New York Film & Video Day 4-Quinto Quarto

I met my friend Heather and her friend Ronny for lunch, before heading to the Village Cinema East for the block of films beginning at 5:45pm. Heather recommended we dine at Quinto Quarto Osteria Romana (14 Bedford Street if you're on Varick near Houston, turn onto Downing St and then right onto Bedford ) It only opened 5 months ago. The owner, David Ranucci is from Lucca Italy, he owns 3 other restaurants: Giulio pane e ojo and Casa Tua in Milano and Cacio e Pepe in Monaco. Quinto Quarto is the first in the States.

The feel of the place is so compellingly cozy and inviting inside and out, the restaurateurs (pictured with me) were so warm and charming, that it would be easy to lose an afternoon in true european fashion regardless of the actual meal. However, in this case, the food does not play second fiddle to the ambiance. Chef Corrodo Villella has created remarkably simple, authentic dishes with entrees ranging from $16-$19. Lunch is such a deal! $14.50 includes a full glass of wine, the table red had a wonderful nose, an appetizer, pasta entree and coffee. If I lived in NY, I'd want to come once a week.

For my Passate/Soup I chose-Ribollita (Minestrone Soup w/black cabbage, carrots, celery and beans). Both fortifying and delicious. My friends both ordered Carciofi Con Rucol, Olive Nere E Pecorino (artichokes with arugola and black olives ) For my entree - Penne Al Pesto Di Pistacchio (Basil, pistachios, pecorino & pine nuts) The pesto really coates the al dente penne, but its flavor is light, not salty or too nutty. Ronny agreed with me, she said it was the best pesto she's ever had. And Heather was very pleased with the Penne Alla Tuscia (fresh tomatoes, Roman ricotta, pork cheek, pecorino). With our coffee we were treated to three samples of tarts, the taste and consistency of my favorite pastry, Jewish Homentashen.

Rating: 4 Tines
(Excellent - 4 Tines * Great - 3 Tines * Good - 2 Tines * Fair - 1 Tine * Poor - Tarnished)