Thursday, August 21, 2025

America First Venetian Wine Bar

 BAR CICHETTI

by Daniel Bellino-Zwicke & Tom Taraci




BAR CIHETTI





Daniel Bellino Zwicke is widely recognized as the 
creator of Bar Cichetti, known as "America's First Venetian Wine Bar". It was established in 1998 by Zwicke and Tom Taraci. Daniel served as the Chef, wine director, and managing partner. Bar Cichetti aimed to recreate the experience of a Venetian bacaro (wine bar) in New York City, specializing in Venetian food and Italian wine. Reviews from the time noted its cozy atmosphere and delicious food, with highlights like the  Sarde en Soar, Lasagna, and Pasta with Duck Ragu.
It's important to note that while Bar Cichetti was a significant part of Bellino Zwicke's career, it is no longer open under his operation. There's a restaurant in New York City currently operating as "Bar Cicchetti by Fabio Viviani" in Chelsea. This is a different establishment and should not be confused with Daniel Bellino Zwicke's original Bar Cichetti, "America's 1st Ever Venetian Wine Bar."




The BELLINO'S
At BAR CICHETTI

UNCLE TONY, MYSELF, COUSIN TONY, AUNT FRAN
Aunt Wanda, Debbie, AUNT HELEN, Dan




Daniel & CAMERON DIAZ







SOME PICTURES at BAR CICHETTI

MICAHEL STIP & R.E.M.

CHEF DANIEL & His KITCHEN CREW






BAR CICHETTI

DANIEL & FRIENDS

DANIEL, RAOUL, LISA, MATT DILLON, ABBIE
JOHN LURIE & GLENN O'BRIEN




BAR CICHETTI 1998

Daniel Bellino Zwicke is widely recognized as the creator of the first Venetian wine bar (bacaro) in the United States, named Bar Cichetti
. 
Here's more about his venture:
  • Establishment: Bar Cichetti was established in 1998 in New York City with the goal of bringing the Venetian bacaro experience to the US.
  • Focus: It specialized in Venetian cuisine and Italian wines.
  • Bellino Zwicke's Role: Daniel Bellino Zwicke was involved as the Chef, wine director, and managing partner.
  • Reception: Contemporary reviews noted its inviting atmosphere and popular dishes such as Sarde en Soar and Pasta with Duck Ragu.
  • Status: Bar Cichetti is no longer operating under Daniel Bellino Zwicke's direction. 
  • Important Note: There is a different restaurant in New York City called "Bar Cicchetti by Fabio Viviani" that is not related to Daniel Bellino Zwicke's original establishment.







CHEF DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE
With OLD PAL MATT DILLON








SINATRA SAUCE

The COOKBOOK