What to Eat Now: December

There are great restaurants and great dishes. Sometimes they don’t always go hand in hand and a little suggestion is needed! So for the monthly roundup these are great dishes to try if you find yourself at one of these restaurants or even in the area!

Tia Pol
Chelsea
Start the meal with an amazing salad, ensalada de alcachofa, salad of fried artichoke hearts and white asparagus with a creamy lemon vinaigrette. Then layer the delicate and nicely salted serrano ham atop the crunchy pan con tomate. They don’t take reservations and the space is very narrow so be advised. It’s great if you can snag a seat at the bar!

Eataly
Flatiron
Depending on the time of day it can be a madhouse at this Italian market/multiplex. Grab a seat at Il pesce  and try the whole fish al forno. It’s a simply roasted whole fish of the day with garlic and herbs. Fresh and light.

Maialino
Flatiron
Already a fan of dinner at the bar, I recently experienced brunch at Maialino, to which I am now also a fan! Warm sun from the park lights the dining room and delightful service abounds. Be sure and get a hot chocolate to warm you up. For something hearty and on the sweeter side get the ricotta pancakes (shown above). They are light and fluffy with a hint of lemon baked in. Or try the frittata of the day.

Maialino hot chocolate

Pipa
Flatiron
Enjoy the hundreds of hanging vintage chandeliers from next door’s ABC Home while you sip on delicious sangria! It’s easy to fill up on the yummy charcuterie and cheeses or sample the patatas bravas and croquetas!

Locanda Verda
Tribeca
Ahhh, the beloved Locanda Verde. Since this hot spot opened all I hear is why haven’t you been yet? Well, at long last I was lucky enough to dine here and let me tell you it was worth the wait! It’s not a hype, this place is amazing! Start with the mozzarella crostino with eggplant & pesto on prosciutto bread ($8).  We had a special ravioli of the day filled with fontina and drizzled with truffle oil. The ravioli literally melted in your mouth. For a fun and delicious take on a hero you must try the Broccoli Rabe Sausage Grinder ($17). This meaty sandwich is adorned with fresh ricotta and comes together on wonderfully fresh bread.  The Fire-Roasted Garlic Chicken for Two  ($22 per person) is also quite nice. Go for the food but enjoy the fun atmosphere and knowledgeable service!