This is a truly heartbreaking story. Once, not too long ago, a miraculous thing happened – an ugly menu for a pizza joint called Vinnie Vella's (adorned with an illustration that practically begged for low expectations) arrived on our doorstep and, surprisingly enough, their 'Grandma's Pie' (fresh ingredients atop a perfectly thin/thick crust) turned out to be absolutely delicious. Furthermore, VV's actually delivered to our neighborhood (I'll never forgive you for forsaking Greenpoint, Fornino).

Then one day we called up (the number was actually in Jim's phone – no longer) and ordered the usual. The place had a different name, but they assured us the menu was the same; we had no idea to what degree our lives were about the change for the worse. The delivery was late, we were starving, but what was in the box – ugh – we couldn't even bring ourselves to try more than half a slice each.

Nice job La Bella Mariella II, you ruined a beautiful thing with your gloppy cheap cheese and overly sweet canned tomato sauce you try to pass off as belonging on a pizza (PS: the photos on their site are totally inaccurate). I'm truly ashamed to admit it, but we actually threw away almost an entire pizza.

You will never be forgiven and I hope you perish the way of Better Fellas (the short lived shop that set up in the same location between Vinnie Vella's and Bella Mariella II).

Souen is really lucky, by the way, that I was so crushed by this pizza shop debacle and spared them the wrath of a lengthy tirade because their vegan dirt food made me sad while I was eating it and mad to be paying obscene amounts for it.

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Posted on November 9, 2009

insalata de finocchi, arance e olive nere or, Fennel, Orange, and Olive salad seems like an unlikely combination, if not downright gross. But the mix of peppery, citrusy, and salty is actually quite yummy and refreshing. Throw on a bit of pecorino romano cheese like Shaun did when he so graciously served this to us at a recent Italian dinner night. This recipe comes again from his favorite Roman food blog, Italialicious.

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Posted on September 21, 2009

Some of the best dishes are the simplest and only require a few great ingredients. Our friend Shaun just returned from Rome with an appetite for their amazing cuisine and was kind enough to share this dish, Bucatini all'amatriciana with us.

Bucatini is the key, a thicker hollow spaghetti that is filling, delicious and cooks quicker than most. Also make sure to not substitute the guanciale, an unsmoked Italian bacon (Shaun found both at the Chelsea Market).

This recipe came from this week's website of the week, Italialicious, where I plan to make many more excellent meals from.

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Posted on August 31, 2009

While our little neighborhood is by no means a restaurant wasteland – we boast great coffee, sandwiches and donuts – Annella is still a great and much needed addition to the area. Reasonably priced and delicious, the mainly strictly Italian menu is best for days when you have a heartier appetite, but does offer a few lighter options.

On the heavy side, you can't go wrong with the amazing meatballs that were a candidate for the New York Wine and Food Festival Meatball Madness competition. Once a special and now a beloved permanent fixture on the menu, they're a gut busting combination of flavorful meats including prosciutto. If you crave a less hulking plate of food, I'm a huge fan of the clam pizza: a crisp and garlicky white pie with a touch of cheese and plenty of briny little ones.

My friends and I find ourselves dining here a lot because they've got the perfect blend of ambiance (dark with warm lighting, lots of antiquey touches), service (always really kind and efficient), price (which is made even nicer with their waning – but still current — BYOB policy), and menu of delightful food. It's not easy to get everything so right, but Annella seems to do so quite effortlessly.

And now they're open for an equally impressive brunch; you can enjoy massive benedicts and steak and eggs in their lovely back yard.

On Yelp!

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Posted on August 17, 2009

Nestled within the no mans land at edge of Chinatown (especially with the sad loss of Good World) the Venetian small plates restaurant Bacaro is truly a hidden neighborhood gem with underground arched hallways and romantic private dining nooks. With real candle and crystal chandeliers, faded brick, rustic table settings, and general castle-like feel, it's a transportative atmosphere that alone is worth a recommendation. Fortunately, the food is equal to the setting.

My sister and brother-in-law did the honors of ordering since they are huge fans and know all the best dishes. The spicy fried meatballs and fried rice balls were excellent and not at all greasy nor too heavy. For pasta we had a great duck ragu with whole wheat pasta and the gnocci which is a favorite of just about anyone who's dined there. Since most dishes are shared it's wise to order a couple of these if you have a larger party.

Jim and I split the daily gelato for dessert, because we can never, ever say no to olive oil ice cream, and wow! It was some of the best I have ever had the pleasure to try. Cocktails here are also good, and more interesting than your standard offerings.

We got here early enough to accommodate a large group, though later in the evening you may have to wait – though there are worse fates than to drink in their airy, grand bar. It would be a perfect spot for romance, especially if you love and know each other well enough to excuse a big belly from all the rich and delicious pastas, fried appetizers, and dessert.?

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Posted on June 8, 2009