Patina Restaurant Group has named Artem Orlovskyy Executive Chef and Kara Blitz Executive Pastry Chef at Lincoln Ristorante. With a modern interpretation of regional Italian cuisine, they succeed the restaurant’s line of executive chefs, Jonathan Benno, Shea Gallante, and Richard Capizzi. Both are organic appointments born of the restaurant family, as both Artem and Kara worked at Lincoln in various roles, departed for other kitchens, and have now returned. The chefs are now putting their own personal stamp on the menu and bringing a breath of fresh air to Lincoln’s glass-walled rooms.
“Lincoln has always combined elegance with hand-crafted Italian food,” said Chef Artem. “Today, we are not quite as buttoned up. The restaurant is more intimate and relaxed.”
“We’ve shed some of the formalities of fine dining, while staying committed to quality and sourcing,” said Chef Kara.
Must-try new highlights include Cavatelli with Lamb Sausage, exemplifying Artem’s passion for butchery. On the sweet side, Tuscan baked apples called Boffoli are stuffed with raisins and pine nuts, then finished with mascarpone.
Some of the restaurant’s favorite dishes have been fine tuned with new flavors and harmonies. Focaccia is happily back, now baked with potato and onion; Tiramisu has found soothing new notes in milk chocolate mousse. Chef Artem’s Potato Torta with caviar is a classic first bite.
It’s still easy to compose dinner from one or more of Lincoln’s beloved pastas, which shift frequently with the seasons. Spaghetti alla Amatriciana uses highly concentrated, sundried tomato estratto for a powerful depth of flavor. Sea shell shaped Conchiglie is prepared with octopus, guanciale, fennel, pecorino and fiore sardo. And Pappardelle is paired with pork and veal bolognese bianco, finished with parmigiano reggiano.
The tradition of a quick pre-curtain pasta and aperitivo from Lincoln’s Negroni Bar continues. But now there’s a good reason to visit Lincoln even when you’re not dashing to a performance.
This spring, the new chefs will begin a new bar program, with snacks like Panelle offered throughout the evening. The menu will change as well with the warmer weather, bringing new dishes such as Eggplant Parmigiana Crostata. Along with the Upper West Side neighborhood regulars, guests can linger and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views.
Lincoln Ristorante is located at 142 West 65th Street, New York, NY 10023, at Lincoln Center.
tel: 212.359.6500, lincolnristorante.com
