Meatballs!!!!

New York has a lot of restaurants, and if you have been in business for a while, you are probably half good.  Sifting through all of the restaurants can be an arduous task.  Most of you know that I am an avid cook, but as a New Yorker, we do eat out a lot, and I know what I like.  My wife and I love going to new restaurants but as I mature, chasing the hottest chef can feel like going to the gym.  You feel good once you finish, but getting your self to go can feel like a lot of work.   As a foodie, I do get a lot of requests for where to eat.  What is most interesting in New York, there are thousands of neighborhoods.  Every few blocks can be considered a neighborhood in New York.  If you live on 60th Street on the East side, and you want to go for Italian, you might end up at Primola, Bravo Gianni, or Scalinatella.  All three of these restaurant are VERY GOOD.  If you live on 70th Street on the East Side, and you want Italian, you might end up at Campagnola or Elio’s both VERY GOOD.   If you are “connected” and you have a driver you might even end up at Rao’s; I have never been and am looking for a friend to take me. 

What’s all this talk about meatballs!!!  Now if you decide to wander south of 60thStreet you fill find yet another local Italian restaurant.  I go there regularly and have to say it is my favorite neighborhood Italian restaurant.  They have the BEST Meatballs EVER.  I took a friend there the other day and when he heard that I ordered meatballs, he thought it seemed odd that I wanted that to start prior to ordering my wine.  They melt in your mouth and when you finish the first, you want another.  We also ate the Melanzane Rollatino(Eggplant Stuffed with Ricotta).  The best part about going to this local Italian Restaurant, they will make anything you want.  I personally LOVE the Scarpariello (on the bone).  My wife loves all of the Pasta dishes.  They have Lamb Chops, Veal Chops, and Pork Chops.  The other night I had the Veal Chop (make sure you order the double cut).  The service is very personalized and Anthony the owner is ALWAYS there to make you happy.  He took very good care of me the other night.  They have a great selection of Italian Wine, but I continue to order from the California section. 

I had the Merryvalethe other night (a favoirte of mine). 

It is very difficult leaving the restaurant without ordering a canolli.  For a nice local Italian restaurant, you can go for a special occasion or even eat at the bar for a quick meal.  They have a piano player a few days a week and it is a lot of fun for a quick glass of wine if you are in the neighborhood.  If don’t have a lot of time, go to the bar and order a half portion of pasta with a meatball.  You will love me forever. 

Are you ready;  The restaurants name is Destino’s!  It is a MUST TRY. 

After you try Destino’s, I would love to read about your comments.

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