NYC Tastes

I love living right near Eataly.  There's so much incredible wine, cheese and dessert to buy; not to mention the fantastic produce section and dizzying array of Italian beer.  But my favorite thing about living near Eataly is dining at the amazing restaurants any time I want; like grabbing some bar seats for a late afternoon feast at Manzo. Mr. T and I always begin with a plate of Housemade Mozzarella dotted with heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. Next the seasonal Agnolotti stuffed with Sekel Farm Veal served naked so the rich, creamy flavor of the meat is center stage. Then onto a satisfying bowl of Cavatelli served with Broccoli Rabe Pesto and Sweet Italian Sausage. And  Manzo's hefty Diamond Creek Ranch Beef Rib with Spina Rossa Polenta & Barbaresco Vinaigrette. For dessert the Chocolate Budino with salted caramel & amaretti cookie is a rich decadent delight best for...

What do you think about Razza Piemontese Beef- not sure?  Well thank goodness for Manzo then where they really like to celebrate this meat.  I stopped by the other day for the Seared Striploin with Trumpet Royale Mushroom & Foie Gras Sugo. Wow- some seriously beautiful plating here.   The seared beef was perfectly tender with a rich melted foie gras sauce oozing into it with a side of hearty mushroom and bitter aruglua.   I have to say while the meat was delicious the mushrooms really made the dish.   Something about the earthiness helped smooth the rich sauce and really brought it all together. I stopped by the Pasticceria on the way out and tried out the mini Raspberry Yogurt.   It was certainly tasty but much too sweet for my tastebuds.   It felt a bit like eating straight jelly.   Manzo is now also offering a $29.00 3 course prix fix lunch Monday thru Friday.   You know I’m all over that for sure. Manzo

My last restaurant in Eataly to try out is also supposed to be the most expensive and the best. Somehow I was worried it wouldn’t live up to the hype and kept putting off a meal there. Finally one rainy day it seemed just perfect and I went over for a solo lunch. I had made a reservation but the hostess said it would be a minute for my table when I arrived. I always see the bar when I’m there and was astonished to see so many tables behind it. How could I have missed that! I took a seat at the bar instead and a glass of Prosecco arrived to help the decision making process. After ordering the bread basket arrived. At every other place in Eataly the bread basket is thick cut pieces of a soft brown bread that is a little sour. Only at Manzo did I receive the squares of Focaccia and a few eggy slices inside. As always a healthy dollop of olive oil was present for dipping until my appetizer arrived. Mozzarella with Almonds, Brown Butter and Guaniciale. I’ve had the mozz...