I don’t go out to eat much these days. My wife is more of a homebody that I am and she’s no foodie. I think about food constantly and love cooking. I enjoy restaurants but I don’t go often. When I do, to a nice place, it is a real treat. Which is why the most delicious present ever is the gift that keeps giving.
Last night I went to The Spotted Pig for the Sheep’s Milk Ricotta Gnudi (which are a bigger version of gnocci).
They were terrific, as was every other thing we had, including a special appetizer with fried pig’s ear. By the time we left, around 8:30, the joint was packed with pretty people. I saw four guys, in their mid-twenties I’d guess, standing around, talking loudly, looking nervous, checking their cell phones again and again, waiting for something to happen, or just soaking up being in a hip spot. I remembered being that age, spending time in cool places around cool people, where the lights are low and everyone has a drink, and recalled how unhappy it made me.
After we ate, my friend and I took a slow walk around the west village. If there is anything I miss about Manhattan it is walking after a meal, enjoying the company of a great pal. Digesting, taking our time. Is there anything as civilized?
The Spotted Pig is one of my favorite places to eat, but we will only go during the off-hours before the pretty people show up to be seen. Late lunches or early dinners. The Smoked Haddock Chowder is soooo freakin' good! Making my mouth water just thinking about it.
I'm a bit of a beer nut too, so I love that they carry two cask-conditioned kegs. I see that they currently have "Otis" - an oatmeal stout from Six Points Brewery on tap. I may have to pop in for lunch sometime this week. Yum.
I used to work in the West Village and once went to the Spotted Pig for lunch with some buddies from the office, one of whom just wanted to check the place out. I probably got a burger, that I don't remember. What I do remember is that Selma Blair was sitting at the table behind me. Pretty people indeed . . .
Oh, and following up on that question about the bottle of olive oil I got as part of that gift, here' this from my cousin:
"The evo. Is barbera number one. The original barbera and his son (number 5) decided to go to their first plantings and craft 100 cs worth of whatever blend they felt they needed to do. It was the fathers swan song. And each bottle was numbered, inspected and approved by the father."
No, Alex. Nothing. Nothing so civilized.
Mmmmm.
You're making my mouth water.
What? No gravy??
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-61QQrkD_1A
("I think a nap will do me a world of good!" >;)
My wife and I love going out to eat. Living in Chicago we have tons of great restaurants to choose from but I do miss the nooks, and alleyways, and ghosts of New York.