Well, not really. That was the dream title I was envisioning, but the jew in me somewhat missed the fact that B&H closes at 2:00 pm on Friday. My brilliant plan of going to B&H after work, proceeding to take pictures of pretty flowers and painted rope, followed by dinner at Da Andrea the next day did not go exactly as planned. Instead its: Da Andrea, Meet my (suddenly battery challenged comatose) Iphone 5.
So earlier this month I was asked by members of a Trip Advisor community to pick a restaurant for a meet up. Sort of a no brainer. I’ve been to Da Andrea about 8-9 times now, probably more than any other place in the city. Second only to Caicos Café in Turks and Caicos on the planet (it feels weird writing that. I frequent a place in some remote island more than any other place in NYC. Poor kids, now have to rely on their grandparents for continued education. Well, thats their problem!).
But an annual trip to Da Andrea, brainchild of a trio from Emilia Romagna, has become routine. This routine started in the old location on Hudson street where we stood on line to get inside a shoe box that did not take reservations. Now, double the size (to a her’s and her’s closet) and still the same old line of village people trying to get in.
We started with the usual, one of the MUSTS especially with a group, the Tigelle. Baked on premises tasty buns with some of the most delicious prosciutto you will eat in NYC. A very shareable and tasty snack. The always terrific tower of grilled veggies followed, along with the grilled calamari and octopus salad which I enjoyed more this time than last year (especially the former)
But I’m here for one of my old time favorites, homemade Pappardelle with sweet sausage and truffle oil (half a plate pictured below). Its like a nice glass of wine where the scent of the truffles hits you right away, signaling the level of yumminess to the brain before you even taste it. I order this in other places such as Il Melograno in midtown which I enjoy, but no one makes it like in Da Andrea. Another winner was a rich but light risotto special. Tiramisu here is top notch as well.
I noticed recently they started taking reservations online which is great, but on this one I rather stick to tradition and start the process with a “Buona Sera”. Great food, great new friends, what else can I ask for. A new camera, which I got a week later. Buona Sera friends, and enjoy more Iphone 5 pics
Eating With Ziggy 
Great night. great food, great company! Thanks