Avena’s Bar, Photo: Cade Callen.
On Saturday, Avena Downtown, an Italian Restaurant in the West Village, hosted a New York City Brunch Party. The restaurant offered a Brunch Menu to attendees at their Sixth Avenue location.
In order to set the mood for the event, the restaurant had a live DJ playing a Euro-disco soundtrack to make attendees feel as if they were enjoying a night out in Italy. Bottle service with a bartender was offered to patrons, allowing them to order from a selection of alcoholic beverages.
I tried Avena’s Casertana Pizza with burrata, Sicilian pachino tomato confit, and basil. I was pleasantly surprised by the fresh taste of basil and tomato with delicious creamy cheese. I made sure to save some leftovers so I could further indulge in their delectable pizza.
The restaurant’s brick-walled space features modern furnishings, chicly distressed mirrors, and a rustic-industrial sliding door separating the bar from the main dining area. Avena’s setting gives patrons the feel of Europe in New York.
Founded in 2019, the restaurant’s namesake, Avena, means grain, the staff of life. Avena uses unbleached, organic Italian flour to make all their bread, pasta, and pastries. All the restaurant’s ice cream, sorbet, and desserts are made using organic or biodynamic dairy or produce.
Northern Italian Chef Roberto Deiaco created the restaurant with a modern Italian menu. Chef Deiaco was the Executive Chef at Armani Ristorante 5th Avenue and Cipriani and established his first restaurant in 2013, East 12th Osteria.
In addition to the Brunch Party, customers can immerse themselves in Avena’s Italian Cuisine Monday through Sunday for Lunch and Dinner starting at 12 noon.