Locanda Verde

09/22/09

Snotty reservationists & everyone else we encountered

by Dani D at Citysearch

You can't imagine how hard it is to get someone to actually take your reservation at this restaurant. It's not that they don't have any tables available--believe me they do (and that's a telling tale unto itself). I called three times on different days and no one could take my reservation. I didn't even get as far as to tell them what day and time I was looking for. Their responses was, "Oh so and so isn't here and they take those reservations," "You'll have to call back," We'll take your name and number and someone will get back to you," (they didn't btw...surprise, surprise). Since no one seemed interested in taking our reservation, and my boyfriend had is heart set on trying the place (we loved A Voce when Andrew was there and dropped hundreds of dollars for delicious meals at the place), we just showed up at Locanda Verde one night for dinner and after more snotty hub bub at the door, we were finally seated. The food isn't bad but with so many good restaurants in NYC, why bother with this place. In fact, that's my recommendation: DON'T BOTHER.

• Cons: Aren't restaurants in business to take reservations???

08/11/09

Not Meant to Share!

by chefandthecity at Citysearch

So me and my 3 guests got an early start on tonights meal. We had a 5:30 reservations, and was actually sat with only half of our party physically in the restaurant. Something that does not usually happen in NYC. After deciding of drinks, our server briefed us on the menu and specifically said that the food was meant for sharing. Taking that into consideration we ordered the following:

- Chicken liver crostini

- Fried Artichokes

- Rabbit Terrine

- Ruby Shrimp and Calamari

- Spaghetti Vongole

- Pasta with Lamb and Chickpeas

- Halibut Saltimboca (special)

- Scallops with Cauliflower

- Gelatti

- Brown Butter/Pistachio Cake

- Chocolate cake with Spiced Caramel and Cardamom Gelatti

Thinking that these dishes were MEANT to be shared we figured that would be plenty of food. After the first 4 courses came out, and having a bite, MAYBE 2 of each, we all knew that we would be needing more food. After finishing our main courses we asked to add on another entree of lamb chops, because we were all not completely satisfied.

Bottom line, food was delicious and refined. But if you do go, order like you would at any other restaurant. I would also suggest ordering a pasta to split with the rest of the guests, acting as a mid-course between apps and entrees.

• Pros: Delicious Food All Around
• Cons: Not "Meant to be shared"