It’s 6 PM on Thursday and we find ourselves at 513 West 27th Street between 10th and Eleventh Avenues. We enter a renovated garage, simply done in glass, wood, stone, white-washed brick. This is the gallery district, and the design of the space is never the star on this block. With a wave to the woman behind a high counter, we walk in and are greeted by Giovanni Marchi, whose artistry we are here to experience.

Marchi presents his colorful compositions form and motion, serious in content but with just the right touch of whimsy to tease and invite. Some themes are classic, others highly original, all representing the unique signature and taste of the artist, who studied painting in his native Italy. And his choice of media - astonishingly fresh. However, Giovanni Marchi’s current work does not last very long.

People eat it.

From seductive bowls of soup finished with layers of color, flavor and texture, to the dessert list that includes an assemblage of gorgeous goodies to dip in shimmering chocolate, the regional Italian cuisine at Naima is presented with visual and tactile flourishes, announcing in a loud and clear voice that yes, this dish will taste as good as it looks. And patrons would agree that Giovanni’s skill in crafting these beautiful assemblages is more than matched by his culinary talent and expertise.

According to proprietors Samir Jahdadic, Alessandro Passante and Roberto Voutto, it was a conscious choice NOT to hang artwork in the restaurant and bar, which opened just over a year ago, where so many patrons are likely to have spent much of the day and evening in the galleries by the time they come in for a cocktail or a meal. While we concur, every time we see a plate delivered at Naima, we can’t help but add, “The food is the art.”

Naima
513 W. 27th St
NY, NY 10001
212 967 4392

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