Buena tutti! Ciao bellas! You may not know this about your gnomie, but I am one-quarter Italian. My grandmother was born in Italy. Consequently, I’ve grown up with a love for my Italian heritage, an important part of which is food. So when I was on a recent trip to New York City this past spring you know I had to check out Manhattan’s famous “Little Italy.” Although it used to be much larger, today it is truly “little” and only spans about three blocks, bordered by Soho, Chinatown, the Lower East Side and Nolita. They sure do pack a lot in those few blocks though. And the food! My god, the food! As you approach, you can literally smell the wine, sauce and garlic that you would immediately associate with Italian cooking. Quick fact, though. Garlic, while used in a lot of Southern Italian cooking, is not really as key an ingredient in most Italian dishes as you would think. Garlic in much more common, and often overused, in Italian-American cuisine.
But how about some recommendations? You really won’t go wrong hitting up any of the places in this area, but the first place we wanted to hit was Da Gennaro. It was highly recommended, the ambiance is super cute, and it didn’t disappoint. They are known for their pasta and pizza, but I enjoyed their arancini (rice ball) and minestrone. Definitely check it out if you are in Little Italy.
Moving down the area, in addition to restaurants you will also find no shortage of tourist shops with Italian themed tchotchkes. I actually found a sweet Christmas shop there and picked up an angel ornament for my tree. You will also find a number of gelato stands. Yum!
You will also find a number of Italian food markets, but one place you don’t want to miss is Alleva’s. This is a super cute shop, and the oldest cheese shop in America (as the sign says, lol!). There are of course all manner of fine Italian cheeses, but you will also find homemade dried pastas, meats, ready made entrees, olives, and many more for all your Italian market needs. As you can see, it’s quite popular.
You are probably ready for a coffee and desert by now. Right across from Alleva, you simply must check out the historic Ferrara Bakery and Cafe. Established in 1892, it remains family owned five generations later. The smells of delicious coffee and baked goods hits you immediately and has your mouth watering. Their bakery has all manner of Italian cookies, cakes, tarts, cannoli, and more, which you can take to go or you can sit down in the cafe and enjoy along with their lovely brunch menu. They also have gelato, so I chose a cappuccino and split a gelato flight and a lobster tail or sfogliatella, which is my absolute favorite of Italian pastries.
Little Italy is simply a must when visiting New York City. You definitely won’t leave it hungry!
Arrivederci a tutti, gnomies! Until our next adventure!
Colleen