Cue the AC/DC. Dario Cecchini is expanding his carnivorous empire to NYC and beyond. Many of us were first introduced to the world of Cecchini via the captivating Chef’s Table episode that made us all long for a trip to his butcher shop and restaurants in the quaint town of Panzano, Italy. As one of the most celebrated meat maestros in all of Italy, Cecchini’s growing portfolio of food concepts now includes a fast-casual ghost kitchen with the arrival of Cicci Di Carne. Cecchini partnered with C3, Sam Nazarian’s creative culinary food-tech platform, which facilitated the opening of the Sacramento and NYC Cicci Di Carne locations. There will be another NYC location and several more domestic locations in the pipeline, which means that more of America will have access to Cecchini’s meaty delights.
The Nonna Dario Panino, stuffed with mortadella, burrata, arugula, and pistachio pesto
So what’s on the menu at Cicci Di Carne? Yes, there is plenty of meat at this macelleria-meets-NYC-deli concept, but pescetarians and vegetarians will also have options. Panini, or sandwiches, are the main event; they're plit into two categories, Panini Caldi and Panini Freddi. Each seven-inch panino is stuffed with sustainably and ethically sourced proteins like porchetta, roast beef, smoked pastrami, and tuna. Tuscan influences abound, all the way down to the condiments and seasonings, including Cecchini’s “Profumo del Chianti” herb salt. For those with a heartier appetite, try the flavor-packed Piccante Zia Tosca, stuffed with finnochiona, spicy soppressata, burrata, 'nduja, mortadella, romaine lettuce, pepperoncini, and mustard aioli. For something lighter, go for the Caprese Classico with burrata or one of two veggie-heavy salads.
David's Butcher Board with mortadella, soppressata, finnocchiona, grana, fontina, served with olives, acacia honey, crostini, and pistachios
Every good deli sandwich benefits from a side of chips or French fries. Cecchini’s Wedge Cut Polenta Fries and San Carlo Chips get the job done, again, with an Italian twist. A slew of Italian and American soft drinks will quench your thirst, and in true Italian form, a full café menu for those in need of a little pick me up. Cecchini drives the deli element home by offering all of the panini meats Butchered-By-The-Pound, a perfect solution for next-day lunches or for building a killer antipasto board.
Piccante Zia Tosca Panino stuffed with finnochiona, spicy soppressata, burrata, 'nduja, mortadella, romaine lettuce, pepperoncini, and mustard aioli.
Cicci Di Carne is located at Brookfield Place, 250 Vesey Street (West Street). Orders can be placed online through Go by Citizens. For the latest updates follow Cicci Di Carne on Instagram @ciccidicarne.