BRUSCHETTA = WAY TO MY <3
You know when you just need some girlfriend time, a glass of good wine and yummy food? That was me last week. Thankfully, Destino (and New York Restaurant Week) came to the rescue.
An intimate Southern Italian restaurant, Destino is upscale without being pretentious. An enormous Renaissance style painting reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel adorns the ceiling, while black cushioned walls exude elegance with a goth flair.
Not only did our waiter bring a basket of assorted, fresh bread to the table with olive oil, but he also served up three perfect servings of bruschetta. The tomatoes were fresh and bright, and the crisp bread was sprinkled with just enough olive oil to keep it all moist.
An intimate Southern Italian restaurant, Destino is upscale without being pretentious. An enormous Renaissance style painting reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel adorns the ceiling, while black cushioned walls exude elegance with a goth flair.
Not only did our waiter bring a basket of assorted, fresh bread to the table with olive oil, but he also served up three perfect servings of bruschetta. The tomatoes were fresh and bright, and the crisp bread was sprinkled with just enough olive oil to keep it all moist.
CITRUS OCTOPUS
Each of us tried to order something different for every course so we could taste a little of everything on the menu. First up: Citrus Octopus. Cooked just right, this tender octopus wasn't too chewy or rubbery. Served with grapefruit tomatoes and a lemon mint vinaigrette over baby arugula, I'm glad the presentation was simple and not too overworked.
PORTOBELLO POLENTA
Out of all the appetizers, the Portobello Polenta immediately stood out to me. (Maybe it was because I just went to a cooking demonstration with Todd English talking about his love for polenta, who knows.) The grilled portobello was served under red onions, tomato, melted fontina cheese and crispy polenta.
Getting everything into one bite proved tricky, but I loved the marriage of textures. The balsamic drizzle was the perfect addition and really balanced the earthy flavors. I almost would have liked less polenta and more tomato, but I'd honestly eat this dish again no matter what.
Getting everything into one bite proved tricky, but I loved the marriage of textures. The balsamic drizzle was the perfect addition and really balanced the earthy flavors. I almost would have liked less polenta and more tomato, but I'd honestly eat this dish again no matter what.
SPIGOLA
The pan-seared Wild Bass over Yukon Mashed Potatoes with Spinach and a Baby Leek Sauce was out of this world. I love comfort food, but I hate feeling heavy afterward. This dish wrapped me up without weighing me down -- I couldn't stop making noises of content with each bite! The mashed potatoes melted in my mouth, while the leek sauce brought just the right amount of moisture and flavor to the bass.
LASAGNA
Chelsea's Spinach Dough Meat Lasagna with veal, beef, pork and mozzarella was just like it sounds. Although I applaud the effort, it tasted like something I could have made myself at home. Also, the dish was in desperate need of crushed red pepper.
TIRAMISU
Destino served up a classic Tiramisu. You can't go wrong with espresso soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone. I thought the plate not only tasted good, but it also looked beautiful.
HAZELNUT GELATO
The Hazelnut Gelato was addicting. I only wish chocolate would have made an appearance somewhere on the plate (or, I guess, bowl). Who doesn't love the idea of Nutella gelato?
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