Gjelina on Bond St? A bunch of bigger tables upstairs. We had a great meal there in April.
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This is not a ānewā place, but itās new for me. I visit New York once or twice a year, and often donāt plan too far ahead, so I usually try to snag a walk in at the bar right before last call. My success rate is extremely high - 100% on weekdays like tonight. You just have to be willing to eat late!
Anyways - tonight was Torrisi. Iāve hit most of the ābestā Italian joints in NY at this point. Lilia, Misi, Via Carota, I Sodi, etc etc. Torrisi was the best. Every dish did more with less. And I must caveat by saying that yes they have truffle this and caviar that as off menu specials, but thatās not my vibe - I stick with the classics. When the ingredients are pared down and the preparation is simpler, thereās nowhere to hide. The execution and flavor on everything was phenomenal. The most perfectly al dente noodles on the amatriciana. Just crisp enough but not overcooked guanciale (apparently they normally do lamb but tonight they decided to use guanciale - the bartender said this version is the best, and I donāt disagree). Some of the better tasting bread Iāve ever had. Scalloped potatoes smothered not in cream but in vegetables - and better tasting than the creamy versions. Itās restaurants like this - that are busy and vibing even past 10PM, that make me envy New York. I could never live here, but I sure love visiting.
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Amatriciana is by definition (and in Italy by law!) made with guanciale. Using lamb is so eccentric that it should be mentioned on the menu.
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Fascinating, I did not know the legal aspect. I make it more frequently with pancetta than guanciale, solely because pancetta is easier to find, but itās undoubtedly better with (good quality) guanciale.
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Yeah, in the US people often substitute pancetta because itās hard to find guanciale. Theyāre not really very similar.
I guess Torrisi make their own lamb āguanciale.ā
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Is this the kind of place where a reservation on a Fri night is needed (partner and I are looking for places near the August Wilson Theatre next Friā¦)?
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All of the good Thai restaurants require reservations. At least that was my experience when I was in NYC in April.
LumLum, Chalong, Thai Diner, Soothr, Pranakhon
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@paranoidgarliclover I went on a Wednesday 9:00pm after a show. We were able to sit at the bar 2 people no rez, but there were a number of groups waiting for tables, restaurant still packed. Would guess you need a reservation.
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Made a reservation for before the show. 
What dishes did you have and did you like them???
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Cool. We saw Dorian Gray!
Yum Som-O, crab curry, Moo Hong and roti. It was all really good. Crab curry is quite spicy (they will let you sample before ordering if youāre worried about the spice level). Food skews sweeter than Iām used to here. Closest analogue probably Luv 2 Eat, though Cha Long is definitely more upscale.
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We are seeing Cabaret (I think Billy Porter will be performing instead of Orville Peck) .
Funny you mention Luv2eat. I saw ācrab curryā and immediately wondered, āI wonder if that as spicy as the original Luv2eat one (which is at the very, very tippy top of my tolerance)ā¦ā Glad they allow for a sample!
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A NY friend just went to Jaba. Iām definitely going there on my next visit.
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What a talent that guy is. I donāt follow Bāway, I only know him as a music recording/performance artist
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