Food & The City: Il Cantinori

This is the second installment of food and the city, my review of New York City eateries, the first was about the restaurant of the famed chocolatier Max Brenner and you all really enjoyed it, thanks for the great comments! On January 14th  Restaurant Week started in Manhattan and it is is so exciting - before it ends on February 8th I have quite a few reservations and last night's was absolutely AMAZING! I went with one of my best friends  and here is a review of our time:

I arrived at this Greenwich Village restaurant  two minutes early and was surprised to be seated right away even though my entire party has not arrived. The ambiance of the restaurant  was amazing, especially for a Sunday night, the buzz of upbeat conversation provided a wonderful atmosphere especially when a lull in conversation was filled with a classical piano medley.  I would describe the attire as smart causal and a bottle of red wine was visible on almost every table in site. But now, let's get to the important things: 

APPETIZER

There were four wonderful choices - we picked different things  and I am glad we did.  I got the Insalata Di Barbabietole, which was a delicious roasted beets with arugula with walnuts and Gorgonzola dressing.  I thought this dish was excellent with perfect seasoning without being overpowering.  Mary got the Portobello con Formaggio alla Griglia, which was portobello grilled with sun dried tomato, garlic and cheese which she described as, "rich, savory, and satisfying".  With our salads we also both got bread and a homemade tomato paste.

With my beat appetizer, Mary with here ravioli entree,

 and both enjoying our glasses of Pinot Grigio. 

ENTREE

Again, their were four great options and again, Mary and I picked different things. I got the Salmone con Mostrarda, a salmon sauteed with a mustard sauce.  It was cooked medium without me having to ask and the cream sauce was delicious paired with green beans with the perfect crunch.  Mary got the Ravioli Vitello Salvia, Ricotta and spinach dumplings with ground veal and sage.  The waiter described these dumplings as ravioli in a veal meat sauce instead of in the butte and sage sauce it regularly comes in. Mary described it as, "expected with meat sauce and ricotta, of course, but it's delicious".

DESERT 

While there were three choices listed for dessert when the waiter described the options, a flan like pannacotta and a torta di mele we both chose the highly recommended the Biscotto di Gelata alla Nocciola.  Mary and I both ordered this amazing hazelnut ice cream, YUM!

Il Biscotto di Gelata alla Nocciola 

This restaurant was absolutely amazing - I honestly can not say enough great things about it!

Even the bathroom was gorgeous! 

Bottom Line: Il Cantinori was delicious and I will be back even without restaurants  eek.   Most fine establishments accept reservations during Restaurant Week and I highly recommend doing so on-line or on your smartphone with  Open Table.com.  And when you go, let me know!