Opus: Quick Report (gluten-free friendly)

[ethnicchic]

Before my sister's Christmas trip to NYC I enlisted the help of fellow hounds to find locations to eat that were gluten-free and kid friendly.

We chose to try Opus on Christmas Eve. I wanted to report back since I hadn't read much about Opus on this board.

First of all, when we arrived they sat us immediately -- we were dining early since my nephew has an early bedtime. The waitstaff was very friendly, but definitely seemed a bit wary of the 3-year old. However, as soon as we were seated, Enzo Lentini (of the Lentini Brothers who sed to own Tini's Italian on the UES) personally came out to speak to us. He addressed all of us including my nephew (who after a few minutes was calling him "Enzi" with fondness). He told us he could make whatever we would like for him. My sister who dines gluten-free also discussed her options with him. He recommended a carbonara made with corn pasta. Unfortunately we had been snacking all day so I can't report on what looked like a great selection of appetizers.

Our main courses were wonderful My sister loved the gluten-free pasta dish and I tried it and thought it was fantastic. I had melt-in-your-mouth Gnocchi and tried some of my nephew's Pizza Margherita which was good -- although not my all time favorite of brick-oven pizzas. My Brother-in-law had the Branzini which he said was also excellent.

Overall I think the food was obviously fresh and tasty and I thought that having the owner come chat with us was wonderful and really made my sister feel at home. I'm not sure this place is perfect for a 3 year-old but otherwise, was a very nice choice. Very good Italian fare overall. Many of the menu-items could be made lactose and gluten free. I would definitely go back to try the other courses. They don't have gluten-free pizza yet, but are planning to.

Links to other Opus reviews:
http://nymag.com/restaurants/openings/48919/
http://www.dailycandy.com/new_york/article/39456/Gluten+for+Punishment
http://www.celiacchicks.com/2008/10/o...

Cheers and Happy Eating in the New Year!
EC

[goodhealthgourmet]

yay! thanks so much for reporting back - i've been waiting to hear a review from a fellow hound :)

[eameyer]

I ate here with a GF friend (I used to be GF for two years, but am not anymore). Anyway, I wasn't impressed with the food. For GF italian, I'd go with Bistango.

[cimui]

yes, thanks so much for the review, ethnicchic!

just as a side note: risotteria in west village has ok gluten free pizzas (made with a rice crust, i think). i've only tried a bite of it in the past. the crust was a little hard, but the proportions of toppings were pretty good. i imagine it'd be a good option for a celiac who's really missing pizza.

[eameyer]

I thought the crust was really hard at Risotteria too. I literally asked for a steak knife, that's how bad it was. I do love that place for GF paninis, of course rissotto and GF desserts. Pala in the LES is supposed to be the best GF pizza, I've personally never tried it though.

[goodhealthgourmet]

how about the pizza at Mozzarelli's on 23rd?

[eameyer]

It's not bad. Mozzarelli's is more your fast food pizza place though. Pala is more of a restaurant. PizzaBolla in the Financial District also serves pizza, which I think is better than Risso, still hear Pala is the best though.

[goodhealthgourmet]

got it...thx for all the info. it's been so long since i had pizza, i hardly even remember what it tastes like!

[whitneybee]

My personal favorite GF pizza is at Mozzarelli's. There's no ambiance, but the pizza is great. All of my gluten eating friends who have tried it love it as well.

[goodhealthgourmet]

awesome, thanks for letting me know!

[cimui]

thanks for the pala suggestion, eameyer. that's good to have on my radar. a bit out of the way for me, but perfect for a few friends. i'll pass it on!