Testaccio's All You Can Eat Gnocchi Night Struck Out

Last week, I met up a with a lovely group of Astorians including Meg, Tom, Bo, Rachel, Harlan and Michael for Testaccio's All-You-Can-Eat-Gnocchi night that I mentioned a couple of weeks ago.  We were all very excited to get our gnocchi on, bringing our appetites to the table, but sadly, our experience fell short.

All-You-Can-Eat-Gnocchi at Testaccio - Well first off, the deal sounded too good to be true, and for a good reason, because sadly it was.  It offered 3 varieties of gnocchi between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. for only $20.  Being staunch lovers of gnocchi, this sounded like quite the treat to my companions and me so for the most part, we all ordered this special.

The trouble began from first bite, as the gummy gnocchi stuck to the roofs of our mouths.  It was way too starchy and the texture just didn't work with its large size.  Instead of being light and fluffy, they were like bite sized hockey pucks that sank to the bottom of your belly. We were bummed.

The other two varieties (gorgonzola sauce and tomato basil) weren't any better in terms of the actual gnocchi, but we did enjoy the sauces.  My favorite, was the creamy gorgonzola, which I think was the dolce kind - and it melted beautifully into the gnocchi.  I reached for seconds and thirds and even though the actual gnocchi were a pain to get through, the gorgonzola sauce kept me coming back for more.

Unfortunately for Testaccio, in addition to underwhelming with the gnocchi, they also struck out with the Veal Saltimbocca, which Harlan said was inedible because of its "industrial" gravy.  I felt sorry for his unsuccessful dish, and he was only mildly satisfied with his second choice, the Con Acchiughe pizza with tomato, anchovies and oregano.

Service and Cost:
Our servers were lovely and attentive, treating us with care and attention, given our large group.  They refilled our gnocchi dishes in a timely fashion and made sure to gracefully take care of Harlan's second order.

Costs added up pretty quickly, as we also ordered a glass of wine on top of our gnocchi.  We each paid about $35 per person with tax and tip.  Call me crazy, but for platefuls of potatoes and sauce, I thought it was a lot.

1.5 Mmmms

Testaccio Ristorante - 47-30 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City NY 11101
718.937.2900
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
http://testacciony.com/

All-You-Can Eat Gnocchi Nights at Testaccio

I received fun news about an upcoming gnocchi promotion happening at Testaccio Ristorante.  This LIC newcomer is quickly making waves with its beautifully designed space as well as their stone oven pizza and fresh pastas. I've been there a couple of times already and have always walked out satisfied. 

And now...they're featuring a gnocchi extravaganza on Tuesday nights.  Oh how tempting it is...

All-You-Can-Eat Gnocchi at Testaccio

Tuesday nights: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Gnocchi flavors: potato; spinach & butternut squash and more!

Sauce flavors: tomato & basil; gorgonzola & wild mushroom and more!
Price: $20

2 words for this - I'm there! And I hope you will check it out too.

Testaccio Ristorante - 47-30 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City NY 11101
718.937.2900
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
http://testacciony.com/

Testaccio - Five Hours of Open Bar for $15

Image by i-ITALY.org

I'm excited to report that this coming Wednesday, April 28th, Testaccio Ristorante in LIC will be hosting a "Bewitching Party" in honor of the 150th Anniversary of Strega Liquore, an Italian herbal liquor.  Strega, which means witch in Italian will be the star of this show (the liquor not the witch) with Strega-inspired cocktails and a selection of "bewitching" complimentary desserts prepared by Testaccio.  Some of the yummies you can expect here include dark chocolates, Italian nougats and even a goody bag filled with "bewitching" treats.  A $15 cover charge will get you five hours of Strega cocktails and specialty desserts.  YUM!

Testaccio's Bewitching Party: Liquore Strega's 150th Anniversary

Wednesday, April 28th from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. 

$15 per person - open bar and complimentary desserts

If you'd like to know more about Strega and its rich history, check out this link.

Testaccio Ristorante - 47-30 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City NY 11101
718.937.2900
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
http://testacciony.com/

Testaccio - Modern Italian Food with a Hint of Nostalgia

Testaccio Ristorante - 47-30 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City NY 11101
718.937.2900
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
http://testacciony.com/

It's been a while since I last dined at Testaccio Ristorante in LIC, and I was excited to meet my friend Fran there for a comforting Italian meal.  Although I've had their pizza on many occassions and loved it, I was eager to try the pasta and other new dishes.  The night was full of yummy surprises and we both walked out with full bellies and happy moods.  Here's what we tried:

Appetizers - We started with a couple of things, including a beef dish called crudo di manzo con carciofi.  Consisting of lean slices of filet mignon enveloped around artichoke hearts, it was a substantial start to the meal.  I liked that there were three fairly large pieces of these bundles and a side of peppery arugula salad with shavings of tangy pecorino romano cheese to go with it.  The dish boasted a nice combination of hearty and fresh flavors that went well together, satisfying your hunger but still leaving enough room for more.

Other appetizers we enjoyed were Testaccio's signature, assagini di supli or an assortment of rice croquettes that I've had before.  These remind me of the popular Spanish tapas dish, croquetas, as they are both creamy rice balls with a crispy exterior.  My favorite flavor continues to be the tomato & mozarella - classic, simple and so delicious.

We also tried the carciofo all giudea, the crispy artichoke with black olive tapenade on the side.  YUM! Besides it looking like a goregous flower, it had a thin, crispy consistency and a salty bite at the end.  The black olive tapenade made it tangier and it was fun to spread this on Testaccio's assortment of bread, topping it with a crispy artichoke piece.

Entrees - Fran and I both ordered pasta.  I went for the special of the day, tagliatelle with various mushrooms and Fran got the fettuccine alla ciociara - pasta with peas, mushrooms, wrapped in prosciutto.  While I'm unable to comment on Fran's, as I didn't try it, here's my two cents about the tagliatelle.

It was enjoyable but I was surprised by its shape - I was envisioning wide noodles instead of narrow ones that resembled fettuccine.  Regardless, they were good and I enjoyed the aromatic mushroom sauce and the variety of mushrooms inside it.  A hint of truffle oil dressed the sauce and made it more special.

Dessert - The nutella pizza rolls were by far my favorite part of the meal - they were so, so good.  A hint of nostalgia permeated every bite, as my mom's chocolate rugelach popped into my head.  I loved how soft, and pillowy they were, filled with the sweet indulgence of creamy Nutella.  Each bite was a pleasure and I loved unrolling the dough and enjoying each little nibble to its fullest.  Although I'm a huge dessert person, I usually don't finish a portion - but it was impossible not to with these.

Service and Cost:
I was impressed by the knowledge of the waitstaff - they really seem to know the menu backwards and forwards and are not too shabby either when it comes to wine.  Overall, we got great vibes from everyone and even chatted with Chef Ivan and Carlo, Testaccio's owners.  Everyone is personable and ready to strike up a friendly conversation - it's refreshing. 

Costs are moderate and include the following:

Appetizers: $8-$15
Entrees: $16-$30
Pasta: $14-$20
Pizza: $11-$16
Dessert: $8

3 Mmmms

Superbowl XLIV - Where to Watch the Big Game

 

With the Superbowl this weekend, I'm sure that everyone's plates are looking full.  If you're still wondering what to do on this American "holiday," here are my top 10 suggestions.   Whatever you end up doing, I hope you eat and drink your hineys off.

10.  Dillinger's Pub & Grill - While they're not having specific drink specials, the game will most certainly be on, the food will be plentiful, and you'll have opportunities to win some fun give-aways.  46-19 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.956.5601

9.  Irish Rover - The game will be star of this show, and as always, their cheap drinks bring in the fun crowd.  Draft beers $4-$5, bottled beers $4-$4.50, liquor $4.50 except for premium.  Enjoy and drink up!  37-18 28th Avenue, Astoria.  718.278.9372

8.  YOLO - If you haven't seen Yolo's modern space, now is a good opportunity.  Their big screen totally rocks and will make great football watching.  Specials will include pitchers and pizza pie combos.  The party starts at 5 p.m.  22-55 31st Street, Astoria. 718. 777.1177

7.  Gleason's - While their Superbowl plans are still in progess, they will have a gametime menu with wings and pitchers.  The wings are a must, as they're meaty and delicious - I recommend the honey mustard, which are slightly sweet and tangy.  33-08 Broadway, Astoria.  718.626.5393

6.  The Quays Pub - This low-key Irish pub is partying it up with plenty of food and booze - as in DIRT CHEAP brew.  $2 pints of Coors, High Life, PBR and more - this special speaks for itself. 45-02 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.204.8435

5.  Testaccio - An Italian newbie, they'll feature a special Superbowl menu as well as additional flat screen TVs in the main dining room to watch the game.  I recommend their stone oven pizza and the cheesy rice croquettes.  47-30 Vernon Blvd, LIC.  718.937.2900 

4.  LIC Bar - Happy hour deals will be extended on this special night with $3 Miller Light drafts, well drinks and shots.  A 6-for-$20 domestic beer special will also be in effect - that's just over $3 a pop, which is hard to pass up.  45-58 Vernon Blvd, LIC.  718.786.5400

3.  Astoria Brewhouse - In their customary fashion, Astoria Brewhouse (previously Indigo) will host a Superbowl party with $13 domestic pitchers, 20-for-$10 wings and even chances to win a 32" flat screen TV.  The space is nice and boasts plenty of TVs to watch the big game.  28-50 31st Street, Astoria.  718.728.0050

2.  Studio Square Beer Garden - Now this is a proper party that will no doubt quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger.  For $25 per person, you'll get 5 hours of open bar (beer & wine only) as well as Studio Square's classic buffet.  The party starts at 6 p.m. 35-33 36th Street, Astoria.  718.383.1001

1.  Vesta - Vesta's Superbowl party promises a great time.  In addition to a special Superbowl menu with sandwiches, meatballs and pizza, you can win plenty of fun prizes including a dinner with me!  21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.545.5550

V-Day at Testaccio

I can't believe that Valentine's Day is right around the corner.  While I'm not a huge fan of the ultra expensive Manhattan restaurant options, there are plenty of fun offers happening right here in our nabe.  One that particularly caught my eye this week is Testaccio, the new (and chic) modern Italian eatery in LIC.  While it still offers a prix-fixe menu, the cost isn't exorbitant and the dishes sound scrumptious.  It's an undoubtedly romantic place for you and your special guy or gal.  And if you prefer to spend this day with a big group of great friends, it'll do the trick too. 

Testaccio Valentine's Day Menu: $55 per person (includes a glass of champagne)

Course 1: (choice of)
Cream of artichokes & lemon with chives bigne' (puff pastry)

Grilled jumbo shrimps with red rose sauce, caramelized golden beets & endive
Steamed white asparagus with Gruyere sauce & crispy leeks

Braised short ribs with chocolate & rosemary over soft polenta

Course 2: (choice of)
Lobster ravioli with prosecco & crispy guanciale

Homemade spinach cavatelli with duck sausage & sundried tomatoes served in an Asiago crust

Pistachio-crusted Chilean sea bass with red pepper sauce, manila clams, mashed potatoes & aspiration broccolini

Grilled venison chop with goat cheese crumbles & port wine sauce with sweet potato wedges & baby spinach

Potato crusted Caribbean lobster tail served with ruby grapefruit sauce with black salsify & mache

Course 3:  (choice of)
Molten chocolate cake with pistachio ice cream
Citrus terrine with mango sauce

Chilled vinsanto sabayon with ladyfinger cookies

Testaccio Ristorante - 47-30 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City NY 11101
718.937.2900
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
http://testacciony.com/

Preview of the Not-Yet-Open Testaccio

Testaccio Ristorante - 47-30 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City NY 11101
718.937.2900
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
http://testacciony.com/

I had the good fortune yesterday to attend a great party for Modern Spaces in the brand spankin', not-yet-opened Testaccio Ristorante. I've had my eye on them for quite some time, curious about the space that's been so well hidden for these last couple of months. But alas, the time has come for Testaccio to open (officially on October 24th) and seeing it for the first time last night has certainly whet my appetite.

The Space:
I was awed by the gorgeous and spacious interior. The front has a nice bar that welcomes you, from which you're led into a narrower area with a couple of tables seating smaller parties, culminating in a squarish open room with more tables, a huge stone pizza oven, an oversized wine rack wall as well as an elevated platform with more tables. I'd say that the front is social and loud whereas the back is a bit more private and romantic.

All furniture, appliances and fixtures are modern but don't look like they're trying too hard. I love the semi distressed walls and mirrors, exposed wooden beams and the art deco-ish chandeliers. The lighting is perfect actually, not too dim but bright enough to admire your food--and your company.

The Food:
We sampled a few items, representative of the upcoming menu. They were very generous with the portions and kept replenishing plates automatically and sometimes even upon request.

The margherita pizza stood out to me with its crispy, thin crust, a light tomato sauce and fresh basil. It was a clean and uncomplicated taste that was very comforting. I just loved the char on the crust from the stone pizza oven, which gave it a homey, rustic feel. The prosciutto pizza (pictured above) was also very enjoyable and the prosciutto di parma was especially tasty.

We also liked the spicy prosciutto that was served separately. The quality of the meat was excellent, with a strong kick to the senses at the last bite.

A few other things, which were simple but didn't go unnoticed were the flatbreads topped with macarpone cheese, figs and mint. This dish was similar to what I tried at Testaccio's station back in June at the Taste of LIC event. I loved it because of the creaminess from the mascarpone, which went nicely with the sweet, seedy figs and fresh mint. The whole bite was luxurious yet also refreshing and in a way, palate cleansing.

I enjoyed the melon, cucumber and mint spears, which were once again a straightforward dish but a wonderful way to refresh your palate. The concept was a good idea and I could see myself serving it at a dinner party as an appetizer.

Last but certainly not least were the flaky pastries filled with macarpone cheese with a fresh raspberry poking out the side. The filling was amazing, flavored beautifully with lemon zest and vanilla. It went down easily and I could've finished about a dozen little ones in one sitting.

The Staff:
We loved the staff at Testaccio from the first hello to the friendly "see you soon." Everyone was accommodating, hospitable and ready to please. It was evident that they were excited to show off the hard work they've been putting into this place.

The highlight was meeting the chef, Ivan Beacco who was lovely, charming and contagious in his passion for his restaurant. Most recently the chef de cuisine at Pepolino Restaurant in Tribeca, Ivan's resume is impressive, promising to bring "contemporary Roman" food to LIC.

All in all a strong start Testaccio - keep it up, and I hope that you have a wonderfully successful opening!

Testaccio Roman Cuisine - Opening October 24th

Image by Testaccio Restaurant

Nearly four months have passed since I first found out about Testaccio at the Taste of LIC event, in which they featured a delicious appetizer of figs topped with mascarpone cheese and pine nuts. It was such a nice, light take on Italian fare that it captured my attention and I've been watching its progress ever since--impatiently waiting for it to open. Happily that time has come, as Testaccio is scheduled to open in less than two weeks on October 24th.

Through their newsletter, I got a preview of delicious things that are yet to come. Testaccio's menu will focus on contemporary Roman food - a modern take on Italian cuisine if you will. They've certainly whet my appetite, especially by revealing an interesting recipe for a dish with a playful name, suppli di riso al telefono (rice croquettes "on the phone"). Why on the phone? Read on to find out...

Testaccio's Suppli di Riso Al Telefono
They' re called "al telefono" because when you bite into them, the melted mozzarella creates a "string" similar to that of a telephone cable. This is a great dish that can be prepared in bulk and placed in the freezer for later use.

Ingredients (makes 20)
2 cups carnaroli rice
1 onion, chopped
7 spoonfuls of unsalted butter
1 cup dry white wine
8 cups vegetable broth
3 tablespoon of parmigiano cheese
1-2 sprigs of parsley, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
Olive oil
1 tablespoon shelled green peas, fresh or frozen
2 slices prosciutto cotto or cured ham, finely diced
4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, diced
3 eggs, beaten
Breadcrumbs to roll the suppli in

Directions:
Sauté the onions in a pan with olive oil and butter until lightly browned. Add the rice, toasting it for a few minutes - make sure not to burn the grains. Pour the wine over the rice and let evaporate. Once evaporated add broth and cover. Cook for 14 minutes, add broth when necessary and stir continuously. Add salt to taste.

Meanwhile fry the tomato in olive oil until the pulp reaches the consistency of sauce. When the rice is "al dente," incorporate the sweet peas, tomatoes and prosciutto. Finish the rice mixture with butter, parmigiano cheese and parsley, then stir until it becomes creamy.

Pour the mixture onto a flat baking sheet and let cool. Scoop a handful of rice and roll it into an oval shape about the size of a golf ball. Poke a hole in the middle of each suppli with your fingertip and insert a piece of mozzarella inside, sealing the hole with rice. Repeat.

Dip the suppli in the egg mixture, and then dredge in breadcrumbs. In a deep pan, heat olive oil and fry the suppli gently until they are crispy and golden. Drain and serve hot or at room temperature.

Testaccio - 47-30 Vernon Boulevard, LIC NY 11101
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
www.testacciony.com