NYC Tastes

It's been so cold and windy lately it's been hard to venture to far from home.  Luckily we have Eataly right nearby for all of those winter food needs. There is little in life that makes me happier than lush, beautiful ribbons of prosciutto and thick sliced chunks of mozzarella dusted with salt, pepper and olive oil. Fior di Zucca~ house made ravioli filled with butternut squash and ricotta cheese, tossed in a wonderful brown butter sauce topped with crispy sage and a flurry of grana padano. And for a little something green the Fusilli with broccoli, pecorino cheese, house made mozzarella, breadcrumbs and chili.  It's got a fantastic crunch from the breadcrumbs and a spicy little kick at the end that's just lovely. La Pasta at Eataly 200 5th Avenue at 23rd Street New York, NY 10010

Every single time I have a cold I crave pasta to no end.  Not chicken noodle soup, not grilled cheese (Mr. T's cold/flu staples) but a big steaming bowl of pasta in some kind of hearty sauce.  This is when living right near Eataly's La Pizza & La Pasta comes in clutch.     The former serving Naples style pies and the latter serving various pasta dishes using either Secca (imported Italian pasta) or Fresca (homemade artisan pasta). I tend to go for the fresca dishes, the egg addition giving a little bit more chew to the dough than just water and flour; one of my favorites being the  Pappardelle with Lamb Ragu, mint, lemon, Pecorino Romano and chili flakes. Eataly never skimps on the big chunks of lamb in the ragu and the chili flakes give a big spicy kick to the dish that's also perfect for clearing up the sinuses.  It's a big bowl of everything the doctor ordered. Eataly La Pizza & La Pasta 500 5th Avenue New York, NY...