Nicole Franzen visits the greenmarket.

A postcard from Tabasco Country.

[Photo Credit: Little House in the Suburbs]

Serious Eats finds the best Vietnamese sandwich in New York.

[Photo Credit: Plate of the Day and Serious Eats]

I finally went to Motorino where I enjoyed the pizza. It wasn’t the best I’ve ever had or my pick for the best in the city (I don’t have a “best”) but I could see how the Neapolitan style would appeal to some, so much so that they’d call it their favorite. It was good. The place was loud and it wasn’t cheap but the meatballs were outstanding. And I’m picky about meatballs, but these were worth the trip. Word to your moms and your grandmoms.

[Photo Credit: Serious Eats and Serious Eats]

David Lebovitz makes chocolate ice cream.

Oh, hell yes.

David Lebovitz does pizza.

Can you be a slut for a restaurant? Course you can. And that’s just what I am for L’Artusi, the Italian restaurant in the village. It’s run by chef Gabe Thompson and his wife, Katherine, who does the desserts. They are s0me kind of talented pair, boy.

All of the food is tasty. I’ve mentioned the crispy potatoes and the spaghetti with green chilies before.

The olive oil cake alone is reason to make the trip. And so is this salad with tomatoes and watermelon over a slab of pancetta. The saltiness of the pork is balanced by the sweetness of the watermelon, the acid from the tomatoes, and there is an extra kick from little cubes of pickled watermelon rinds. It’s the kind of dish that makes you wish summer would last indefinitely.

 Oh, and the service is warm, the wait staff knowledgeable and friendly. Again, can’t recommend this jernt enough. And if you like it, dig Dell’Anima, also in the west village, owned by the same good folks.

Represent.

If you can deal with the scene (which isn’t always easy), you should stop by the Spotted Pig for a burger.

Oh, and the fried pig’s ear might sound unappetizing to some but it is delicious like you wouldn’t believe.

Smitten Kitchen offers up another sure shot: tomato salad withe crushed croutons.

When you visit my mom–who now lives in Vermont–this is what you get.

Because that’s how she rolls.

Sure, why the hell not?

Because Smitten Kitchen’s got it going on.

David Lebovitz takes Manhattan.

Serious Eats gives us New York’s top ten ice cream sandwiches.

Oh, hell yes.

Dig 13 summer fruit desserts from the Goddess’ at Food 52.

Honey-roasted peaches with Marscapone and thyme.

Yeah, Nicole Franzen rules.

Smitten Kitchen gives us sweet cherry pie.

Yes, please.

Nicole Franzen wins again.

Banana pudding is the reason to go to Magnolia Bakery. Turns me into a fat f***apotamus, man. For real.

Saveur offers a Carolina Banana Pudding recipe. Dig in.

[Photo Credit: Serious Eats]

The butterscotch pudding at Community Food and Juice is yummy but rich.  I could not eat the entire thing by myself. Better of sharing it with a friend or two.

I went back to L’Artusi last night. Just as good as the first time, still slammin’.