IL Mulino New York: Heaven on Earth!!

By Dawn Straccia

With all the bells and whistles of what goes on in Atlantic City, there is a restaurant that sits nestled in the Taj Mahal that is far above your very imagination. IL Mulino New York originally based out of Greenwich, New York for more then 20 years has decided to take the tastes of Italy in the truest and most original form to Atlantic City, New Jersey.

We pulled up to the Taj Mahal and there it was. The walkway covered with a canopy that reads IL Mulino New York. As you pass through the large glass doors and make your way down the carpeted casino, you are automatically drawn to the right as you come upon the outside of this warm, inviting, and beautifully decorated restaurant. Windows surrounded in dark wood with white and green canopies over them, wrought iron rails and beautiful soft music playing. Once passing through the restaurant doors, the casino is a faded memory.

We were greeted by the hostess, Hello!! "he said" dressed in a tuxedo with a big welcoming smile... As we were brought to our table I had noticed that the inside was just as inviting as the outside. White linen tablecloths adorned each table with a single red rose and a candle burning. The smells that were coming out of the kitchen surrounded you and was like a song playing in your ears.

As I looked over the menu it was like reading a book of great poetry.. Our waiter came over to introduced himself , while two other waiters made there way over to the table, one offering a hunk of Reggiano Parmigiana right off the wheel to each of us, while the other placing a linen napkin on our laps. After going over the specials they continued to bring more goodies to the table, which by the way is on the house. Sauteed Zucchini and Garlic, Brusschetta over toasted Semolina, and a basket of three different types of bread as the cheese kept coming which was accompanied with a fine glass of red wine.

We had then moved on to appetizers, Calamari and Clams Oreganta. The Calamari was perfection, tender, lightly floured, and sauteed in the finest of Olive Oil and the best you will ever find on earth. The Clams were succulent, with just the right herbs and spices then drizzled lightly in a butter sauce. For the entrees we had chose Shrimp Ala Romano and Veal Saltibocca. The shrimp were extra, extra large, butterflied, lightly coated to where they were almost translucent in egg and flour then sauteed in Olive Oil and placed alongside Risotto made with Wild Mushroom's and Pea's. The Veal Saltibocca was just right not to thin nor thick, tender and also lightly sauteed in the finest of Olive Oil then drizzled with a sauce that was like silk, and accompanied with fresh baby spinach and garlic.. The food at IL Mulino New York is primo!! With a combination of great flavors and quality ingredients along with the service, atmosphere and cocktails (they make a mean French Martini) it is like a fine oil painting on canvas. They also have a marketplace where you can buy there imported Olive Oils, Balsamic Vinegars, Homemade Sauces, and Gourmet Coffee's...

Truly an experience that is a must, and I emphasize a must!!

IL Mulino New York
Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Reservations strongly recommended: 609-449-6009
Sun-Wed: 5-10
Thurs-Sat 5-11