THE PRICE HIKE

Ciano, a 3-star Bloomberg Italian restaurant in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, has dropped the price of its tasting menu by $20 to $115, down from $135 per person.  I’ll let chef Shea Gallante tell this one in his own words:

• “When the price was up [the menu] had truffles, caviar, etc., sometimes more courses, more expensive proteins, etc.” 
• “Like everyone else in the industry, we have had to deal with increasing operational costs — food and labor — and have tried to absorb as much as we can.” 
• “I have always tried to offer value and an experience based on the quality of the ingredients that are used to create the menu.” 

The new Spring Market Menu is seven courses and is the only prix-fixe listed at this time. Previously, Ciano also offered 5-courses for $96 and 4-courses for $79, so some will naturally see the $115 menu as a price hike of sorts. And of course, the full a la carte menu is still available. Even as black truffle season is long over, Gallante is one of the few chefs who’s cutting prices (sort of) amid rampant global food inflation. So considering the excellent quality of food and service I had here, I’ll rate Ciano as a BUY.