All Columns in Alphabetical Order


Wednesday, September 16, 2026

#PeachysPicks #SamsPlace Peachy Picks Sam's Place Since 1986 by #MassimoBolloni #Italian #132East39thStreet Between #ThirdAvenue and #LexingtonAvenue #MidtownEast #Manhattan

Superstar Restaurateur Rome Native Massimo Bolloni showcases his triumphant Stracciatella, and here he is when he opened Sam's Place on May 4, 1986. 
It's named after Massimo's maternal uncle Samuel.
It's not who you know, and it never has been.
And we know Massimo Bolloni, Founder and Owner of Sam's Place, a charmingly exquisite homage to Italian cuisine just steps away from Grand Central Terminal in Midtown East.  Of course, we especially love the American flag in the front window, mingling with the wine and Massimo even wears a flag pin on his lapel (and read our late 2018 review to see how he got the flag pin.)  He came to the USA in 1978 from Rome, Italy.
Unlike newer places that can be wrapped up in unnecessary trends and gimmicks, all is authentic at Sam's Place.  We were graciously greeted and the 65 indoor seats spanning upstairs and downstairs make you feel like you are visiting Massimo at his house in Italy with all of the convenience of being in Manhattan.  
Sam's Place was first featured in early 2018, and then Sam's Place was featured in late 2018.  It had been far too long, and we are absolutely thrilled to announce it is the newest Peachy's Pick as of today.
If you have not had the Stracciatella appetizer, you have not lived.
When you meet it, you'll say: Enchante Stracciatella!  Where have you been all my life?!
For the uninitiated, Stracciatella is the inside of Burrata, and you know Burrata is sacred on Whom You Know.,  Here, it successfully swims with invigorating spinach, yielding a delightful, unique concoction you will find nowhere else at this level of excellence.
They are famous for it.
Also, if you have not read our other 31,000 posts, you should know that we do not edit pictures.
You excel like Massimo, or we do not publish.
First on the menu of appetizers are the robust Portobello Mushrooms expertly sauteed over baby greens, which should especially appeal to our readers who do not eat meat or fish.
Fifteen percent of the menu changes in order to innovate and reinvigorate the classic Italian style you'll experience at Sam's Place, while 85 percent of the menu remains with signature proven winners.
There are five salad choices: we chose Insalata Tre Colori, above: Endive, Arugula and Radicchio, and the House Specialty Caprese, below: Sliced Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella, Basil and Spinach.  Each element was supremely fresh and though we make no medical claims, nutritionally superior.  Salads are a total must as part of your meal and our newest culinary column is devoted to Peachy's Picks who excel in this realm.
For the seafood lovers out there like Peachy, Shrimp Scampi is beautifully butterflied and a visual victory as we segue from summer into fall.  It's the best scampi we have had anywhere this season and this classic is joined by green beans (Peachy's favorite vegetable) and carrots.  The sauce is especially superb and flavor forward, perfectly coating the cute, delicious little succulent shrimps.
Also, if you have actually met Peachy, you will have experienced her commanding presence in terms of height, similar to a shrimp.
If your shrimp doesn't smile at you like that, maybe you are not dining with Massimo.
Not all pasta is created equally. 
Some is just superior.
Discover the complexity of flavor in the Pasta Nera: Squid Ink Linguini mixes it up with sensational cream and premium mushrooms to truly wow your palate with its intelligent nuances.
If you think you have had all pasta everywhere, perhaps you haven't had this.
If you adore the classics as much as Peachy, Fettuccine Alfredo is another special triumph of Sam's Place with superior consistency.  It's acclaimed presence is underscored by the old school authentic capabilities that Sam's Place has celebrated since 1986, and of course in our eyes is even better with cheese on top should you wish, please ask the jovial, mannered Enrico, a fantastic waiter.
Again, pictures do not lie.
Among the seven pasta choices you'll be bowled over by the tantalizingly terrific Linguine with Fresh Clams, which we chose to be in the white sauce classically prepared.  However, you should know their menu says it is available any style.
Finally, in our quest to discover the best Chicken Parm in the world, we are thrilled to showcase the Chicken Parmigiana edition at Sam's Place.  A generous, high-quality portion of Boneless Chicken topped off with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese announces to our tastebuds it is King of the Mountain, of your stomach of course!
Peachy Picks Sam's Place!

Sam's Place is Highly Recommended by Whom You Know.


Do not miss the grand finale of essential Tiramisu!

Peachy only does selfies if she really loves you and your cuisine!!!
And the Chicken Parm!!!

Back to TOP