Chef/Owner Steven Crane opened Po with Mario Batali in 1993.  Mario is no longer a partner, but it is still known worldwide as a fine Italian restaurant.  It is located on one of the most charming streets in New York in a small and cozy space.  We made a 2pm reservation to avoid the lunch crowds, but actually failed.  They stop serving at 3 and somehow the place was filled with a rather annoying mix of foreign tourists and neighborhood regulars by the time we left!

The concept was farm-to-table before it became all the rage.  Much of the food is delivered daily from local Italian grocers on foot or by bicycle.  The balance comes from the Hudson Valley. It is classic Italian simplicity with fresh and flavorful ingredients.

This was a really enjoyable experience.  There was nothing that wasn’t perfect.  And I’m sure that goes for every item on the menu.  The meal began with complimentary White Bean Bruschetta that was so heavenly.  It inspired me to order more than I originally planned.  To hell with the diet, this was going to be good!  I had two new delicious things that I’ve never had. The first was saba, a sweet grape reduction made from Trebbiano grapes (balsamic vinegar grapes). It complemented the delicate taste of my shaved fennel salad with oranges. Second was fregula, which is tiny round pasta from Sardinia almost like large couscous.  It was the bed of pasta under my unbelievably delicious grilled Hen.

Steve had to try the meatballs.  We have a little contest going for the best of…so now scratch Burger & Barrel who had  the best to date (even over Osteria Morini’s meatballs).  Po is it.  A glass of wine and meatballs would be the ultimate lunch there!  He also had the Duck Sloppy Joe which was a really imaginative dish.  It was a far cry from any traditional duck recipe I’ve ever had.  Unfortunately, the bread was a bit overwhelming. While it was homemade local bread, there was too much of it for such a rich dish.

The iPhone pics do not do the food justice.  But look at their website for a flash slideshow of beautiful food.

MENU:

White Bean Bruschetta

Shaved Fennel, Oranges, Radicchio, Sicilian Olives & Ricotta Salata  11

Polpetta di Carne, Meatballs with Tomato Sauce Caciocavallo  12

Duck Sloppy Joe, Chipotle Chilies & Sweet Pickled Onions  14

Grilled Guinea Hen, Asparagus, Scallion, Fregula & Saba  17

http://www.porestaurant.com/
31 Cornelia St. – West Village