripped off is an understatement.

 

[NurseJamie]

Wow I had never even heard of this place! But that pasta and those veggies look amaaaaaazing! Thanks for the review - might be a new place to add to the list of want-to-do's (but will note not to order overpriced appy!)

 

[Minniespal]

Enjoyed reading your review ~ Thanx for posting.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Thanks for the review and pictures. We liked Il Molino so much that we are going to eat there again this year.

 

[TigerKat]

Now you've got me thinking of adding this one!!!

 

[JERSEYDISFAN]

Thanks to all for the comments. We enjoyed it and will go back during a future trip.

Ron from Michigan,

If you happen to see J.R. say hi and if you want a good wine choice he made for us see below. It listed at $52. A little more than we would normally pay but, I wanted to make this a memorable meal, and it was.

 

[TrueBlueAngel]

Whats the dress code for this restaurant? Could you wear simple evening wear dresses?

 

[JERSEYDISFAN]

The dress code is park casual, although I suspect they may balk at some of the extreme dress you see in the parks.