Arancina
Plado Tasting Bar

Plado Tasting Bar

192 East 2nd StreetNY 10009, New York, United States

Wine • Tapas • Cocktail • Vegetarian


"We were a party of 4 and wanted to try restaurant week before it ended for the summer. After doing some researching and looking through the menus, the food on this one looked really interesting. After calculating how much of a deal we would be getting for food not including drinks) it was just $3 dollars cheaper. However, we thought maybe the portion size would be a little more than the regular menu to justify the tiny deal for restaurant week. Food review: Garden Salad $15): It was a great salad and was really flavorful. The ingredients mixed together complimented each other well. However, the portion size was the same as the regular menu. Cavoletti $13): I love brussel sprouts and thought they did a great job on make them crispy and flavorful. However, it was a bit oily. Portion size was same as regular menu. Millefeuille of Aubergine $16): This dish was good too. It was cheesy and the tomato sauce was good as well, reminded me a little of eggplant parmesan. It was a bit oily, and portion size was same as regular menu. Chorizo Wild Mushroom $17): This one was a bit too salty, but if I ignored the saltiness it was good. It was cheesy and the mushrooms enhanced the cheese and bread flavor. This was also the first dish where I felt like the size did justify the price. Brisket Croquette $16): The taste of the crispy outside with the shredded beef inside was good, and the cream complemented the dish. There was no difference in the portion size. Veg Medi Paella $22): This one was not worth the price. It was not flavorful and it was even saltier than the Chorizo Wild Mushroom flatbread. I was hoping that someone would have came to check up on us which most of the restaurants i've been to they always do ask) so i could have said that the flatbread and the paella was salty, but unfortunately that did not happen Chef Daily Selection I think it's $12 based on the dessert menu): It was a tiny piece of cake that I don't think was worth the price, but the taste was good. It was warm and the fruits and sweet sauce complemented the cake. Gelato Tasting $12): This was 2 scoops of ice cream of 4 people, so I guess it would have been $24? I have never paid $24 dollars in my life for 2 scoops of ice cream. There wasn't anything special about the taste. I couldn't even remember the flavor. Service: The restaurant week menu had a mandatory 20% tip, which I am okay with. However, the same way that 20% tip was mandatory, the same way I expected good service. The waiters did not come check on us throughout the course of the meal, which I have never experienced before in other restaurants if it was a multi-course meal. I would have said something about the saltiness if they had asked. Also, they forgot the limoncello/coffee which we would have totally missed out on if my friend did not browse through the menu again. Atmosphere: It was hot. nuff said. Overall: So the portion size was not bigger, it was the same as the regular menu. So to me, restaurant week was not worth it as there was not a huge discount compared to other restaurants I have got to over the past few years. The mandatory 20% tip would have been fine if we were checked up on and the drink was not forgotten i know people make mistakes however given that we were not able to change the tip, the service quality should not change either). The whole meal for 4 came out to be $318 for 2 plates of the each item above, the ice cream was only one bowl though for 4 of us."

Gioia E Pastificio

Gioia E Pastificio

1133 W Randolph St, 60607, Chicago, United States

Pasta • Coffee • Cheese • Italian


"A Gastronomic Delight at Gioia Chicago – A Harmonious Fusion of FlavorsRecently, I had the distinct pleasure of dining at Gioia, an unassuming culinary gem nestled in the heart of Chicago. From the inviting ambiance to the impeccable service, Gioia provided an extraordinary dining experience that left an enduring impression on my gastronomic journey.Commencing with the culinary focal point – the food, Gioia's menu encompasses a tantalizing array of Italian dishes, meticulously crafted with precision and care. Livio's, an entrancing seafood dish, served as a prelude to the evening, highlighting the establishment's unwavering commitment to ingredient freshness and culinary finesse. The Carciofi, an artful artichoke creation, and the impeccably crispy Fritto further exemplified Gioia's dedication to culinary excellence.The Polenta at Gioia transcended expectations, offering a luxuriously textured and rich palate that flawlessly complemented the robust flavors. The Cacio e Pepe, a seemingly simple yet sophisticated dish, captured the quintessence of classic Italian cuisine. The Milanese, boasting a perfectly breaded and fried exterior, was a manifestation of Gioia's culinary prowess.Transitioning to the realm of desserts, the Crème brûlée and Tiramisu emerged as sublime delicacies, each spoonful unveiling layers of decadence and sweetness. These desserts are unequivocally a requisite for those with an affinity for the saccharine.To accompany the epicurean journey, Gioia offers an artfully curated selection of beverages designed to harmonize with the flavors of the dishes. The 520 Insoglio del Cinghiale, a red wine boasting robust and velvety notes, heightened the dining experience. The Monte Negroni and Black Magic cocktails, meticulously crafted for a harmonious balance of flavors, provided a delightful accompaniment. For aficionados of caffeinated indulgence, the Espresso Martini and Jungle Cat served as a fitting denouement to the culinary symphony.The solicitous and erudite staff at Gioia contributed to the overall enchantment of the evening. Their insightful recommendations and gracious hospitality cultivated an ambiance that was simultaneously welcoming and refined.In summation, Gioia Chicago stands as a gastronomic sanctuary that captivates the senses. From the tantalizing Livio's to the celestial Tiramisu, each dish narrates a tale of culinary ardor and proficiency. The thoughtfully curated beverage selection serves as an apt complement, rendering the dining experience memorable. For those seeking an authentic slice of Italy amidst the urban bustle of Chicago, Gioia emerges as the epitome of culinary excellence."