NM2007 - Il Piatto

Cucina Italiana

A GuestLife New Mexico Great Restaurant

By Robert W. Ross, Jr.
Photography by Lois Ellen Frank

If you are looking for a slice of pure Italy while visiting the heart of historic Santa Fe, New Mexico, Il Piatto Italian restaurant is the place to go. Chef/owner Matt Yohalem has assembled a sumptuous and sparkling menu full of fine Italian dishes; some traditional, others inspired by his keen and creative ability to work magic with the ingredients that underscore this popular cuisine. Supported by a friendly and well-prepared professional staff, Il Piatto is housed in a warm and cozy space, remininscent of the small family restaurants of Italy called trattoria.

Daily specials often include the much sought-after Seafood Triagnoli, a black pasta made from cuttlefish ink and stuffed with saffron and tomato puttanesca — a local favorite not to be missed. The regular menu offers a delightful array of antipasti including a Duck Liver Crostini with marsala and gorgonzola and Steamed Clams with garlic and wine. The pasta selections are numerous and innovative with Parmigiano Potato Gnocchi heading a list that also includes veal, beef, and pork meatballs over a black pepper tagliatelle and the delicate Pumpkin Ravioli with Brown Sage Butter and Pine Nuts. The Pesce e Carne side includes such delicacies as Baked Stuffed Farm Raised Quail with Calabrese Sausage with a sweet wine reduction and the imaginative Sardinian Seafood Casserole comprised of clams, shrimp, squid, and octopus.

The wine list, well-balanced and very fairly priced, provides much room for experimentation and includes many unique Italian virietals. Wine pairings are regularly suggested on the menu and the staff is well prepared to make suggestions.

A delicate, light tiramisu with mascarpone, a fully flavored pear tart, and a rich chocolate dipped cannoli stuffed with a whipped ricotta are only a few of the many delightful and tasty desserts available.

MENU HIGHLIGHTS

Gorganzola walnut ravioli with sundried tomato pesto

Pappardelle with braised Duckling with a red wine and mascarpone jus

Pancetta wrapped trout with rosemary, wild mushrooms, and polenta

Pistachio crusted chicken breast with a goat cheese and arugula ripieno, and green peppercorn sauce

ACCOLADES

A Trip to Italy in the Heart of Santa Fe

"Top 25 Best New Restaurants" ...Esquire Magazine

"Best Italian" ...Crosswinds Weekly

"4 Stars"...Albuquerque Journal North

"Best Italian" ...Santa Fe Reporter

Chef Matt Yohalem was raised in New York City and began his restaurant career at the age of 14. He graduated from Johnson & Wales with a degree in the Culinary Arts and an apprenticeship at the Washington Post's Four Star La Petite France. After working at some of the most prestigious restaurants including Le Cirque, Commanders Palace, the Union Square Cafe, the Coyote Cafe and stints in Paris and the south of France, he moved to Santa Fe.

For his work at Il Piatto he was nominated for a James Beard Award, has served on the board of the Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta and the Santa Fe Restaurant Association.

Il Piatto
95 West Marcy Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 984-1091 Fax: (505) 983-6939

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