NY: Valdino West

This weekend Little Sister and her friend K. (who live in NYC) had a pre-performance dinner at their trusty Italian standby, Valdino West on Hudson. Her description has my belly rumbling for gnocchi…

I first went to Valdino West about a year ago, and have been smitten ever since. The restaurant’s location is quintessential New York, nestled away in the West Village near cobblestone streets and brick houses, with a view of the water and the New Jersey skyline. Valdino West may be small, but the food is big on flavor. The best gnocchi I’ve had outside Italy come hiding in various sauces, from gorgonzola to veal ragu to a lighter dish with just a hint of white truffle oil.

On this visit, we started with an antipasto of pecorino and salami, then split the Valdino salad, which arrived bursting with pistachios, pear and Parmesan. I have had the bresaola before, which I highly recommend. Though I normally succumb to my craving for gnocchi, this time I chose tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms, white truffle oil and a shaving of Parmesan. K. opted for a simple penne with marinara and fresh mozzarella – it was both delicate and tangy.

The wine list is minimalist, almost to a fault: one Chianti, one Cab, one Brunello, one Barolo and one more selection. We drank the Chianti even though I don't usually like them. It was a little light for my taste, but it allowed the food to take the starring role. Dessert was a silken panna cotta (yum yum yum) and a whimsical presentation of lemon sorbet that looked like a lemon had been quartered and frozen.

The best thing about this restaurant, and what keeps me coming back, is that they don't rush you. There’s plenty of time to settle into the cushy seats and enjoy the food and candlelight. There’s usually a limoncello on the house (and the waiter is pretty cute, too!) Valdino West is a simple restaurant, and it’s that combination of familiarity and hearty food that makes it one of my top ten spots in the City.

In other news, I ended up throwing an impromptu dinner party on Saturday. I whipped up lemon pasta (which the guests consumed eagerly), steamed asparagus with a dish of balsamic for dipping, and baked a homemade pecan pie with a touch of brandy and orange zest. As for the wine, we went through too many to name them, but I guess that's the sign of a good party, right?

Valdino West, New York, 581 Hudson Street, 212- 647-8490

Comments

[Mom]

Sigh--add this to the neverending list of places to go on our next visit to the big apple!