March 25 2010

An Epic Meal for an Epic Celebration

To ring in food connoisseur Kelly’s birthday (of Travel & Eats), we dined at the Zagat rated #1 NYC Italian restaurant and also one of Zagat’s “Top Food” rated NYC restaurants, Babbo.  I previously celebrated my 23rd birthday here (check it out here, here and here) and yesterday spent my entire day on the edge of my seat with excitement to return. 

I happen to think Italian doesn’t usually rank so high on the cuisine chart, but Babbo blows “Italian” out of the water, making you redefine what you ordinarily thought was good pasta and reminding you that yes, the wait is worth it.

Luckily, we snagged an “impossible to get” 6:30 reservation - a month in the advance.  In case you’re interested, get deets on how to snag a Babbo reservation here on Joel’s former resertaurant blog that never saw the light of day.

Although 6:30 is one of the earliest dinner reservations I’ve ever encountered in New York, it is certainly needed for a weekday Babbo experience where a normal meal of mesmerizing courses easily runs three hours.  And that’s exactly what happened to us. 

During the meal, our group discussed how lucky we were to be able to dine at Mario Batali’s mecca of Italian food.  I mean this in the most non-arrogant way, but realistically, Babbo is a restaurant with such a strict reservation/long wait policy that to even eat there once in a lifetime is remarkable.  I’m so grateful that the culinary Gods have blessed me with the opportunity to eat there twice now. 

And even with the extremely high expectations for last night’s meal, they were somehow surpassed.  I also learned that dining at Babbo is even better in a group of food snobs.  Why?  Because everyone likes to experiment and try each other’s dishes.

As a side-note, I’d just like to mention how nice it is to have “family” in the city.  I may not have any blood relations of my own in New York, but Joel’s cousins always make me feel part of the group in the best sort of way.

Below, the run down on our over-the-top, best of the best, “I live in one of the culinary capitals of the word and this is supreme” meals.

First up, just an ambiance shot.  Although Babbo is located on a quiet Greenwich Village street, the skylight provides tremendous light until dusk.

Roasted Beet Tartare

Grilled Octopus with “Borlotti Marinati” and Spicy Limoncello Vinaigrette.  It has to be said that this is the best Octopus I’ve ever had as it lacked that rubber texture and tasted more meaty.

Culatello di Zibella, which is upper thigh prosciutto.  According to our waiter, Babbo is the only restaurant in the US to serve it.

Black Spaghetti with Rock Shrimp, Spicy Salami Calabrese and Green Chile

My favorite pasta of the night: Fettuccine with House-Made Pancetta and Dandelion Greens

Beef Cheek Ravioli with Crushed Squab Liver and Black Truffles

Deconstructed Osso Buco with Saffron Orzo, Cavolo Nero and Chestnut Gremolata

Grilled Lamb Chops “Scottadita” with Sunchokes, Grilled Onions and Lemon Yogurt

My adventurous entree pick: Fennel Dusted Sweetbreads with Sweet and Sour Onions, Duck Bacon and Membrillo Vinaigrette.  I said we were adventurous.  

The Birthday Girl’s choice: Braised Beef with Porcini Mushrooms

Banana Walnut Olive Oil Cake

Can’t remember the name of this one (and can’t find it online) but those pine nuts on top were out of this world.

Pistachio and Chocolate Semifreddo.  A simple reminder that pistachio is a super food.

Ladies and Gentleman - Joel’s cousins, Travel & Eats