Bar Prima Officially Opens its Doors to the Upper East Side

NEW YORK - Sept. 18, 2014 - PRLog -- Situated on 81st Street and Second Avenue, Bar Prima has become the premiere destination of intimate Italian wine culture in New York's storied and luxurious Upper East Side. As such, the owner and proprietor founded Bar Prima on the memory of his late wife, and an unforgettable bonding experience: Over the course of 15 years, they perused the Italian countryside once a year in search of the finest and best-tasting wines. As a result of these experiences, the carefully curated wine list showcases both upcoming natural wineries alongside traditional institutions. Additionally, Bar Prima is currently featuring wines from the local Brooklyn Oenology, Red Hook Winery and Paumanok, as well as craft beer.

Bar Prima's interior exudes at-home comfort, intimacy, and warmth, complete with brick exposure and industrial beams for a modern touch. Enjoy a Sunday afternoon wine tasting with a group of friends or coworkers, while sampling a variety of small plates. Among one's choices are authentic Italian meats (Speck from Alto Adige, Prosciutto from Parma), cheeses (six rotating), and a seasonal menu of fresh salads, bruschetta, house-marinated olives, and caponata.

Chris Leon, Bar Prima's General Manager and sommelier, has worked in the hospitality industry for a number of years, specifically with wine and restaurant management. Most recently, Leon has worked with Sonoma County wineries DeLorimier, Pezzi King Vineyards and Michelin-starred restaurant Aska in New York, and the Wine Spectator awarded Tangled Vine.

More about the Bar Prima family and its Owners

Bar Prima was conceived out of the memory of the owner's late Italian wife; they connected over  - and annually visited - Italian wine country side for 15 years. For him, Italian wine and his wife are inextricably linked.

The proprietor, is professionally a medical doctor and personally a lover of wine. His free time is dedicated to his daughter.

Chris Leon, General Manager and sommelier, has been involved in the hospitality industry, specifically with wine and restaurant management, for a number of years. His recent work has brought him to Sonoma County wineries DeLorimier, Pezzi King Vineyards and to NYC Michelin starred restaurant Aska and Wine Spectator awarded Tangled Vine.