food comas

Locanda Verde
Executive Chef: Andrew Carmellini
Cuisine: Italian
Neighborhood: Tribeca
Price: $20-30 mains
Address: 377 Greenwich Street, NY, NY 10013
Phone: 212-925-3797
Hours: Breakfast: Mon – Fri 8am-11am, Sat-Sun 8am-10am; Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30am-3pm; Brunch: Sat-Sun 10am-3pm; Dinner: Mon-Sun 5:30pm-11pm

Locanda Verde, our neighborhood Italian inspired taverna sits on a quaint cobblestone Tribeca corner attached to the boutique Greenwich Hotel. It is just upscale enough to fit the true Tribeca vibe, but not overbearing or flashy. Locanda means a local spot to eat and drink and that’s exactly what the restaurant is. That is of course if you manage to get a reservation. The collaboration of Andrew Carmellini (also of The Dutch), Josh Pickard, Luke Ostrom and Ken Friedman serves up a full menu crostinis, appetizers, mains, and sides and boasts a 100-bottle wine list. I would say ordering family style is the way to go, and focusing on the appetizers over the mains probably yields a better spread of food.

Inside, the restaurant is dimly lit, but not so dark that you can’t read the menu, which is key. The bar is always crowded with happy hour lovers, dinner tables are in the front and back sections of the restaurant. In the summer, you can actually enjoy your lunch or dinner al fresco (which I’ve yet to do!). I love the rustic decor — wooden ceiling beams run the length of the restaurant, the open kitchen emits light and warmth and just enough sizzle and aroma to tickle your appetite and get you excited for the drub and drink.

We started off with a sweet and tingly Pear Sgroppino (Tito’s Vodka, Karen’s pear sorbetti orgeat, prosecco) and a refreshingly smooth  Oreganata (Cocci Americano, Plymough Gin, fresh oregano). Then we moved on to a bottle of 2005 Fratelli Revello Barolo which the server recommended. We shared all the dishes, and the standouts were the blue crab crostini, lamb meatball sliders, and the gigatone pasta.

Bread

Blue Crab Crostini With Jalapeño and Tomato
I thought blue crab season was over (based on the fact that another neighborhood spot, The Hideaway, stops its regular Sunday/Monday blue crab dinners at the end of the summer). But I digress. Loved the combination of the delicate blue crab and kick of the jalapeño

Burrata with Pepperonata Agrodolce, Dandelion and Rosemary
Not my favorite Burrata; I still prefer the one at Brick (yes, another Tribeca promotion) but it’s still such an amazing soft cheese, especially with the pepperonata and rosemary flavorings

Prosciutto-Wrapped Prawns With Fagioli Misti, Romesco, and Soft Herbs
Jen would have probably loved this more, since she loves prawn and shrimp heads and these were super juicy. I liked the dish because I love all the ingredients separately, but I was not wowed.

Lamb Meatball Sliders With Caprino and Cucumber
Definitely a highlight. Lamb and cucumber is such a classic combination. Order this if you go, that’s all.

Pumpkin Agnolotti With Brown Butter, Sage and Amaretti
This dish had potential, but pumpkin and brown butter together with Amaretti was just too sweet I think for this savory course.

Gigatone With Sunday Night Ragu and Provolone Picante
Another dish that deserves the spotlight. I’m no pasta lover, but the Sunday Ragu with homemade pasta was a homerun

Red Snapper with Shrimp, Vegetables
Great fish, super juicy and flavorful

Spice-Glazed Duck With Cavolo Nero, Faro Piccolo and Pomegranate
I’ve had better duck, so not going to rave about it, but it was definitely a quality dish. Loved the pomegranate touch, the little seeds add to much character to a dish.

Rustic Potatoes With Garlic and Parmigiano-Reggiano
I will rave about these potatoes though. Oh man, garlic and melted cheese on top, can’t go wrong