Held Captive at Rock Center’s Jupiter and Lovin’ It.

Photos: Cititour.com                                                                                           

When Steve Cuozzo of the New York Post wrote he felt like Jupiter, led by the team behind King, was being held “captive” in the basement of Rockefeller Center with other new restaurants (Naro and 5 Acres), all we could say is, please hold us captive anytime! Granted the location is a little touristy looking onto the ice skating rink, but the inside is quite stunning and the vibrant food and fantastic cocktails make up for any shortcomings.

The Italian menu is chock full of goodness. We gorged ourselves Carciofi Alla Giudia, fried artichokes served Roman style (so sweet, so tender) with a simple splash of lemon, and Zucchini Fritti with each piece providing that perfect crunch.

There are plates of antipasti including just-sliced bresaola, prosciutto, finochiona and coppa whizzing by, and  Bruschetta Di Granchio E Puntarelle - toast points drizzled with olive oil set next to some of the freshest crab we’ve tasted. Smear some on the bread and enjoy. It is served with braised puntarelle, a type of chicory, and aioli. 

There are a number of pastas to choose from.  We ordered the Spaghetti Alla Vongole which is basically a healthy bowl spaghetti and baby clams swimming in white wine sauce with Bottarga di Muggine, cured fish roe sprinkled on top.  The Agnoli Di Coniglio, pasta stuffed with slow-cooked rabbit served in a butter sauce, is also amazing.  Other options include “pot bellied” pasta called Pansotti with a pumpkin filling, and large tube pasta, called Pacherri, served in a ragu of slow-cooked pork shoulder, sage and lemon peel.

For a main course there is a choice of grilled dorade with lemon, rosemary and melted anchovy; breaded veal chop with capers and parsley; and a chargrilled porterhouse for two with salsa verde. An assortment of Italian desserts finish the meal, including a scrumptious vanilla bean panna cotta with sour cherries.

Our bartender also had a deft hand creating powerful concoctions like Tutto Pepe, a mix of Reposado, Mezcal, grapefruit and cinnamon (one is enough), and La Mano made with overproof rums, Campari, vermouth and Aztec bitters.

Jupiter is a destination for the food alone. Period!

By Thomas Rafael