Last weekend was the second time that I went to Sapori D'ischia in Woodside, a traditional, rustic Italian eatery that I loved last time around. Dining with Meg, Tom and Dan, we enjoyed a quiet evening, sharing some great food. Although the goodness did have a hefty price tag (even on water, as they don't serve tap), it was a hands-down delicious, quality meal. Here are the new things we tried:
Margherita Pizza - Although really simple, I liked starting with this clean, classic dish that was made to perfection. I remember how crunchy and delicious the crust of their pizza was from last time, and this time was no different. The dough is on the thinner side, but still substantial enough for you to bite into and savor. The cheese was excellent, later finding out it was mozzarella bufala - like I said, nothing but the best.
Octopus - Thinking this was going to be the dish from last time, served in a little clay pot, that wasn't the case. After reading back about the ingredients from my last experience, they were indeed the same, but prepared quite differently. The dish had a more stewy consistency this time around and the bean and caper berries were more prominent. It was still a tasty dish, but I preferred the presentation and the crunchy texture produced by the terracotta pot from last time.
Risotto Special - We just couldn't refuse the delicious-sounding special of cheesy risotto with fennel sausage. It looked creamy and rich and although it could've been ordinary, the sausage really set it apart, as it had a very distinct earthy flavor from the fennel and a sharp zestiness from orange extract. Although the portion was big, it disappeared fast between the four of us, as we couldn't get enough.
Ravioli Special - Disappointed that the signature Fettuccine Alfredo (served inside a cheese wheel) wasn't available, we settled for the ravioli special, stuffed with butternut squash. It was pretty awesome, clearly made from fresh pasta dough, and the filling was freshly made too. I loved the good quality parmesan that dressed the sauce, together with fried sage leaves, which made the dish really fragrant and interesting.
Dessert - Enjoying two desserts, the fresh raspberry tart and the chocolate panna cotta,
they offered a nice wrap-up to this delicious meal. I particularly loved the tart, as it had big chunky raspberries on top, and the puff pastry it rested on was light and flaky.
That's not to say that the panna cotta wasn't the bomb, because it really was. Also as light as air, but still very chocolatey, each little spoonful went a long way. And it didn't hurt that it was further embellished with a fresh raspberry too and some sticky dark chocolate sauce. Mmmm to the max!
Service and Cost:
There seemed to be just one server for the entire dining room, which granted wasn't very crowded on a Sunday night but still. He had a weird way about him, that made me feel slightly uncomfortable, but not to the point where I wouldn't go back. The deliciousness of the food speaks for itself, as you can judge through the above descriptions. One thing I found really odd and pretentious is that they don't serve tap water - you must get bottled. What a crock of you know what!
Costs are pretty expensive, even though we shared everything, setting us back about $100/couple with tax and tip.
3 Mmmms
Sapori D'Ischia - 55-15 37th Avenue, Woodside NY 11377
718.446.1500
R/M/G Train to Northern Blvd
www.saporidischia.net
Not long ago, I had the pleasure of joining a fabulous group of foodie-inclined women (hi Meg, hi Sue!), for a very delicious culinary adventure in Woodside. We tried an under-the-radar ethnic gem called Woodside Cafe, suggested by my friend Anne from City Spoonful blog. I trust her entirely as far as food is concerned, and ethnic food especially, as she has a great knowledge of South Asian cuisine.
With a generic name like Woodside Cafe, you must be wondering where its ethnic roots lie. I did too - but rest assured this is no generic eatery, as it boasts a fusion of Nepalese and Italian food. How's that for originality?!
Atmosphere:
Although the food is anything but boring, the atmosphere leaves something left to be desired. The interior feels a bit barren and not efficiently spaced out - there's large gaps between tables, which are awkwardly assembled. Also what was once a functioning bar is just another place to sit, and instead patrons can bring their own spiked beverage of choice, as Woodside Cafe is BYOB - a big plus in my book!
Food:
Now this is where things got really interesting, as we took a look at the exotic menu, filled with Nepali specialties, which catered to both vegetarians and carnivores. I loved the freedom of choice here, and as we ordered a bunch of things to share - we omnivores getting to experience two sides to the same dish.
There were so many things we opted to try, that the appetizers alone could've done the job of filling me up. Collectively, we ordered samay baji (an arrangement of items such as a fried pancake with beaten rice and meat; veggies such as black soybeans; diced ginger; greens and more), chatamari (a Nepali-style pizza or dosa), momos (or dumplings), curried soybeans, and achar (potatoes with a spicy pickled relish). Even though everything was visually and tastefully stimulating, I had a couple of favorites I wanted to call out:
Chatamari - Hands down my favorite dish of the night, it resembled a pizza but tasted nothing like it. The dough consists of rice flour flat bread, which makes it almost pancake like, instead of having a pizza texture, which is a lot thicker and breadier. The toppings of ground chicken, veggies and a fried egg on top made it extremely hearty and wonderful, filling me up pretty quickly (almost without me noticing). Even though my tummy was quite full after a few bites, I had to continue eating it, as it was delectable and something I'd recommend to everyone. A veggie option is also available, and is as equally delicious.
Samay Baji - I really enjoyed trying this typical Nepali appetizer, which was like a true guest offering - it had a little bit of everything. The main event was the fried pancake of beaten rice, which reminded me a lot of a latke (similar texture and taste). But the pancake was just a canvas for all the interesting things that surrounded it such as black soybeans, black eyed peas, braised greens and pickled ginger. It was nice to pair these sides with the pancake and watch its more neutral taste transform into something lively and sensational.
Curried Soybeans - Even though this was a simple little app, it went a long way. It again did the trick of filling you up quite quickly, but because the soybeans are so tiny and poppable, they're pretty addicting. I really couldn't stop eating them, as the spice from the curried seasoning completely tantalized my senses. My dining companions agreed that this was a standout.
Service and Cost:
Because this place is pretty small and under the radar, the wait staff is limited and not overly interested in being attentive. They're perfectly nice and are happy to welcome outsiders, but just know that you'll most likely have to approach them for a recommendation, a refill on your water, an extra plate for sharing or what have you.
Costs are incredibly affordable and the value you get for the amount of delicious food can't be beat. For about 4 sharing plates each, we paid roughly $13/person including tax and tip. Oooops, looks like the cat's out of the bag!
3 Mmmms
Woodside Cafe - 64-23 Broadway, Woodside NY 11377
M/R Trains to 65th Street
347.642.3445
I wasn't planning to stop at S. Ottomanelli & Son butcher shop today, but because I missed my commuter train in Woodside, I was able to check it out. Immediately intrigued by the words on its awning, "the olde fashioned butcheria" I was eager to observe what went on there. It was very simple--no frills really--but very authentic. The butchers behind the traditional counter were welcoming older gentlemen, who I'm guessing have been doing this for quite some time. I looked around some more and was excited to see that S. Ottomanelli also serves fresh and dried pasta as well as Junior's Cheesecake.Here are some of the cuts of meat that you could find here:Leg of lambChuck fillet steaksBaby back pork ribsShoulder lamb chopsPork sausageAmerican loin lamb chopsThey even have game birds such as pheasant, quail, wild turkeys, partridge, geese and duck.I'd visit this place if you're looking for a more customized cut of meat and better quality than your standard supermarket. Check it out--it's only a block away from the 7 train.S. Ottomanelli and Son - 61-05 Woodside Avenue, Woodside NY 11377718.651.55447 Train to Woodsidewww.ottomanelli.com
