<img src="http://www.taralluccievino.net/images/pic2.jpg" alt="Tarallucci e vino" width="375/">

If you know me personally at some point I will encourage you to go and eat at Tarallucci e Vino. Tarallucci e Vino is modeled on the traditional Italian Bar and currently has three locations in NYC.

For eats, my favourite T e V location is on 18th St, just off Union Square. It is nice and big, with a spacious communal table running down the middle of the restaurant. The furniture has a slightly worn rustic look and is yet coupled with modern elements of subway tiles and industrial light fixtures.  There are cafe style tables running up the side of the restaurant for intimate dining for two and two large buffeted tables in the back for when you have a group. The mood is relaxed and casual with a downtown kewl vibe..but really what else are you to expect in NY?!

The lighting is always mild and soothing, the music undistracting and euro-feeling to enhance the mood. But that's not all that makes T e V so good, lets talk about food. Touted as an Italian eatery, Tarallucci has some classic menu options of hearty cured fishes, meats and cheeses that has satisfied every Italian I have ever taken there. Then it has some wonderful light salads and quiches, (quiches are on the lunch menu only), that makes this lil' vegetarian a very happy camper. All of their food contains natural ingredients that are light, fresh and tasty.


<img src="http://www.taralluccievino.net/images/m_lunch.jpg" alt="Lunch" height="150/"><img src="http://www.taralluccievino.net/images/m_dinner.jpg" alt="Dinner" height="150/"><img src="http://www.taralluccievino.net/images/m_dessert.jpg" alt="Dessert" height="150" />


This past weekend, I delighted in the <i>Insalatina Mista con Cranberries, Mele Renette Nocciole e Salsa di Yogurt e Arancia</i> or rather, Mesclun, Cranberries, Granny Smith Apples, Hazelnuts, Yogurt, Orange and Parmesan dressing. It sounded simple enough, but the introduction of the hazelnuts in this salad gently pushed it over the edge of what is custom both in texture and taste. I highly reccomend it to anyone who visits.

I couldn't talk about T e V without mentioning their phenomenal <a href="http://www.taralluccievino.net/menu_dessert.html">desserts</a>. On a previous visit a friend and I, absolutely at a loss over which dessert to choose, ordered no less than FOUR without regrets. Sadly, the Panacotta is no longer on the menu, but this weeks choice of <i>Mousse di Cioccolato Bianco, Mango, Granita di Agrumi e Gelato allo Zafferano</i> - White Chocolate Mousse, Mango, Citrus Sorbet, Saffron Gelato hit the spot. A light dusting of lime rind really helped turn this dish into a party. (I'm serious..). Soft white chocolate peaks, citrus rind, tiny mango cubes, saffron and a crunchy unidentified garnish were all flavours one wouldn't expect in one dish, but which all worked together perfectly.

I highly reccomend you try out T e V when next around the city. And if you only have time for coffee, the front of the 18th st location has an outdoor space and indoor cafe style area for quick eats. However, I prefer the 163 First Avenue location (corner of 10th st) for coffee and pastries - it has a large window that opens out onto the east village allowing for people watching while you enjoy a quality coffee.


<i>image courtesy of <a href="http://www.taralluccievino.net/restaurant.html">tarallucci e vino</i></a>