NYC Bites: Locanda Verde

We were invited to check out Robert DeNiro's new Tribeca restaurant Locanda Verde located in the Greenwich Hotel.
I think Locanda Verde translates from Italian to "Green Inn"? (Ciao Chow Linda will set me straight).

We arrived for the early bird special at 6:30 on a Wednesday night with Andrew Carmellini cooking in the kitchen.
(I am joking about the "early bird special" of course. That doesn't exist in New York City).

Here are some of the highlights:



We started with piccolini, fava bean crostini that was the BOMB, chicken liver crostini w/ sultanas and the bufala mozzarella w/ eggplant relish served with the best bread I have ever had in my life.





Now on to antipasti.
I was happy to see fresh figs on the menu w/ prosciutto di parma over arugula, very nice. My consort had the seafood salad, with big shrimp, calamari and tomatoes in a spicy pepperoncini dressing. Very fresh and light.



Now for the pasta course.
A fantastic homemade orrechiette w/ lamb sausage and speck. SO good!

Secondi was a beautiful char grilled bass w/ clams and fregola in a Sardinian tomato sauce.
Loved it.
I had a nice glass of Nebbiolo from the Langhe region, and some great desserts and cheeses. It was all reasonably priced and delicious, with friendly & unpretentious service.

Supposedly, they serve the best brunch in the city. Read Serious Eats article here.



As far as celebrity sightings go, no, we did not see Mr. De Niro, but we did sit next to Ed Burns, from movies The Brothers McMullen and Private Ryan. Not too shabby.