NEW SPANISH RESTAURANT (NOT EVEN OPEN YET) TO HOST HURRICANE RELIEF DINNER

Casa Pomona, the Spanish restaurant that’s getting set to open at 507 Columbus Avenue (between 84th and 85th Streets next door to Kefi), will host a special dinner on Monday to benefit victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Casa Pomona, one of the 10 upcoming restaurants we highlighted in September, plans to serve tapas and lots of savory dishes, like grilled Spanish black sausage with preserved lemon and chickpeas when it opens. At the benefit dinner, chef Jodi Bernhard is teaming with Italian chef Fabriizia Lanza to make a hybrid Spanish-Italian meal (see menu below).

“Casa Pomona owner Sid Gupta realized how fortunate he is as an Upper West Side restaurateur not to be devastated by the storm and just wants to do all he can to give back,” the restaurant’s pr rep told us. “They are still not technically open for regular service but wanted to open their doors to Upper West Siders on Monday looking for a good meal and a way to help those less fortunate.”

There will be seatings at 6 and 8:30 p.m. one seating at 7 p.m., and it costs $75 including wine.

The restaurant is expected to open sometime this month. Check out the menu at the bottom of this post and email info@casapomonanyc.com if you want to attend.

Reception Tapas/Antipasti
Charcuteria y Queso/Fig Pintxos/Pizzelle,
Rose Espumo. Casa del Mar. Empedes, Spain. NV

Amuse Bouche
Foie Gras Torchon, Cocoa Bread, Plum Marmelade
Oloroso Solera Especial. Drysack

1st Course
Panelle – Chickpea Fritters/Gazpacho Blanco/
Mussels en Escebeche
Inzolia, Sallier de la Tour. Sicily. 2011

2nd Course
Involtini di Melenzane – Eggplant rolled with pasta
Le Bianchi. Sallier de la Tour. Sicily 2010

3rd Course
Spezzatino d’Agnello – Lamb Stew with Mint
Spaghetti Squash Piperrada/Setas a la Plancha
Syrah, Sallier de la Tour. Sicily 2009

Dessert
Cassata – Sicilian Sponge cake layered with ricotta, candied fruit & chocolate
cream Brandy de Jerez, Cardenal Mendoza