Columbus Citizens Foundation

Stunning and gorgeous intimate venue — it does feel like something right out of the old Victorian era. Old fireplaces, winding stairway, mantles, and antique adorned wooden furniture and accents — it has an old world charm and an exclusive feel about it — like you’re part of a secret society — yes I’ve really let my imaginations run wild but this place does have that effect lol! and it’s not too far off — the venue/​foundation is apparently members only.
I came for a company holiday party and the décor was just breathtaking. The Christmas tree looked right out of a winter wonderland like Narnia. The columns were nicely decorated with wreath, pine, and ribbons. The chandeliers were gorgeous with the same silvery décor used on the tree and all around the venue. From the moment you walk through the elegant iron gate doors — everything matched and coordinated perfectly in terms of color, décor, material — no words really — just stunning.
The service was great throughout the night and the food was very good. The penne vodka was flavorful and the broccoli rabe was excellent. It was a wonderful experience between the venue, décor, and food — I’d definitely recommend checking out this venue if you are invited to an event here.

Was invited to a business educational meeting the other day, the foundation is a philanthropic organization aimed at preserving Italian American heritage. Some of the things they do are scholarship programs for kids and run the Columbus day parade in NY.
The review here is for there restaurant, it’s for members only, and is one of the finest italian restaurant in Manhattan. We were served large chunks of Grana Padano cheese and assorted cured meats with fresh breads and relish trays to start. The course was an amazing salad with fennel, we then moved on to a pasta dish consisting of rigatoni in a homemade marinara perfectly cooked. We had a choice of entrée’s and I was directed to go with the Chicken Scarpiello and told it was the best in the city. It was bone-​in chicken, braised with fennel sausage, white wine, vinegar, and peperoncini’s. This dish was great and the chicken so tender fell off the bone. Great choice. Vegetable platter of string beans & potatoes on the side. Dessert was home made biscotti and amaretto cookies to die for and of course the very large fresh fruit bowl. I was honored to be invited and enjoyed every minute since the only way in is by being a member or being invited as a guest.

Came here for a client’s event and book signing for Kara DioGuardi. Great event at a great venue. The building is beautiful, and nestled so close to the park. Despite being a vegetarian, I can state with at least aesthetic certainty that the food looked delicious. They had some vegetarian-​friendly options, but I didn’t want to make a mess because it was such a beautiful setting.
The members of this foundation are lucky to have such a beautiful, well-​maintained building.