Warming up with an Italian dinner #TBT

Earlier this year, a few days after the start of 2022, I was invited by a close friend to visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) for the annual Lightscape, which was about to close for the season. For the event, the gardens are lit up in a brilliant array of colored lights; every corner of the place is festively decorated.

It’s something I would go to every year.

A few blocks from the BBG is Aita Trattoria, which seeks to bring “unpretentious comfort to old-world recipes.” They also have another location in Clinton Hill.

Of course, being us, what should have been a straight walk down was more of a meandering while trying not to slip on the ice. When we finally got there, there was a bit of a wait, which was fine (however, after walking around the BBG and dodging ice sheets, we really needed to get out of the cold).

Once seated, we ordered wine and began looking over the menu. Immediately, the first thing to jump out at me was the arancini.

The mozzarella-filled fried rice balls were delicious, accompanied by a tomato-basil pesto sauce—we put in two orders! It was listed as a “cichetti” but we just made it our appetizer; it was so good.

For the main course, I saw the word truffles and ordered the ravioli cacio e pepe.

Served with a brown butter-sage sauce and white leek, along with the aforementioned shaved black truffles, this was a very tasty dish.

Once I got a look at the dessert menu, no question, I was getting tiramisu.

This was one of the best. Plus, it was paired with a glass of Foro Amaro.

This dinner brought a lovely close to a really fun day.

After admiring the Lightscape decorations and a long overdue catching up with an old friend, the atmosphere at Aita Trattoria and the delicious food definitely brought some much-needed warmth.

Pizza at Mario’s #TBT

It was still my first week in Albuquerque when I got my first taste of good pizza in a while.

As earlier noted on this blog, finding decent pizza in Bacolod City is a rarity—of course, as pointed out in “Quality pizza in Bacolod City?,” Cafe Saira, located in the Eroreco section of town, was an exception. However, just knowing we were having pizza, I was already certain it would be better than what most of my hometown had to offer.

The plan was to hit up Mario’s for dinner, an Albuquerque staple since 1972, which now boasts four locations across the city. The restaurant was founded by Mario and Anna Burgarello, a couple of Brooklynites who vacationed in Albuquerque and fell in love with the area as the climate was said to remind them of their native Sicily.

The original restaurant was called Mario and Joe’s Restaurant, which, according to their website: [Used] Mama Anna’s “made from scratch” old family Sicilian Recipes.

Started the meal with a glass of Elephants on Parade, a beer produced by the Bosque Brewing Company, a local microbrewery with taprooms in Albuquerque, Bernalillo, and Las Cruces; along with a public house opening soon along Eubank Boulevard.

The wheat ale is described as “packed with raspberry puree and colored with a Sandia sunset.” Thoroughly enjoyed the subtle sweetness, which made it a really refreshing brew.

While in New Mexico, I made an effort to try as many local brews as possible and this was definitely a favorite.

Now, back to the food.

For me, it’s difficult to visit an Italian restaurant without ordering calamari. It was one of the first things I looked for once I began perusing the menu.

The calamari was served freshly fried with a nice, crisp batter and a delicious marinara sauce.

When it comes to the pizza, Mario’s offers over 20 different pies, along with a “Create Your Own” option. All of their pizzas are “hand-tossed” and “New York style.” They also range in size from 12 inches to 26 inches.

Another go-to with regard to pizza, particularly if it’s the first time visiting a place, is ordering their meatiest pie. I went with the mega meat.

The pizza was delicious. Covered in heaps of pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, seasoned beef, and meatballs—along with a nice crust—this was definitely one to savor.

Once dinner was over, I headed over to the area that immediately caught my eye upon entering the restaurant: the gelato stand.

Walking up and down the display case, trying to figure out the flavor I was craving, there was one that jumped out at me. With its brilliant blue hue, I went with the birthday cake gelato.

It was sweet and creamy, and a perfect end to the meal.

The quality food is precisely why Mario’s has lasted so long in New Mexico. I only wish I was able to visit again to give their other offerings a try.

Filetto di Manzo con Foie Gras

Taking a break from the various Shanghai fare, the suggestion to go Italian one night brought forth a visit to Va Bene, in Shanghai’s Xintiandi district. According to their website, “Travel+Leisure” ranked them in the Top 5 restaurants in Shanghai in 2009. After dining there, it is well-earned distinction.

Ordered the filetto di manzo con foie gras (fillet of beef with foie gras) for a main course and it was incredible. A well-prepared fillet is always an amazing experience, but include a beautiful piece of foie gras, it takes the dish to a whole new level.

Clearly, the Chinese food scene throughout Shanghai offers a great variety of cuisine, but those times when one wishes to take a break from local dishes, Va Bene is a great destination for those international cravings.

Gorgeous foie gras at Va Bene Shanghai

Carmine’s

It’s been over a year and a half since living and working in New York City. Had the opportunity to catch a Broadway show with family; got tickets for “Rocky” at the Winter Garden Theater.

After the show, decided to dine at a classic spot, an old favorite, Carmine’s; one of the best known restaurants in New York City. An icon, known for delicious Italian cuisine served in large family-style portions.

Upon being seated, caught sight of one of the greatest draws of the place, the calamari.

Every previous visit to Carmine’s has been highlighted by the mountain of delicious, fried squid that leaves both a memorable sight and taste. Hot, fresh, crispy – all keys that make the calamari at Carmine’s so extraordinary. The huge appetizer is, typically, enough to satisfy one’s appetite, but the entrée offerings usually keep you craving more.

Carmine’s boasts locations throughout New York City, along with Atlantic City, Washington D.C., Las Vegas, and Atlantis-Paradise Island in the Bahamas.

North End

A visit to Boston’s North End found delicious Italian food at La Famiglia Giorgio. The restaurant has been serving family style cuisine since 1990.

Veal Florentine - Lightly fried and breaded cutlet topped with sautéed spinach, sliced mozzarella and tomato slices in a marinara sauce.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As their website says, “Hearty family portions from the heart of Rome.” “Hearty” is the right word.