Give Little Italy the Boot!
August 19th, 2008
So your parents – regardless of how many times you insist that Little Italy has been eaten by Chinatown and is nothing but a tourist trap – manage to drag you there on their twice yearly visits. Lure them away from Mulberry St. with these choice restaurants. And while they may not see chicken parm on the menu they will find charm, delicious food, and yes, even a little of grandma’s sauce. They won’t be mentioning Little Italy again.
LOWER EAST SIDE
Frankies Spuntino
[17 Clinton St.] [212.253.2303]
Squeeze into this tiny Clinton St. restaurant early and be greeted by crusty bread and absolutely lovely olive oil (if you’re so tempted, it is $25.00 to bring a litter of it home.) Start with a sampling of cheeses, cured meets, and vegetable antipastos. You’ll love the home made cavatelli with hot sausage (or lamb ragu if available) and your parents will be thrilled to see that the old-fashioned meatball made the menu.
WEST VILLAGE
OTTO Enoteca Pizzeria
[1 Fifth Ave.] [212.995.9559]
Use Mario Batali’s Food Network stardom to get out of Little Italy and into his delightfully casual Italian venture. The room is warm and noisy with a buzzing wine bar and patrons passing their dishes around the table. Join in and order everything family style and enjoy fantastic selections of vegetables, pastas, and thin-crust pizzas. Finish the night off with creative gelato (including: olive oil, strawberry balsamic, and sweet corn.)
CHELSEA
Scarpetta
[355 W. 14th St.] [212.691.0555]
You cannot get any simpler than spaghetti with tomato and basil; and you certainly would be hard pressed to find a more delicious version. Indulge in excellently prepared food and a surprisingly reasonable wine list under the retractable glass roof. And be sure not to miss the delightful raviolini and crispy frito misto.
CLINTON HILL, BROOKLYN
Locanda Vini e Olli
[129 Gates Ave.] [718.622.9202]
This pharmacy turned Tuscan eatery (picture: apothecary drawers not your neighborhood Duane Reade) is one of the most charming rooms in town. Your parents will feel right at home as they order “for the table” to begin. Enjoy inventive antipasti, main dishes and a wide range of toothsome and well sauced pastas. You will find plenty of reasons to return, with or without your parents (or a prescription.)