I pass by this West Fourth corner cafe every day and I am always so curious why such a cute, quaint little European bistro never fails to have two or three empty tables. After eating there, I am even more perplexed! Though quite cozy, this place is a gem – moderately priced, delicious food with an expansive dinner and dessert menu. AND, unlike well priced restos in this neighborhood – they have cocktails!
Ok…enough blabbing Erin, enough blabbing. I tasted:
1. French bread with oil – pungent extra virgin olive oil on soft, fresh baguette: priceless
2. Arugula and Radicchio salad with grilled vegetables and tomatoes – interesting combo, you say? Ya, that’s because I invented it myself. This restaurant list all possible salad ingredients and you can choose whatever for different (low) prices. Awesome idea for a salad lover!! and they come in big bowls, with own choice of dressing. Cool! (5)
3. Homemade spaghetti with pomodoro sauce: the person to my left was eating this and I had to get it because the noodles looked so fresh and the sauce looked amazing. Tasted as good as it looked – perfectly al dente spaghetti noodles with fresh chunks of bright tomatoes and basil. And, it comes in half orders! (5)
4. Grilled calamari with fennel and cherry tomatoes: Ok, squid was a little chewy, but the fennel was deliciously grilled. very light, but tasty appetizer. Did the job, but I give it a (3).
5. Spaghetti a la vongole: I never would order this on my own, so not a fair judge, but tasted just like my mom’s. Since my mom is an awesome cook, I would say it was delicious. They were very generous with the clams and pasta, and the sauce came out piping. (4).
Didn’t have it in me to order dessert but the menu looked scrumptious – love a menu that has more than 2 chocolate items. Love it! Would DEFINITELY go back here for a twist on the crappy week night order ins/take-out meals. Unpretentious but vibrant atmosophere, good service, tasty food, well-priced.
I give it a 4 (which is great!)
Address: 183 West 10th at 4th
Website: www.itremerli.com
your mom is an awesome cook, but your Dad is an awesome eater. I would order the Vongole if it were anywhere close to Mom’s in quality. it’s rare to find a place like this with a full liquor license, so I look forward to sampling the wares on a future trip or encouraging mom to do so since it sounds more like her kind of place.
Vongole!