Italian food. There is sooo much of it in NYC, it can get a tad nutty. Where to go? What to eat? One of my favorite Italian spots in NYC is Locanda Verde, the hip and cool spot at the Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca. I have been there a plethora of times, and have written about it on this titillating website you are reading.

I revisited two weeks ago in a drunken state of mind, and was once again satisfied with the great fare from chef Andrew Carmellini.

I must first talk about the complimentary focaccia sent out. It is amazing! Hints of rosemary, olive oil, and lemon, make this some blissful bread!

One dish I crave on a weekly basis is Locanda's Sheep's Milk Ricotta ($12) with sea salt and herbs. It is so addictive, splendid, and wonderful, I would take a bath in it if I could.

Gigantone ($19) with Sunday night ragu and provolone picante will do any Italian grandmother proud. It's a heartwarming pasta dish I devoured within minutes.

You can't go to Locanda Verde and leave with out trying one of Karen DeMasco's fabulous desserts. She is a pastry genius, and her Banana Walnut Brown Butter Cake ($11) with banana gelato, walnut brittle is proof of that. Not overly sweet, but just about perfect. I could end any meal with this slice of heaven.

So head on down to Tribeca and get your Italian bite on at Locanda Verde. Cool and hip digs, great food, a festive time all around. It's fun sober too, trust me.

Locanda Verde
377 Greenwich St. (and N. Moore)
New York, NY 10013
212-925-3797