Lil Frankie's

REVIEW

February 8, 2009


CUISINE: Italian, Pizza
NEIGHBORHOOD: East Village

19 1st Ave Between 1st and 2nd street

(p) 212-420-4900

 

Wait in line or bribe some friends (you’ll need at least five others) and make a reservation here.  The thin-crusted brick oven pizzas achieve that wonderful balance between being a guilty pleasure food and feeling somewhat healthy.  The toppings are always fresh, the meat isn’t greasy, and the crust is light and crunchy.  If you’re not in the mood for pizza, the pasta dishes are tasty basics--- spaghetti with broccoli, rigatoni with baby meatballs, penne with tomato and basil.  It’s cash-only which isn’t too much of a problem since pizzas are around $10 and entrees don’t exceed $17.95. It’s a chill environment filled with candles, indie rock, and great grub.  Go.  

 


Posted in FOOD on February 8, 2009 8:47pm by Seth | 32 comments





Cafe Pepe Rosso

REVIEW

February 8, 2009


CUISINE: Italian
NEIGHBORHOOD: East Village, Lower East Side

127 Avenue C at 8th street

(p)212-529-7747

 

The sign on the wall reads, “Pepe Rosso is small and intimate; too small and too intimate for you to be talking on your cell phone. Text messaging is okay.”  We’ve been going to this restaurant consistently for three years, through two generations of management, and the addition of built-in wooden seating. The staff knows us and like us a lot.  Maybe they’ll like you, too.  Little touches like brown paper bags over the lights and a gigantic chalkboard menu create a simple, yet affectionate décor. Like most frequent diners, we have some menu favorites.  The arugola, apple, and gorgonzola salad is sweet and savory to perfection. Penne vodka with pancetta is delicious, especially for $8.95.  The classic eggplant parmigana also will not disappoint. Stick to the big, hearty portions of homemade pasta; they are generally superior to the entrees.  Though the prices have risen steadily over the past three years, (from unbelievably cheap to very decently priced), Pepe Rosso is a safe bet for any occasion.


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Posted in FOOD on February 8, 2009 8:40pm by Seth | 12 comments





Counter

REVIEW

February 8, 2009


CUISINE: Bistro, Brunch, Vegan, Vegetarian
NEIGHBORHOOD: East Village

105 First Avenue at 7th street

(p) 212-982-5870

 

Forget your morning sweet tooth.  Counter proves that French toast absolutely needs to be made with real eggs. Their vegan version with banana flambee had the consistency of a regurgitated meal, and a taste so faint it was more like an aftertaste. The Omelette Lorraine was greasy, the potatoes were not crispy, and the side salad was tiny and seriously overdressed. The only saving grace was the housemade baked goods with sangria marmalade and strawberry butter.  The service was atrocious and the prices were high—drinks were not included and regular coffee cost $3.  You’re better off brunching at Café Brama a few blocks north.  

 


Posted in FOOD on February 8, 2009 8:30pm by Seth | 20 comments