Macchialina

Macchialina Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant: It’s only a matter of time before former Scarpetta chef de cuisine Michael Pirolo goes nova and the tables at his neighborhood joint become an even hotter commodity than they already are. Even so, you'll still find him on any given night through the miniscule window that peeks into his kitchen, making pasta and gnocchi by hand.

Food & Drinks: The way to go is with the chef's tasting menu: five courses for the table. Everyone has to agree to it, but should everyone not, don’t leave without savoring creamy polenta with ragù. You'll want more than one pasta shape, form and sauce, so order any variety currently offered (they change constantly) and the house lasagna that puts nonna's to shame. If you're watching your carb intake, the veal Milanese is a suitable and delectable alternative. Desserts feature the usual Italian suspects like tiramisu and panna cotta that, while traditional, exceed expectations. Handcrafted cocktails give diners another option besides wine, though managing partner Jen Chaefsky has curated the 99-percent-Italian wine list consisting of small boutique producers from select vineyards whose grapes you probably have not yet experienced.