The Best Mozzarella in Town

A few weeks ago, after reading so many rave reviews, I finally tried Torrisi's. If you haven't heard about it basically the shtik for this restaurant is a pre-fix multi-course Italian dinner for $50 which changes daily. The menu is consistent for all courses aside from the main entree which changes daily and from which you choose either a fish our meat option. I have to say that while I had a lovely dinner with friends and family, we were all a bit underwhelmed. While everything was decent, the one dish that stood out was the opener - the buratta mozzarella and garlic bread. This was the creamiest mozzarella accompanied by the most savory bread that I can't compare to anything like it before. Note that seating for the restaurant, regardless the size of your party, is for about 1-1.5 hours - This time constraint is not very Italian at all. Seating starts at 6pm and you have to show up to reserve your time slot for that evening.

Torrisi Italian Specialties
www.piginahat.com
250 Mulberry St (between Spring St & Prince St)
New York, NY 10012
212.965.0955

Pylos, What A Mealos!

I've now been to Pylos twice this summer and it is only a matter of time before I return again. Whether you get an entree or share a few appetizers you won't be disappointed, but make sure to make a reservation. It's one of the fancier East Village spots, but maintains it's charm with it's small size, beautiful decor, amazing serveware (a personal favorite of mine), and delicious Greek flavor. This is my favorite Greek restaurant, but I can only say that now that my dear old Snack Taverna is no longer.

Pylos

128 East 7th Street
New York, NY 10009
212.473.0220

Mi Piace

On a rainy day like today when I would normally want to stay in feeling all warm and fuzzy, I decided instead to venture out for lunch with a friend to Mario Batali's new Eataly. I was blown away by the amazingness that is this Italian Heaven. Italian food is my favorite and I think I even spotted some amazing goodies that I used to peruse in Florence during my study abroad on the shelves of this massive mercato. This is only the second week that the market has been open, and it shows with the overwhelmed staff at the Lavazza bar. We lunched at the antipast bar, but there is much more to be explore - gelato, fresh bread, seafood, panini, and even fresh pasta made before your eyes to bring home and enjoy.

Eataly

200 5th Ave
New York, NY 10010
646.398.5100

Italian Lunch Coma

A perk about my job is getting to try so many different (and often times pricey) restaurants for various work lunches. It is especially nice when I get to pick where. Today we went to A Voce on Madison (which I had been to once before and loved) and it was deeelicious! I basically tried the whole appetizer menu and highlights include the ricotta and garlic bread and proscuitto with swiss chard and cresenza cheese filled fried dough. Sides such as the brussel sprouts and VERY creamy polenta were also delicious. My main course, which was one of the yummiest pastas I have had was the wild boar orrechiette with cavolo nero, calabrian chilies and pecorino. It was the lightest and most flavorful meat sauce. There is apparently another location in Columbus Circle as well, though I have not been to that one. I'm sure both locations will make one need a siesta post carb-overload.

A Voce

41 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
212.545.8555

Jesus, Mary, & Joseph Leonard

It's been a while since I updated my recent eats, and no that is not because it's winter in NYC and I am hybernating...fortunately, I still eat out...quite a bit actually. One of the places I have been meaning to write about is Joseph Leonard in the West Village to which I went to brunch a few weeks ago. This place is not only decorated in my favorite kind of way (ie: mismatched silverwear), it also serves some of my favorite foods for brunch. I got the croissant egg sandwich which came with manchego and the most fabulous brussel sprouts with sriracha...they were all broken apart into leaves, not served as whole, which made them that much lighter and tastier. Another highlight was the hashbrown...basically an oversized latka for the table to share. Need I say more? Oh yes, this meal was followed by a plate of cookies. Too sweet. BEWARE: the wait is long and there is literally only one 4 top in the place so I recommend coming in twos and at uncommon dining hours.

Joseph Leonard
170 Waverly Place
New York, NY 10014
646.429.8383

Eggs at Egg

This is my second time having brunch at Egg in Williamsburg. The Egg Rothko (eggs in a basket) were as yummie as I remember it last time. With some melted cheese and stewed tomatoes...delicious. This place also has the best bacon I think I've ever had - carmalized, sweet and savory. But, make sure to come here only when you are planning a very late brunch as it is very popular and always busy.

Egg
135 N. 5th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718.302.5151

Ciao Chow

I love it, I love it, I love it. The street, the space, the art,...the food!

Ciao for Now
523 East 12th Street (between Avenue A & B)
New York, NY 10009
212.677.2616