A night out in NYC at new hot spot PERLA
Happily when I was passing through NYC en route to Philly two weeks ago, the evening coincided with my good friend Joyce's first day as second in command at Cosmopolitan magazine. A celebration was in order! As Joyce has her fingers on the pulse about everything and anything cool, new and fabulous, I clearly deferred to her on where we should dine. Perla, the newest restaurant in a family of restaurants I adore (Joseph Leonard and Jeffrey's Grocery amongst them), was Joyce's pick. Tucked away on Minetta Lane-- just down from another favorite, Minetta Tavern, Perla is cozy and a smidge Parisian in decor-- red banquettes, mirrors and friendly wood beams. The food is not for the light of heart (or body by the end of our decadent dinner). The foie gras and jelly sandwiches to kick things off are a good indication of where we went... A pasta with a jazzy tomato sauce and a fish that was actually my favorite dish yet I had rather over done it by the time it arrived. The wines were happy new discoveries thanks to our friendly waiter, Tim who remained undaunted by us when we didn't like one... or two of the initial wines he gave us to taste. We wound up sipping (with enthusiasm!) an Italian white, Incrocio Manzoni, Instituto Agrario San Michele 2010, Alto Adige. Cheers to Joyce! And start reading Cosmo again!!