Proprietors/Executive Chef: Altamarea Group/Michael White

East Village – 160 2nd Ave, New York, NY

This is Altamarea’s fourth restaurant opening in the city… (marea, osteria morini & ai fiori)… safe to say, I’ve had the pleasure of trying about half of Michael White’s restaurants in the city… so far so good… and you bet your ass that I will finish the list by end of year!!  Marea is up next… Moving along.

All Things Italian… pizza is no exception.  as I am even writing this, I salivate just thinking about it.  Michael White hits the nail on the head with Nicoletta’s concept.  It’s definitely gourmet pizza…so don’t go expecting your traditional NY Style pizza.  The crust itself has a nice crisp texture… it’s not as thick as Chicago style pizza, and maybe a little thicker than your NY style…. seems like we have a bit of a hybrid going on.  you can even customize your pizza here…so no matter what option, PLEASE remember to top it off with garlic oil or Chili oil.  I’m greedy when it comes to spicy food, so I preferred to just have the bottle of chili oil sitting by my side.  The waiter couldn’t help but laugh at my request.  If you are lazy and prefer no reign whatsoever, let them top it off for you…or if you are control freak like me…. ask for it on the side. the restaurant is quaint, and rather charming and yet doesn’t quite feel like your typical pizza joint, except it is… clearly from the wood fired pizza oven.  This place just about one up any regular pizza parlor in the city, but perhaps feels like it would sit well in Brooklyn.

if you are craving pizza…go to Nicoletta.right.now.  it really is that good… nicoletta warms a special place in my heart that i didn’t know existed.  For starters, we couldn’t resist the suppli, (deep fried risotta ball) stuffed with mozzarella sitting on top of a ragu antico (meat sauce).  Super crispy, gooey and all around delicious.  For pizza, we decided to go with the tartufata, toppings consisted of wild mushrooms, crema di tartufo prosciutto cotto and chives.  A good portion to share between two people.  Everything tasted so fresh and so hearty, it is worth savoring every bite and every slice.  Pair it with a nice glass of wine and you’ve got yourself a complete and memorable meal!  Fantastico.

Suppli

Tartufata

this can easily be the neighborhood spot… only wished I lived in the village….!