Stars: $$$ 1/2
Price: $$$
Weirdness factor: 2
Piola
48 E 12th St, New York, New York, United States
Piola was recommended to me as a place to interact with Italians and enjoy an authentic Italian gastronomic experience stateside. It didn't disappoint.
The restaurant is easy to find, about 1 1/2 blocks from the Union Square station.
Piola is mainly a pizzeria, but also offers salads, some pasta dishes, and a selection of meat and fish appetizery-things. It's quite authentically Italian, as there are many pizza joints, especially in Rome, set up with menus just like this.
The pizza menu has about 40+ different kinds, such as the "Siracusa" with mozzarella and artichokes or the "Giallanera" with eggplant and bell peppers. And, just as you'll find in Italy, there is a selection of "pizze bianche", pizzas without tomato sauce. I'd rate Piola's pizza crust a 10/10 - delicious. You can even see the pizza chefs hand rolling out the dough in the centrally located, open kitchen.
Each pizza is a managable 4-piece custom creation, and prices range from $10 to $16 depending on which you choose. You can even make personalized additions and substitutions; I had them put bell peppers on my "quattro funghi".
One high point are the $9 daily deals; your choice among 4 or 5 pizzas/pasta dishes, a soda, and (I believe) salad for a fixed price.
Piola has an acceptable wine list; I recommend asking your (authentically Italian!) server for a suggestion, as the wine we picked (the Piola house blend) was absolutely atrocious, especially at an exorbitant 25 bucks a bottle. Next time I'll try the "kiwi caipiroska", which looks awesome from its advertised picture.
Piola hosts events throughout the week; while it was pretty dead during the day (when we went) it becomes a cool local hang out at night, particularly on a Monday (when there's live music from 5-7 with drink specials and free finger food at the bar).
I'd recommend Piola for its relaxing, loungy atmosphere and authentically Italian staff, not to mention the delicious pizza.
Pretty averagely priced eats in NYC, and a nice experience overall.
Showing posts with label live music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label live music. Show all posts
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Raglan Road - An Irish Diamond in Touristy O-Town
Stars: *****
Price: $$$$
Weirdness Factor: 1.5
I LOVE Raglan Road!
It is one of my favorite places to go and grab a drink or snack and watch some live music, which they have 5 nights a week. The atmosphere is friendly, especially in the open "performance" area and at the bar.
Because it's on Disney property, the pub is very safe and there is virtually never a "rowdiness" problem. The bartenders can call for security at any time.
They have great whiskey, needless to say, and *almost* every Irish draught beer you can think of off the top of your head. I would have liked to see some Kinsale ale, but no such luck. I recommend you try their "flights" (of either whiskey or beer), in order to sample a lot of different things at a reasonable price.
The food is pretty tasty. We had a very interesting liver pate, with berry jam, on toast. If this sounds weird, it was. But still good! Don't let the strangeness of the menu offerings scare you... there is a real chef in the kitchen. This isn't your ordinary plebian pub!
On the downside, this place is not the cheapest. But you get what you pay for, what with the live entertainment and free parking. Plus, if it's not too late, you can go to Pleasure Island next door and finish the night out at the clubs over there.
I can't tell you how many times I had planned on going to PI, but stopped for a quick drink at Raglan Road first, never making it to my final destination! :)
I do not know if they serve half-pints here. This is important in a pub, but not all that common in the US. I would like to think they do, as Orlando sees many British tourists, but I'm not sure about the half-pint situation.
Anyway, I am a local and always enjoy bringing guests to Raglan Road. It's always a fun place with an eclectic mix of people. There is no such thing as a "local" crowd there, and everyone is welcome. Two thumbs up.
Price: $$$$
Weirdness Factor: 1.5
I LOVE Raglan Road!
It is one of my favorite places to go and grab a drink or snack and watch some live music, which they have 5 nights a week. The atmosphere is friendly, especially in the open "performance" area and at the bar.
Because it's on Disney property, the pub is very safe and there is virtually never a "rowdiness" problem. The bartenders can call for security at any time.
They have great whiskey, needless to say, and *almost* every Irish draught beer you can think of off the top of your head. I would have liked to see some Kinsale ale, but no such luck. I recommend you try their "flights" (of either whiskey or beer), in order to sample a lot of different things at a reasonable price.
The food is pretty tasty. We had a very interesting liver pate, with berry jam, on toast. If this sounds weird, it was. But still good! Don't let the strangeness of the menu offerings scare you... there is a real chef in the kitchen. This isn't your ordinary plebian pub!
On the downside, this place is not the cheapest. But you get what you pay for, what with the live entertainment and free parking. Plus, if it's not too late, you can go to Pleasure Island next door and finish the night out at the clubs over there.
I can't tell you how many times I had planned on going to PI, but stopped for a quick drink at Raglan Road first, never making it to my final destination! :)
I do not know if they serve half-pints here. This is important in a pub, but not all that common in the US. I would like to think they do, as Orlando sees many British tourists, but I'm not sure about the half-pint situation.
Anyway, I am a local and always enjoy bringing guests to Raglan Road. It's always a fun place with an eclectic mix of people. There is no such thing as a "local" crowd there, and everyone is welcome. Two thumbs up.
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