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.