"I am in love with Monte's and wish I had come here sooner. It's a hidden gem in the no man's land between Park Slope and Gowanus (a description which I might take umbrage with) that I likely may never have discovered but for Covid, because I started walking to work and one day decided to go down Carroll Street all the way, where I saw this old school place with a sign claiming it was Brooklyn's oldest Italian restaurant since 1906, and decided that I must try it. It took several more months to actually stop for dinner while walking home from work, which is a darn shame. Our welcoming server was on the drinks right away: husband had the Old Fashioned, which he pronounced perfect, and I had a perfect martini served in a metal, Deco style glass. To accompany, we got fresh delicious breads with olive oil/balsamic/chili flake dipping sauce. We looked at each other and said if this is any clue, this is going to be a great meal. Which it was baked clams were plump and well seasoned, although I prefer a little more sauce, and the Caesar salad was dressed perfectly. I had the cavatelli with wild boar ragu at the server's suggestion, which was delicious, and husband had short ribs, which were incredibly tender. They had a great selection of wine by the glass, at decent prices, to accompany the mains. For dessert we went for the cannoli because we were pretty full (honestly I didn't need a dessert but everything else was so good, I couldn't say no), and they were great: three small cannoli with crispy shells, tangy filling, and chocolate chips sprinkled on top. It was not a cheap meal but the bill was fair for the amount of food and alcohol we consumed. Service was great all the way around, and there is ample, comfortable outdoor seating for diners who aren't ready to go inside. This will become a regular stop on the walk home."
Rigatoni Alla Norma
