Journal

AT HOME WITH VITA is a monthly interview with artists, designers, and friends who inspire us.

This month’s Q&A is with Michael Bargo, an interior decorator, stylist antique dealer who's quickly risen to become one of the most influential young tastemakers on the New York design scene—not to mention the Internet—thanks to his eponymous furniture gallery and Instagram account that boasts nearly 70,000 followers. His eclectic sensibility centers on midcentury French design, championing pieces from the likes of Jean Prouvé, Charlotte Perriand, Jean Royère and other icons of post-war Europe. For the past decade, Bargo has been artfully displaying and selling his expertly curated collection of rare furniture, decor and art directly out of his New York apartment, making him no stranger to entertaining guests in his home. We caught up with him this summer to learn about how he goes about playing host.

Describe your entertaining style.
Michael Bargo: My style is very relaxed and casual. I grew up in the south and was taught that manners are to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome, so that’s my first priority. I think my aesthetic reflects that too. I don’t like anything formal that would make someone feel uncomfortable. I also want people to feel happy so I usually use bright colors and happy flowers.

Who has influenced your entertaining style?
MB: My maternal grandmother, Martha Stewart and Jacques Grange.

Where do you seek aesthetic and menu inspiration?
MB: Il Buco! Where else?!


What are your table-setting essentials?
MB: Always have small, casual floral centerpieces that don’t overcrowd the table or anyones view. Always soft linens that don’t leave lint on your lap! And always red and white wine, champagne and sparkling and flat water.... Everyone should have what they want to drink!

No Michael Bargo party is complete without:
MB: Good lighting. Good music. Good champagne.

Where was the most memorable tablescape you’ve ever seen?
MB: A dinner in honor of Francois-Xavier and Claude Lalanne in Paris

What are the signature recipes you serve when entertaining guests?
MB: I love serving prosciutto and melon with really cold champagne in the Summer. I also really love serving caviar with potato chips. Basically anything that’s super easy.

What are your favorite purveyors or resources to pick up local produce, provisions?
MB: Serene Green Farmstand [Sag Harbor] and Amber Waves Farm [Amagansett].



Fantasy dinner party guests? Whose home would you love to be invited to, and who love to have as a guest in your own home?
MB: I’d like to go to the White House for dinner. And to my home I’d love to have Amy Sedaris!

Who features heavily on your entertaining playlist?
MB: My friend Trevor Cheney makes the best playlists on Spotify. Those are the easiest and best lists to play at a dinner party.

Any tips on how to transform a space into an inviting environment for entertaining guests?
MB: As long as everything is comfortable and relaxed it’ll be inviting!

What are the keys to a perfect summer dinner party?
MB: Cold water, cold champagne and blankets on the lawn.

Find us in Zagat's roundup of the best places to treat yourself to lunch here.

Read about il Buco Alimentari's in house batteria and 20 year aged balsamic in Jimmy Im's review for CNBC here.

Join us this season to "enjoy a rustic Italian dinner out on [our] lush romantic patio, which practically defines al fresco dining."

Read the full article here.

Acclaimed James Beard Chef Naomi Pomeroy is teaming up with Garrison Price of il Buco Alimentari for one special evening. Join us in welcoming the long awaited Spring with their celebratory five-course menu.

Monday, April 30th
5 Courses, $95.00 per person

Call or email to book your table
reservations@ilbuco.com 
(212) 837 - 2622

MENU:
Fluke & Japanese Scallop Crudo
herb marinated artichokes with olio nuovo

Asparagus & Morel Salad
shaved turnip, sesame aioli, toasted arborio rice powder

Wild Shrimp Ravioli
tomato conserva, meyer lemon butter, mint

Columbia River Sturgeon
wild watercress, ramp butter
or
Snake River American Wagyu
oregon new potatoes, green garlic salmoriglio

Heirloom Carrot Cake
rum raisin gelato, candied carrots 

Read about il Buco's Wine Director, Roberto Paris, in Forbes online. 

It’s his fondness for “odd characters,” for wines wrongly disregarded elsewhere but thankfully found here, for the kind of conversations launched by a first sip of something you didn’t know existed just a minute ago. “I love the catch of the day, things that fall into your net while you’re fishing for something else,” he says. Helpfully, to those of us with unquenchable curiosity, Paris makes some of those catches especially handy: on his list there is an extensive selection of Italian wines poured one glass at a time.

Shop il Buco Vita home collection in store and online over Black Friday weekend for special sales and markdowns. 

Shop new Vita product online

Now available for online purchase are products from the Alimentari! Check out our recipe sets, featuring pastas, imported sauces, and il Buco’s signature essentials: olive oil, vinegar, and salt. 

Shop the Alimentari online

Visit the showroom for additional discounts...

Try il Buco's new Summer market lunch, a perfect option for a quick meal in the middle of a busy work week. Executive Chef Roger Martinez has created a three course tasting menu priced at $35 per person. Available Monday - Friday, 12pm-4pm. Walk-ins welcome!

Come in and try il Buco's new Summer menu! Highlights from Executive Chef Roger Martinez's menu include fiori di zucca, marinated and seared octopus, Spanish mackeral crudo, and Escalivada made with roasted Japanese eggplant, local red pepper, walla walla onion, Cantabrian anchovies. 

Alimentari on-the-go packages are now available for purchase! Place your order online and pick up in store within the hour. With a mixed of freshly made Alimentari products and Italian imports these packages are great for picnics, parties, gifting and stocking the kitchen with all the essentials. 

SHOP ALIMENTARI ON-THE-GO

Inquire about event spaces and catering today!

No matter the time of day or size of your party, we can tailor any of our event spaces to your desired needs. Customized catering options are also now available for off-site events.

Fashion Week 
Thursday, February 9th - Friday, February 17th

We are proud to announce il Buco Vita is now available at ABC Carpet & Home!

Visit our New York showroom and online store to bring home a little piece of Italy.

il Buco Vita Showroom
51 Bond Street, 2nd Floor

Wednesday - Friday, 11am - 7pm
Saturday, 11am - 6pm
Sunday, 12pm - 5pm 


SHOP VITA ONLINE

Back from his Argentinian holiday Sommelier, Roberto Paris, recommends the Pinot Noir from Bodegas Chacra of Patagonia.

In 2004 long time il Buco friend and reknown Sassicaia winemaker, Piero Incisa della Rocchetta, discovered and purchased Bodegas Chacra in Rio Negro. The Argentinian vineyard's unique micro climate is ideal for growing biodynamic Pinot Noir. 

Pair a bottle of this bright, lively red with a black truffle pasta by il Buco Executive Chef, Roger Martinez.

Experience the tapas style menu in the Alimentari 

Sip a sherry and watch as our culinary team prepares your lunch right at the counter. Sample a 48 month in-house cured prosciutto, charred avocado with grapefruit & pomegranate, Bottarga Siciliana, an assortment of crostini, imported cheeses and other house made Italian delicacies. 

Monday - Friday, 11:00am - 5:00pm

ALIMENTARI MENU

Beginning Tuesday, January 10th, Executive Chef Garrison Price and his culinary team, will launch a new menu at il Buco Alimentari & Vineria.

Make your reservation today to try new dishes such as sumptuous roasted Elysian Fields lamb saddle with watercress and smoked tea jus, funghi arrosto, polpo a la plancha, and whole roasted turbot.

Spend Christmas Eve at 53 Great Jones Street celebrating our annual Feast of the Seven Fishes with a multi course, prix fixe by Executive Chef Garrison Price. 

Multi Course Prix Fixe $95.00 per person
Accepting reservations from 4:30pm - 10:15pm

*Vegetarian and Children's prix fix menus will be available

Sagrantino Night at il Buco
Thursday, November 10th
We will be offering a unique prix fixe menu showcasing The Scacciadiavoli Winery, 
the oldest estate in Montefalco chosen by our beloved wine director, Roberto Paris, a native of the region, who 
has been instrumental in introducing these wines to the NY market.

View Menu Here

Sagrantino Night at il Buco Alimentari & Vineria
Friday, November 11th
For the second night of this special prix fixe dinner series, Roberto proposes the wines from our dear friend Marco Caprai, of The Arnaldo Caprai Winery, which single-handedly put the region of Umbria on the map for wine lovers.

View Menu Here

A new addition to our cocktail list courtesy of our resident mixologist Stephen Thomas.

Ingredients: Lime Zest and Anise Hyssop Infused Russell Henry London Dry Gin, Miku Cremant de Bourgogne, House-Made Tonic Foam

Our online store has just launched its bridal registry! 

Set up a registry for your bridal needs 

il Buco Vita will also be showcasing items from the Bevagna collection at two bridal-inspired events this week. Stop by and join us! 

July 12th
Dobbin St
Wedding Crasher Event
6:30 - 9:00pm

July 14th
Affina Hotel
The Bridal Salon
4:00 - 8:00pm

Observer rounded up six delicious rosé cocktails that pair the summery wine with everything from gin and honey to bourbon and iced tea. Welcome the Rosa Violette created by Stephen Thomas, mixologist at il Buco Alimentari & Vineria.

Read the article here

At Il Buco Alimentari e Vineria, we go through 60 cases of artichokes a week to keep up with the demand for this dish. We fry the artichokes until the edges are crispy, then toss them with lemon and orange zest and smoky-hot crushed Aleppo pepper and parsley.

Click here for the recipe.