Friends, it's happened. I was afraid this day was going to come, I was hoping against hope that it never would, but it's come. It's time for a negative blog post. Here's what went down.
To celebrate the end of Passover, Maxine and I decided on a quick dinner of pasta before going back to the 7th circle of hell known as outlining. Because the goal was something quick I didn't suggest the Friendly Neighborhood Italian Place, since it's a bit far from school and not the quickest restaurant. Instead Maxine suggested Olio, a place she enjoyed last time she was there. So we went. And sat. 30 minutes after ordering a basket containing 2 slices of what I'm 90% certain was WonderBread appeared on the table, with some admittedly very high quality olive oil. 10 minutes later we asked about our food and were told it was 5 minutes away. 10 minutes after that our food arrived, lukewarm and slightly bland.
So, that was a less than ideal return to chametz, minus the part where I got to spend an hour and a half with the wonderful Maxine. Loyal readers, I'd avoid Olio, and stick with the Friendly Neighborhood Italian Place.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Friendly Neighborhood Italian: the Brunch Edition
About a month ago Maxine insisted that I needed to try Centro Vinoteca, and since we needed somewhere to brunch, we killed two birds with one stone and went. In a word, it was delicious. Since then I've been looking for an excuse to go back, this time armed with a camera. Rachel G., of Assessing the Wreckage fame, was the perfect reason. We did a pre-theater brunch there on Saturday and if possible it was better than the first time.
The meal started when they brought over a complimentary pound cake with lemon curd and orange marmalade. I'm not usually a pound cake fan because I find it to be a little too spongy, but this was yummy, and the lemon curd was the perfect mixture of sweet and tangy.
Next up were the lemon ricotta fritters. Maybe it's because Passover is coming up and I was thinking of my grandmother's failed attempt to make kosher for Passover pancakes using ricotta cheese, but I was definitely not expecting the deliciousness that arrived on our plate. These were basically beignets, except a little less airy and a bit more savory. In other words, delicious. Between the fritters, the pound cake and the bread on the table when you arrive, I was basically already full.
Luckily I managed to find room for what may be the most delicious Eggs Benedict I've ever eaten. The hollandaise was the perfect texture and exactly the right level of lemon. Instead of an English muffin I got a lovely surprise in the form of a potato latke, the smoked salmon was delicious, and the fresh organic egg was expertly cooked and a beautiful bright orange when I pierced the yolk. The olive oil drizzled on the plate was so fresh it looked like a neon yellow, which added a nice extra kick to the dish.
Kat ordered the poached eggs over parmesan polenta and bolognese sauce, the same dish Maxine ordered when we were there last time. I've tasted the dish both times, and I'm obsessed. I was glad Kat ordered it so I didn't have to and could try something new, but really, this dish is delicious. Before I'd tasted the eggs benedict I would have told you all that you had to get this dish, but now the requirement is to go with a buddy and order one of each. Totally worth it.
Centro is my new brunch obsession. GO TO THERE!
Next up were the lemon ricotta fritters. Maybe it's because Passover is coming up and I was thinking of my grandmother's failed attempt to make kosher for Passover pancakes using ricotta cheese, but I was definitely not expecting the deliciousness that arrived on our plate. These were basically beignets, except a little less airy and a bit more savory. In other words, delicious. Between the fritters, the pound cake and the bread on the table when you arrive, I was basically already full.
Luckily I managed to find room for what may be the most delicious Eggs Benedict I've ever eaten. The hollandaise was the perfect texture and exactly the right level of lemon. Instead of an English muffin I got a lovely surprise in the form of a potato latke, the smoked salmon was delicious, and the fresh organic egg was expertly cooked and a beautiful bright orange when I pierced the yolk. The olive oil drizzled on the plate was so fresh it looked like a neon yellow, which added a nice extra kick to the dish. 
Kat ordered the poached eggs over parmesan polenta and bolognese sauce, the same dish Maxine ordered when we were there last time. I've tasted the dish both times, and I'm obsessed. I was glad Kat ordered it so I didn't have to and could try something new, but really, this dish is delicious. Before I'd tasted the eggs benedict I would have told you all that you had to get this dish, but now the requirement is to go with a buddy and order one of each. Totally worth it.Centro is my new brunch obsession. GO TO THERE!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Friendly Neighborhood Italian Restaurant
So apparently there are people who actually read this blog (hi Mom) and anxiously await the moment when I post something new here (hi Katie). To all of you, I'm sorry. I could blame it on law school, but really it's because I never remember to bring my camera anywhere, and who wants to read a blog about food without a little low-quality food porn (and I would never dream of offending Emily G. by attempting to use blackberry pictures for such an important purpose). So, there's been a delay, but thanks to a lot of prodding and a shout-out in the best Jersey Shore Live Blog I've ever read (and yes I do read several), I am here with the much anticipated Next Blog Post.
Kate P. is in town from Chicago for the week, which was obviously a perfect time to come down with strep throat. Now that it's finally gone, we decided to celebrate with dinner. We wanted something local, no frills, and tasty. Obviously, the Friendly Neighborhood Italian Restaurant was called for. Everyone needs one of these--a place that serves good food, at good prices, that you can drop into for a fun dinner. Not a place that everyone knows and is trendy and hip, but a place that feels comfortable. Mine is Le Zie. I'm not a regular there, but it is my go-to restaurant anytime I'm looking for reliable Italian food in the neighborhood.
So off we went with Kate's friends Marian and Sandy. They enjoyed a glass of wine each, and noted the generous size of the pour. The bowl of olives and the bread on the table while waiting for food are always delicious, though I wish that when we asked for more oil we had gotten more olives with that oil. I had what they call the best spaghetti and meatballs in Manhattan. I don't usually order that in a restaurant, because it seems so simple, but I figured I should investigate all claims to be the best at something, in the interest of blogging integrity (or something). They're good. Very good. Not the best I've had (in my admittedly limited experience), but good. A little dry, and the plate overall needed more sauce (which is saying something, because I tend to like very little sauce on my pasta. Still, a solid choice.
The fresh tuna ravioli intrigued all of us, but only Marian was brave enough to order them. And what a smart choice. While I don't usually love the combination of seafood and pasta, unless the sauce is a simple oil and garlic sauce, this smelled delicious and, Marian said, tasted even better.
The menu at Le Zie is not extensive, but that's ok because they always have a number of specials that sound amazing and are hard to choose between. A contender last night for me was the veal cannelloni with spinach, though this time I opted for the classic.
This place is foolproof. If you're ever in the area and need a good solid Italian joint, here's the answer to your question. And if you live around here, consider making Le Zie you Friendly Neighborhood Italian Restaurant.
Kate P. is in town from Chicago for the week, which was obviously a perfect time to come down with strep throat. Now that it's finally gone, we decided to celebrate with dinner. We wanted something local, no frills, and tasty. Obviously, the Friendly Neighborhood Italian Restaurant was called for. Everyone needs one of these--a place that serves good food, at good prices, that you can drop into for a fun dinner. Not a place that everyone knows and is trendy and hip, but a place that feels comfortable. Mine is Le Zie. I'm not a regular there, but it is my go-to restaurant anytime I'm looking for reliable Italian food in the neighborhood.
So off we went with Kate's friends Marian and Sandy. They enjoyed a glass of wine each, and noted the generous size of the pour. The bowl of olives and the bread on the table while waiting for food are always delicious, though I wish that when we asked for more oil we had gotten more olives with that oil. I had what they call the best spaghetti and meatballs in Manhattan. I don't usually order that in a restaurant, because it seems so simple, but I figured I should investigate all claims to be the best at something, in the interest of blogging integrity (or something). They're good. Very good. Not the best I've had (in my admittedly limited experience), but good. A little dry, and the plate overall needed more sauce (which is saying something, because I tend to like very little sauce on my pasta. Still, a solid choice.
The menu at Le Zie is not extensive, but that's ok because they always have a number of specials that sound amazing and are hard to choose between. A contender last night for me was the veal cannelloni with spinach, though this time I opted for the classic.
This place is foolproof. If you're ever in the area and need a good solid Italian joint, here's the answer to your question. And if you live around here, consider making Le Zie you Friendly Neighborhood Italian Restaurant.
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