Matilda [647 E. 11th St. (bet. Aves. B and C), Menu]
Mexican + Italian = Matilda. It's a combination that I can truly say I've never seen before and at Matilda it's pulled off wonderfully. In my visit, my friends and I stuck to the simple small plates and I must say that I'm excited to go back and try some more. For starters, we had the guacamole and the bruschetta. The guac had both a twist and a kick to it that was different from the traditional Mexican flavors. Better yet, in addition to the standard tortilla chips, it came with warm, freshly baked focaccia bread for dipping. This was an inspired idea. Meanwhile, the bruschetta also managed to straddle the line between the cuisines (jalapeno olive oil is a pretty clever ingredient) and I would definitely order it again.
For our main course, my friends and I split the tacos so that we could all have one each of the three on offer (you can only order them in sets of three). Each order came with even more guac and was delicious, but if I were alone and had to choose one, I would take the Alla Fiorentina, which features rare filet mignon and does the best job of incorporating both sides of the Mexican and Italian cooking styles. In terms of decor, Matilda is sleek and well-designed, but not intimidating. When you sit down for dinner there, see if you can find the drink menu...
Showing posts with label italian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label italian. Show all posts
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
La Carbonara
La Carbonara [202 W. 14th St. (bet. 7th and 8th Aves.), Menu]
After opening earlier this Spring, La Carbonara has quickly become an Eat Richly favorite. Part of it is because it's about 100 yards from my apartment, but most of it is because it serves very good Italian food at very reasonable prices. Whether eating in the restaurant or ordering take out, the food is fresh and the service is prompt and friendly. It's amazing to me that there aren't more restaurants like this. Why are there so many places charging $17 for a bowl of pasta?
In terms of specifics, all of the pastas are under $10 and I have sampled a wide variety. My top three are the Rigatoni (with eggplants), the Tagliatelle (with shrimp), and the Spaghetti (with meatballs). I recommend sticking to pasta for takeout/delivery, but if you eat in the restaurant, the Short Rib is an excellent choice as well. In addition, the wine list is full of affordable bottles ($20-$30) and the atmosphere is lovely for any occasion. All in all, I highly recommend La Carbonara for lunch or dinner...and I'll have to try their brunch!
After opening earlier this Spring, La Carbonara has quickly become an Eat Richly favorite. Part of it is because it's about 100 yards from my apartment, but most of it is because it serves very good Italian food at very reasonable prices. Whether eating in the restaurant or ordering take out, the food is fresh and the service is prompt and friendly. It's amazing to me that there aren't more restaurants like this. Why are there so many places charging $17 for a bowl of pasta?
In terms of specifics, all of the pastas are under $10 and I have sampled a wide variety. My top three are the Rigatoni (with eggplants), the Tagliatelle (with shrimp), and the Spaghetti (with meatballs). I recommend sticking to pasta for takeout/delivery, but if you eat in the restaurant, the Short Rib is an excellent choice as well. In addition, the wine list is full of affordable bottles ($20-$30) and the atmosphere is lovely for any occasion. All in all, I highly recommend La Carbonara for lunch or dinner...and I'll have to try their brunch!
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Za Za
Za Za [1207 First Ave. (bet. 65th and 66th Sts.) 212-772-9997]
This sister restaurant to Mediterraneo serves up food just as good, but it is almost never crowded and it delivers! Za Za is especially good in the summer when the back garden is open and they offer an incredible $10 lunch special.
This sister restaurant to Mediterraneo serves up food just as good, but it is almost never crowded and it delivers! Za Za is especially good in the summer when the back garden is open and they offer an incredible $10 lunch special.
Sotto Cinque
Sotto Cinque [322 E. 86th St. (bet. 1st and 2nd Aves.) 212-472-5563]
With nice new digs and a location on 86th street, Sotto Cinque has stepped things up a little bit. On the other hand, they are not exactly living up to their name, as only the three most basic pastas cost less than $5. But luckily, none of the more expensive "standard" options cost more than $8.95. I recommend the Rigatoni Cinque, which is very similar to Penne alla Vodka, costs just $6.95, and is rather tasty. Sotto Cinque is an excellent place to go for cheap Italian. If you want the real high quality stuff though, you're gonna have to pay the price and probably head elsewhere.
With nice new digs and a location on 86th street, Sotto Cinque has stepped things up a little bit. On the other hand, they are not exactly living up to their name, as only the three most basic pastas cost less than $5. But luckily, none of the more expensive "standard" options cost more than $8.95. I recommend the Rigatoni Cinque, which is very similar to Penne alla Vodka, costs just $6.95, and is rather tasty. Sotto Cinque is an excellent place to go for cheap Italian. If you want the real high quality stuff though, you're gonna have to pay the price and probably head elsewhere.
Sezz Medi'
Sezz Medi' [1260 Amsterdam Ave. (at 122nd St.) 212-932-2901]
A taste of Italy on the Upper West Side. Pizza is the way to go here. If you're hungry, order a full pie for yourself. If you're not that hungry, order a full pie and take the leftovers home (or I guess you could share it with someone else...). My Margherita with Prosciutto was fantastic. If you really don't want pizza, you could try a Panuzzo. This is something like a calzone, but with less cheese. It is very filling as well, however.
A taste of Italy on the Upper West Side. Pizza is the way to go here. If you're hungry, order a full pie for yourself. If you're not that hungry, order a full pie and take the leftovers home (or I guess you could share it with someone else...). My Margherita with Prosciutto was fantastic. If you really don't want pizza, you could try a Panuzzo. This is something like a calzone, but with less cheese. It is very filling as well, however.
Scalinatella
Scalinatella [201 E. 61st St. (at 3rd Ave.) 212-207-8280]
High-end, fantastic Italian food. The setting may be a little crowded and the prices may be a little high, but the food is always most important to me, and it is excellent here. They even give you two incredible free toppings for your bread (some diced zucchinis in a brown sauce and a seafood salad of sorts). Listen for the specials, because there is usually something particularly good there.
High-end, fantastic Italian food. The setting may be a little crowded and the prices may be a little high, but the food is always most important to me, and it is excellent here. They even give you two incredible free toppings for your bread (some diced zucchinis in a brown sauce and a seafood salad of sorts). Listen for the specials, because there is usually something particularly good there.
Quattro Gatti
Quattro Gatti [205 E. 81st St. (bet. 2nd and 3rd Aves.) 212-570-1073]
Authentic Italian food that tastes better than most of its neighbors. I liked the Linguine alla Positano, but I would also recommend the Branzino. A little expensive, but far from outrageous considering the quality of food and atmosphere.
Authentic Italian food that tastes better than most of its neighbors. I liked the Linguine alla Positano, but I would also recommend the Branzino. A little expensive, but far from outrageous considering the quality of food and atmosphere.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Peasant
Peasant [194 Elizabeth St. (bet. Prince and Spring Sts.) 212-965-9611]
If you can look past the pretentiousness of having the menu in only Italian, you will see that food here is very good. I especially enjoyed the Risotto Nero di Seppia (pretentious, moi?) and the butter that came with bread. Very creamy. The waiter, although not Italian, spoke "excellent menu" and was very knowledgable about food and wine.
If you can look past the pretentiousness of having the menu in only Italian, you will see that food here is very good. I especially enjoyed the Risotto Nero di Seppia (pretentious, moi?) and the butter that came with bread. Very creamy. The waiter, although not Italian, spoke "excellent menu" and was very knowledgable about food and wine.
Paprika
Paprika [110 St. Mark's Pl. (bet. 1st Ave. and Ave. A) 212-677-6563]
In case you couldn't tell, I like to eat in the East Village. And I also like Italian food, so Paprika is right up my alley. Set in a cute and cozy Saint Mark's space, Paprika serves up good food at good prices. Start with the excellent Beef Carpaccio, and if you want to split it, they might even do it for you. Then, try one of the pasta dishes, either one of the multiple daily specials or one of the regular menu standards. The Pappardelle with Oxtail Ragu is rich, filling, and tasty, while the Gnocchi is top-notch. If you can still find room, finish off your meal with the delicious Chocolate Souffle cake. Drink-wise, I recommend a bottle of Menabrea beer from Italy as something different, or an affordable bottle of wine as something more standard. Overall Paprika provides a classy Italian dining experience and would make a good date spot (but is also nice as a restaurant for dinner with friends).
In case you couldn't tell, I like to eat in the East Village. And I also like Italian food, so Paprika is right up my alley. Set in a cute and cozy Saint Mark's space, Paprika serves up good food at good prices. Start with the excellent Beef Carpaccio, and if you want to split it, they might even do it for you. Then, try one of the pasta dishes, either one of the multiple daily specials or one of the regular menu standards. The Pappardelle with Oxtail Ragu is rich, filling, and tasty, while the Gnocchi is top-notch. If you can still find room, finish off your meal with the delicious Chocolate Souffle cake. Drink-wise, I recommend a bottle of Menabrea beer from Italy as something different, or an affordable bottle of wine as something more standard. Overall Paprika provides a classy Italian dining experience and would make a good date spot (but is also nice as a restaurant for dinner with friends).
Orologio
Orologio [162 Avenue A (bet. 10th and 11th Sts.) 212-228-6900]
A wonderful little Italian restaurant in the East Village, Orologio offers up a nice variety of delicious dishes at very affordable prices. If you're in the mood for a salad, start with the Insalata Dirucola Enoli (arugula salad with gorgonzola cheese and walnuts). Then, I would recommend a pasta dish. Two of the better options would be the Spaghetti alla Chitarrina (spaghetti with lamb ragout) and the Tagliolini Bianchi e Neri Piccanti (black and white tagliolini in a spicy tomato sauce). Bottles of wine are mostly in the low $20 range and the clock motif around the restaurant makes for a nice atmosphere. Finally, once you finish dinner, there are a number of fun bars in the neighborhood to cap off your night.
A wonderful little Italian restaurant in the East Village, Orologio offers up a nice variety of delicious dishes at very affordable prices. If you're in the mood for a salad, start with the Insalata Dirucola Enoli (arugula salad with gorgonzola cheese and walnuts). Then, I would recommend a pasta dish. Two of the better options would be the Spaghetti alla Chitarrina (spaghetti with lamb ragout) and the Tagliolini Bianchi e Neri Piccanti (black and white tagliolini in a spicy tomato sauce). Bottles of wine are mostly in the low $20 range and the clock motif around the restaurant makes for a nice atmosphere. Finally, once you finish dinner, there are a number of fun bars in the neighborhood to cap off your night.
Notaro Ristorante
Notaro Ristorante [635 2nd Ave. (bet. 34th and 35th Sts.) 212-686-3400]
Exactly what you expect from a good New York Italian restaurant. Prices are reasonable and the food, albeit perhaps not overly creative, simply tastes good. As far as I know, this is one of the better options for Italian in the neighborhood. The ambience of the restaurant is nice as well. I recommend the Pappardelle in a tomato sauce with arugula and goat cheese.
Exactly what you expect from a good New York Italian restaurant. Prices are reasonable and the food, albeit perhaps not overly creative, simply tastes good. As far as I know, this is one of the better options for Italian in the neighborhood. The ambience of the restaurant is nice as well. I recommend the Pappardelle in a tomato sauce with arugula and goat cheese.
Nonna
Nonna [520 Columbus Ave. (at 85th St.) 212-579-3194]
An Italian brunch? Yes, that's right, I had bacon and eggs here and they were very good. With a nice corner location, this is a good place to eat outside on a summer or spring afternoon. Also, the more traditional Italian food is supposedly pretty solid, so I plan on coming back at some point.
An Italian brunch? Yes, that's right, I had bacon and eggs here and they were very good. With a nice corner location, this is a good place to eat outside on a summer or spring afternoon. Also, the more traditional Italian food is supposedly pretty solid, so I plan on coming back at some point.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Mediterraneo
Mediterraneo [1260 Second Avenue, New York; Menu]
A Berger family favorite for years, pasta doesn't get much better than at Mediterraneo. The pizza and other dishes are good too, but pasta is clearly the specialty (along with super fast service). Among others, I would recommend Tagliolini al Granchio, Linguine Nere all'Arrabbiata, Pappardelle all'Anatra, and Penne al Sugo Toscano, but every single pasta dish I have ever tried there has been delicious. This restaurant is almost always crowded, so if you can't get a table, I suggest a visit to the sister restaurant down the block, Za Za.
A Berger family favorite for years, pasta doesn't get much better than at Mediterraneo. The pizza and other dishes are good too, but pasta is clearly the specialty (along with super fast service). Among others, I would recommend Tagliolini al Granchio, Linguine Nere all'Arrabbiata, Pappardelle all'Anatra, and Penne al Sugo Toscano, but every single pasta dish I have ever tried there has been delicious. This restaurant is almost always crowded, so if you can't get a table, I suggest a visit to the sister restaurant down the block, Za Za.
Marco Polo Ristorante
Marco Polo Ristorante [345 Court Street, Brooklyn; Menu]
If it's old-school Italian you want, it's old-school Italian you'll get at this Carroll Gardens haunt. The main dining room is dark and decorated with images of Marco Polo and other Italian heroes. The menu offers up few surprises, but the large portions are nice for gluttons like myself. My friend enjoyed the Minestrone soup to start, and it was a massive bowl that almost a meal in itself. For my entree, I went with the Pasta Nera Adriatica (squid-ink pasta with seafood) and it was excellent. My friend's Zuppa di Pesce (seafood in a tomato broth) was less so. My other friend had a pasta special that was tasty. So stick to the pasta and you should enjoy yourself.
If it's old-school Italian you want, it's old-school Italian you'll get at this Carroll Gardens haunt. The main dining room is dark and decorated with images of Marco Polo and other Italian heroes. The menu offers up few surprises, but the large portions are nice for gluttons like myself. My friend enjoyed the Minestrone soup to start, and it was a massive bowl that almost a meal in itself. For my entree, I went with the Pasta Nera Adriatica (squid-ink pasta with seafood) and it was excellent. My friend's Zuppa di Pesce (seafood in a tomato broth) was less so. My other friend had a pasta special that was tasty. So stick to the pasta and you should enjoy yourself.
La Giara
La Giara [501 Third Avenue, New York; Menu]
A surprising find in the vast Murray Hill wasteland, La Giara provides good Italian food at reasonable prices. Start out with the Bruschetta (or maybe the Panserotti) before trying one of the many pasta dishes. My favorites are the Pappardelle with Duck Ragout and Spaghetti in Lamb Ragout and Pecorino Cheese. What can I say, I love pasta with meat ragouts! The service is friendly, albeit a little slow, but overall you should have an enjoyable meal here.
A surprising find in the vast Murray Hill wasteland, La Giara provides good Italian food at reasonable prices. Start out with the Bruschetta (or maybe the Panserotti) before trying one of the many pasta dishes. My favorites are the Pappardelle with Duck Ragout and Spaghetti in Lamb Ragout and Pecorino Cheese. What can I say, I love pasta with meat ragouts! The service is friendly, albeit a little slow, but overall you should have an enjoyable meal here.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
i Trulli
i Trulli [122 East 27th Street, New York; Menu]
A terrific Italian treat. This massive restaurant offers top-notch food in an equally nice atmosphere. I had the Panzerotti to start and the Orecchiette as my main course. Both were delicious. For wine lovers, there is an extensive wine list and even a separate wine bar. Beware: i Trulli is not for the light of wallet.
A terrific Italian treat. This massive restaurant offers top-notch food in an equally nice atmosphere. I had the Panzerotti to start and the Orecchiette as my main course. Both were delicious. For wine lovers, there is an extensive wine list and even a separate wine bar. Beware: i Trulli is not for the light of wallet.
Intermezzo
Intermezzo [202 Eighth Avenue, New York; Menu]
They say that they have the best Italian food in Chelsea. I'm not sure about that, but what they definitely do have is pretty good food at pretty good prices. When I was there, everyone ordered pasta and enjoyed it. I had the Pappardelle with wild boar, while the Rigatoni Alla Siciliana was another strong choice. On the whole, you should have an enjoyable meal here. Oh, and look out for the busboy who masterfully fills up water glasses exactly to the top. Give him his propers.
They say that they have the best Italian food in Chelsea. I'm not sure about that, but what they definitely do have is pretty good food at pretty good prices. When I was there, everyone ordered pasta and enjoyed it. I had the Pappardelle with wild boar, while the Rigatoni Alla Siciliana was another strong choice. On the whole, you should have an enjoyable meal here. Oh, and look out for the busboy who masterfully fills up water glasses exactly to the top. Give him his propers.
Gennaro
Gennaro [665 Amsterdam Ave. (bet. 92nd and 93rd Sts.) 212-665-5348]
A nice, affordable restaurant, Gennaro won't blow you away, but it should leave you satisfied and with most of your money still in your wallet. A nice wine selection is an added bonus.
A nice, affordable restaurant, Gennaro won't blow you away, but it should leave you satisfied and with most of your money still in your wallet. A nice wine selection is an added bonus.
Da Andrea
Da Andrea [35 West 13th Street, New York; Menu]
It's in the West Village. It's trendy. It's good. And most surprisingly, it's very affordable. Homemade pastas for $10-$11 are the way to go in my opinion, but others might beg to differ. I chose to devour the Cavatelli with Pesto (and Shrimp and Salmon) as my main course and was happy with my choice. Also, the Caprese appetizer was excellent, as was the Torretta di Verdure. The atmosphere of the restaurant is pleasant and appealing, giving you an authentic Italian feel. Furthermore, bottles of wine are cheap too! I was fortunate to stumble onto this place back when it was on Hudson Street and I was happy to see them re-open in this larger space.
It's in the West Village. It's trendy. It's good. And most surprisingly, it's very affordable. Homemade pastas for $10-$11 are the way to go in my opinion, but others might beg to differ. I chose to devour the Cavatelli with Pesto (and Shrimp and Salmon) as my main course and was happy with my choice. Also, the Caprese appetizer was excellent, as was the Torretta di Verdure. The atmosphere of the restaurant is pleasant and appealing, giving you an authentic Italian feel. Furthermore, bottles of wine are cheap too! I was fortunate to stumble onto this place back when it was on Hudson Street and I was happy to see them re-open in this larger space.
Caserta Vecchia
Caserta Vecchia [221 Smith Street, Brooklyn; Menu]
Try this quaint and authentic Italian restaurant in Carroll Gardens/Boerum Hill for some fantastic Neapolitan-style pizza. Order whichever pie suits your fancy, although I can tell from experience that the prosciutto is good. The prices are very reasonable, and I highly recommend that you sit in the garden in the back. This place is a well-known Brooklyn institution and is definitely worth a visit.
Try this quaint and authentic Italian restaurant in Carroll Gardens/Boerum Hill for some fantastic Neapolitan-style pizza. Order whichever pie suits your fancy, although I can tell from experience that the prosciutto is good. The prices are very reasonable, and I highly recommend that you sit in the garden in the back. This place is a well-known Brooklyn institution and is definitely worth a visit.
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