Poppy seed stracchino gnocchi.
The possibility of ten different Apertivos, mixed with prosecco in a single drink.
In the kitchen: a husband-wife duo with the names Quality Meats and Mario Carbone under their collective belt.
These are the many glorious things that together comprise Don Angie: a modern beauty of an Italian spot now open in the West Village. We will now break it down thusly, in shameless lazy-Friday fashion:
The Space
All black and white marble floors, dark blue velvet and leather banquettes, the occasional palm plant, low-hanging frosted lights. Attractive and modern with some strong retro elements.
The Utility
Casual dates. Birthday dinners (note the long curved booth, under the mirror, straight back). Outings with friends (good for small groups, it is).
The Drinks
Apertivi-wise, go with the Fiasco Spritz (ten apertivo blend, prosecco). When you're good and ready for a cocktail, the Pinky Ring (bourbon, Carpano Antica, Galliano, Campari) or a chili honey-blood orange-fennel margarita might make sense, depending on what you're doing food-wise.
The Pasta
The two-toned buffalo milk caramelle with persimmon and black sesame. The oversized garganelli with broken meatball ragu. The black and white poppy seed stracchino gnocchi. You can't really go wrong.
The Not-pasta
Escargot oreganata, wherein Peconic Bay snails replace the usual clams. BBQ calamari, in which marinated and grilled rings are served over a bed of pepperoni and banana pepper jasmine fried rice. Veal, topped with horseradish, speck and rye. They do a solid job taking expected dishes and making them less-expected here.
The photos
Come away with us...
