L’artusi, West Village
After multiple recommendations from friends, I decided it was time to find out what all the buzz was about at L’artusi. Turns out the buzz is well deserved. Not only are the Italian small plates innovative and delicious, but the service is impeccable! I’m not a stickler for good service, but when it slaps you in the face, suddenly all you can think is, “Ah-ha! This is what I’ve been missing!” It really made the whole experience. Bravo.
My only complaint was that I was melting. Not sure if the air conditioner was out or it was the heat from the open kitchen, but I would recommend asking for a table up front or on the second floor.
Now on to the eats!
I’m not a cheese connoisseur, so I can’t remember which ones we got, but they were served with granola and golden raisins soaked in honey. The raisins in honey bit was to die for. New favorite cheese pairing.
This was surprisingly my favorite dish of the meal. Sauteed mushrooms with an egg and cheese, mixed with perfectly seasoned pancetta. I don’t normally eat red meat, but this made me feel like I’ve been missing out.
This mushroom ragu was my other favorite dish. The pasta was perfectly cooked. Another instance where you don’t know what you’re missing until you have it done the right way.
The roast chicken came highly recommended. Coming from someone who eats a lot of chicken, I didn’t think it was anything extraordinary. Good, yes. Special, in my opinion, no.
The branzino, on the other hand, was sublime! Served in honey and roasted lemons, it was a unique treat, and a must get on a return visit.
