I Trulli: Second Visit

For our quarterly staff lunch (courtesy of our oh-so-generous boss, Dr S), I suggested I Trulli. We got a spacious outdoor table on a perfectly lovely afternoon.

I had it on good information (from my last visit) that the mini calzones were a must try, so we immediately ordered a few plates of both the tomato/mozzarella and the scallion/mushroom (4 per order).

The tomato/mozz were insanely delicious--that flaky, fabulous dough alone is worth the trip. I didn't care for the scallion version, though. Long, stringy bits of scallion greens that were just not for me.

I ordered the Caprese salad, which came with crispy prosciutto on top. Where has crispy prosciutto been all my life? This was outstanding. I dared to share a bite or two with neighbors, even though I wanted to gobble it all up in two seconds flat. Pace yourself!

Another colleague ordered the pumpkin soup and said it was outstanding. It smelled like everything wonderful about fall.

CJ ordered the lasagna, which looked like a stunning work of art on its own. CJ confirmed it was as delicious as it was beautiful.

I did not waver-- I knew going in that I was going to get the 'dish that got away' last time--the rigatoni with lamb meatballs and goat cheese. So good. Where do they get this goat cheese? I need more of it in my life!

A few other folks ordered the fish dishes on that day's menu and raved about how great they were. They LOOK fantastic, don't they?

This group doesn't skip dessert, either. We ordered one of almost everything and shared.

I will not be sharing the tiramisu next time. Mine! All mine!

Another standout: the apple tart! I tried that last, expecting it to be a flat disappointment, but the crust was melt-in-your-mouth wonderful, the filling perfectly spiced, and I went back for seconds. Bravo.

The second visit confirms it--I Trulli has heavenly hand-made pasta, delicious salads, and shut-your-mouth desserts. Definitely put this place on your list!

I Trulli Ristorante/Enoteca

122 E 27th St # 1

New York, NY 10016

(212) 481-7372

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Tea & Sympathy...and STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING!!!!

We had a lovely meal at A Salt & Battery (review here), but ABF (that's Awesome BoyFriend for you new visitors) & I weren't ready to go home yet. We walked around a bit before deciding to stop for some hot tea at another favorite spot of mine: Tea & Sympathy.

T & S is a tiny little spot just a few doors down from A Salt & Battery. They have high tea, sandwiches, hot and cold food, but for me, they do desserts best. I managed to convince ABF to make some room for a few sweet bites.

First, the tea--ABF ordered a pot of English Breakfast, and I ordered a pot of Earl Grey. They came out in steaming hot pots with lovely, eclectic teacups.

My first and last (until this ABF visit) taste of their sticky toffee pudding a good 8 years ago, and I've been thinking about it ever since. It's a delicate yet slightly dense cake swimming, deliciously swimming, in a pool of custard. ZOMG this custard!!

ABF ordered the ginger pudding, which also comes in its own custard bath. This was too gingery for my taste--almost bites you back, but ABF liked it. However, we BOTH preferred my sticky toffee pudding overall. So. Good.

Tea & Sympathy always has great, friendly service, and I've yet to try a custard that tops theirs. I mean not in London proper, not in my kitchen, nowhere! Blast! ABF & I are on our way back as soon as we can make it happen!

Tea & Sympathy
108 Greenwich Avenue
New York, NY 10011
(212) 807-8329

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A Salt & Battery

As you may already know, ABF spent almost 7 months last year living in London. I think he's kind of missing it (in fact, I'm pretty sure), and I know I'm always longing for another visit. I decided that for Leap Year (aka Sadie Hawkins Day), I would treat ABF to some good old fish & chips in NYC's unofficial "Little Britain."

A Salt & Battery is a tiny space--only a handful of seats inside--but oh is it worth squeezing in and snagging a seat!

The menu is pretty basic-- a few different types of fish, bangers & mash, and other typical British fare. Yum!

We started off with some adult beverages--an icy-cold Strongbow (hard apple cider) for me. Crisp, tart, with just enough sweetness.

ABF ordered a Fullers London Pride beer. I'm not so into the beer, so I declined his offer to try it.

For my fried fish, I went with the haddock (my second choice if cod is not available), getting the smaller portion, which rings up at around 8 bucks. Their parsley (?)-tinged tartar sauce is FANTASTIC.

ABF ordered the same size but got the pollock (also $8). They were both delicious, and I am pretty sure I couldn't tell the difference between the 2 fish in a blind taste test.

It wouldn't be fish & chips without the chips (which come separately at A Salt & Battery)--these were quite tasty--meaty bits of potato, not too-cooked.

And our favorite side: mushy peas. These aren't as GREEN as the ones at Chip Shop, but they are just as delicious. So good.

We shared some typical British treats--a deep-fried Mars Bar ($4)--which to me is like a Milky Way but somehow so much better. It's super-rich, so splitting it was a good idea. Melty, caramel, deliciousness.

ABF ordered the banana fritter ($4), which probably makes your American mind think of a large, fried dough funnel cake type dessert, but this is literally just a deep fried banana. A ripe, sweet, almost melt in your mouth banana. Good, but I'd say the Mars bar was better.

It's not fancy-shmancy, but the food at A Salt & Battery is flat-out delicious. Tender, flaky fish that's not burnt to a crisp, savory mushy peas and tasty chips--and deep-fried desserts! Leave your passport at home and have a tasty meal in NYC!

A Salt & Battery
112 Greenwich Avenue
New York, NY 10011
(212) 691-2713

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