Catching Up

Richa Asks:

“I’m meeting my best friend (who I haven’t seen in 8 months!) in manhattan on Saturday and we are looking for a casual, yet up and coming place to have lunch and drinks. Our conversations go for hours, so we want to be able to hear each other speak and preferably have outdoor seating. This will probably be the last time we see each other for quite some time and we really want to make this as memorable as possible. What do you suggest?”

Probably my favorite restaurant that’s opened in the last year or so (and a fantastic lunch spot) is Locanda Verde on Greenwich and North Moore. It’s really well executed, authentic Italian but still manages to be interesting and exciting. While I wouldn’t call it cheap it’s still a great deal for the level of service and food that’s being served. They have some very nice outdoor seating but the restaurant itself is very open and airy, as well. You have to try the roasted chicken and the various crostini.

Although not quite “up and coming”, there’s this very intimate panini spot on Bedford and Downing called Ino. Every sandwich that I’ve had there has been amongst the best things between two pieces of bread that I’ve ever eaten. The space is really tiny and intimate, a great spot to catch up with an old friend and have some nice vino. Prices are great.

Nearby there’s a great new pizza place, as well. Keste Pizzeria on Bleecker and Morton is an authentic napolitan-style pizza joint putting out nicely charred, simple pies alongside a few more interesting ones from their gorgeous brick oven. Pizza stays pretty cheap, leaving room for some even more wine.