15 hours Ago By Holden Draper
For those seeking an authentic slice of Italy in Queens, Via Vai in Astoria stands out not only for its traditional Italian cuisine but the dedication its chef brings to the kitchen. Chef Antonio Morichini was raised in an Italian family with a robust culinary background. In a statement obtained by ABC7NY.
com, Morichini said, "I decided to go in this business because I always, you know, love to cook, and because we grow up in Italian family, Italian family always cook."Opening its doors in 2014, Via Vai's intimacy is part of its charm, with a cozy 36-seat space allowing the chef to personally craft each plate. Crafting dishes with the finesse of a native Roman, Morichini insists, as Forbes reports, "if he is not in the kitchen Via Vai is not open.
" This hands-on approach is a practice he's upheld for over ten years, merging the lines between a restaurant and a familial dining experience.Morichini's repertoire includes classic dishes like bucatini all'amatriciana and innovative creations like the succulently baked branzino within focaccia dough. According to ABC7NY.
com, hospitality is at the forefront of the Via Vai experience, with Morichini underscoring that "We find a compromise to serve the great food, but without, you know, too much pressure to the people there to enjoy. This is a typical table -- the Italian family." Every pasta dish, including favorites like ravioli and gnocchi, is made fresh in-house, ensuring a high standard of quality for the guests.
A favorite among diners, as captured by ABC7NY.com, includes the caprese salad and the aforementioned bucatini all'amatriciana, a dish native to Rome. To complement the culinary experience, Via Vai presents a wine list that boasts affordability and variety, with many selections priced under $80.
Echoing the authenticity of Italian dining, Forbes highlights a range of antipasti and desserts that have the unmistakable mark of being homemade. Accessibility is another draw for Via Vai, conveniently located a subway ride away from LaGuardia Airport and not subject to Manhattan's congestion pricing..
