Scarpetta-unremarkable at $80 pp

[NAtiveNewYorker]

Very good food. But in this economy, B+ fois gras ravioli is not worth $25. And they still push you to 5:30 PM or 10:00 PM reservations. Don't rush.

[Corporate_40]

Other then the spaghetti, what other pastas would you recommend? I've heard the duck ravioli and cavateli are in the same conversations as the spaghetti.

For apps I've been told the polenta and shortribs. And entrees the black cod.

Am I on the right track?

[Corporate_40]

We're both big eaters, and after seeing a show and having nothing to do afterwards, I might push the limit, lol.

Got another quick question. Is the spaghetti with tomoto/basil REALLy that good? I just can't see ordering that with so many other great options. But if its one of those dishes I must try, I'll reconsider it. Thanks for the responses BTW.

[TrishUntrapped]

My opinion is that there would have to be some kind of orgasmic, Earth-moving experience for this little pasta dish to live up to its hype.

Does that happen? No, it's spaghetti for crying out loud. But I HAD to try it, after hearing so much about it. And I am happy to report it was very delicious. Nothing more, nothing less.

[Corporate_40]

Thanks for the report. I'm just torn b/c while I want to try it, I know I won't get back there any time soon so I was wondering if it was worth passing up one of the other more inventive pasta dishes. I guess I'll make it a game time decision.

Thanks again.

[kobetobiko]

I wasn't wow'ed by the spagetti with tomato and basil. It's a good pasta but I most certainly didn't think it was out of the world. If you know any Italian mama (like my friend's grandmother) then you can get the same thing at home, less the pretty plating and decor. I would rather go for the other pasta that you can't find in other restaurants.

I hope no one is going to throw shoes at me. My reflex is not as good as our President. :P

[egit]

My size 10 is already airborne, kobetobiko...

Actually the spaghetti is very good. I think they enrich the sauce with butter and who knows what all else. If you don't have access to an italian grandmother, and if you want to experience something so humble become a really great dish, go for the spaghetti. But honestly, I've heard all of the pastas there are very good.

People probably rave about it because it's the least interesting sounding of all the pastas. But yes, I had it and loved it.

[Corporate_40]

I've got reservations next Sat and am still excited to finally check this place out.

One ordering question... Would ordering two apps (polenta and short ribs have been recommended the most), two pastas (tbd), and a shared entree be too much food for 2 people? Just not sure how big the pasta dishes are (app or entree sizes).

[egit]

It may be, depending on your appetite. I think that's a standard ordering strategy, but when I went there a few weeks ago we got 2 apps, 1 pasta and 2 entrees, and were absolutely stuffed. No room for dessert.

If neither of you are big eaters or one/both of you isn't very hungry, you may want to consider 2 apps, 1 pasta, 1 entree.

That may be my only quibble with the place. Reduce the portion size a little bit (and the price), and then people can order/eat more dishes.

[TrishUntrapped]

My husband and I ordered one app, two pastas, one entree, one dessert. It was too much for us. I wish we had ordered two apps (because the mozzarella was so delicious), one pasta (because the spaghetti and cavatelli was very very filling) and two entrees (we both really liked the duck and root veggies)...we crammed in the chocolate cake, which was excellent.

I wish they served half portions of pasta so you could taste without making a huge commitment.

[egit]

They push you towards the 5:30 or 10PM reservation because they're still very popular. If you want a "prime" dinner hour you need to reserve several weeks in advance.

And if you didn't get the polenta, you don't get any sympathy from me either. :-)

[bnemes3343]

$80 pp, probably with drinks and you had great food? You didn't know the place was a bit pricey? No sympathy from me.

[Nancy191]

Say what you wish, I don't agree......I LOVE it!

[babyblue]

Was that with drinks?