Michael White Launches Santi: A New Culinary Gem in New York City Chris Lehoux, February 21, 2025 Earlier this winter, chef and restaurateur Michael White debuted his latest restaurant, Santi, in Midtown Manhattan, located at Tishman Speyer’s 520 Madison Avenue. This marks his first restaurant launch in New York since the closure of Alto in 2011. Santi opened its doors on December 12, 2024. Michael White has made a name for himself in New York fine dining over the past two decades, previously earning accolades at the Wine Spectator Grand Award winner Ai Fiori and the Best of Award of Excellence winner Marea, among others. His recent ventures include several successful establishments across the U.S. and plans for expansion to Coral Gables, Florida. At Santi, the menu reflects White’s extensive experience in Italy and France, featuring handmade pastas as well as seafood dishes like tuna and prawn crudos adorned with fresh fruit and caviar. Noteworthy main courses include monkfish wrapped in speck and a variety of grilled steaks. The wine program, curated by beverage director Andreina Mayobre, showcases 200 labels primarily from Italy and France, with a selection emphasizing lighter and fresher wines to complement the menu. The wine list features notable selections from regions like Burgundy and Sancerre, alongside well-regarded Italian wineries. The restaurant’s interior was designed by the firm Michaelis Boyd, creating a visually appealing space with interconnected dining areas, sculptures, and an eye-catching bar featuring illuminated yellow onyx as a backdrop. In another development, the View, New York City’s only revolving restaurant, reopened on February 12 under the Union Square Hospitality Group. This new two-level supper club aims to capture the energetic spirit of Times Square while providing an inviting atmosphere for locals, tourists, and theater-goers alike. Executive chairman Danny Meyer established the restaurant with a goal to marry a classic American menu with a unique dining experience. The wine list features over 100 selections predominantly under $100, emphasizing approachability while still offering premium choices from renowned wineries. The design of the View integrates elements of art deco, creating a stage-like ambiance with breathtaking views from its 48th-floor location. In Seattle, Canlis recently announced that partner Brian Canlis will depart the family-run restaurant, leaving ownership to his brother, Mark. Meanwhile, executive chef Aisha Ibrahim will also be leaving to pursue her own ventures, marking significant changes for the establishment that has been a staple in Pacific Northwest dining since 1950. Additionally, Press Restaurant in Napa Valley introduced Tyler Potts as its new beverage director. Potts takes over the wine program at this Grand Award-winning restaurant, which boasts an extensive cellar of 10,000 bottles focused primarily on Napa wines. Under his stewardship, the restaurant plans to broaden its wine selection while maintaining its commitment to showcasing exemplary local producers. Lastly, chef Michael Lugo’s Latin-influenced steakhouse, Michael’s St. Augustine, has relocated to a new venue at the Hyatt Place St. Augustine, allowing for an evolved menu featuring seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The new space aims to enhance the overall dining experience. For more details, visit: Santi The View Canlis Press Restaurant Michael’s About the Author: Chris Lehoux Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored! Wine