1. Trattoria Trecolori
254 W. 47th
Street, NYC
Encompassing a thin long rectangular space with brick concrete and wooden floors and walls, in
between and across the streets from hit Broadway plays on Restaurant Row in New York City’s
Hell’s Kitchen, Trattoria Trecolori manages its space to good effect, nothing too pretentious,
with the evenly spaced white tablecloth-covered tables and red napkins appealing to each mad
dasher and tourist, and where our party arrived to find an almost laid-back atmosphere. I say
“almost” because there seemingly are enough waiters to fit two to each table. The service is
not rushed, however; every course arrived in timely fashion, and the results of this kitchen,
which serves classic Italian style fare, while not overdue, were never overdone. The wine list
features a moderately priced sampling of Italian, Californian and New Zealand vintages. We
tried the Pinot Grigio Trentino Domenico Armani IO 2008 for $32, which was delightfully clear
and refreshing. The aptly named Trecolori salad, with arugula, radicchio and endive with grated
asiago in a balsamic vinaigrette was a hit with my wife, and was crisp, fresh and delicious.
Similarly, the Caprese appetizer was everything an Italian staple should be, fresh tomato,
mozzarella and basil. The Gnocchi Alla Baba, homemade potato-ricotta dumplings in tomato-
basil sauce with eggplant and mozzarella were big, bold, and rich. The Fettucine Alfredo with
chicken was the perfect size and scrumptious, but for my money could have included a few
more chicken slices (it came with four). The other diner at our table had the swordfish special,
which came, according to him, perfectly cooked, topped with a delicious teriyaki glaze, and to
my eyes, maybe the largest portion I have ever seen served at an Italian restaurant. Skipping
dessert, which the waiter assured me was fine as we ordered appertifs of amaretto and brandy,
which came on the rocks and in heated up glasses (a nice touch), which put the exclamation
point on a relaxing start to a weekend in Manhattan. It almost makes the 13 block walk down to
Penn Station a joy as opposed to an obstacle course. Everything’s better on a full stomach.
Paul Viole
516-451-1572
peviole@verizon.net