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Great New York Eats:
*** West Village Sunday Brunch at Sant Ambroeus
I perused the menu and read "uovo sodo," ( a very good egg) and wondered could it be?
The perfect organic soft boiled egg surrounded by geometically arranged triangles of toast arrived and suddenly I was transported back to my childhood vacations at my Nona's kitchen table in Corleone, Sicily. Yes, home of the "Godfather." Family legend has it that my great-grandfather was the Godfather, but that story is for another time.
My sisters and I would joke in our very deficient Italian with our grandmother, calling her eggs, Bono Ouvo (good egg) and greedily sopping up the rich golden orange yoke with thick slices of heavenly fresh baked bread.
It's been almost three decades since I've experienced the joy of eating such a simple egg meal, but Sant Ambroeus http://www.santambroeus.com/ delivered; they also offer other incredible edibles to make it the perfect Sunday brunch after a morning walk around the Village.
I recommend a table outside - it will feel like you're in Rome, in Trastavere at a small local cafe off the main streets. My menu suggestions:
Crostino Milanese, scrambled eggs served with vine ripe tomatoes and slivers of parmesan, the salad is perfectly dressed with extra virgin olive oil and lemon.
I paninetti all'olio con mortadella, fresh baked rolls drizzled with olive oil, thin slices of cured sausage and provolone cheese. Jealous? Take a bite!
Il marinaio, crabmeat, shrimp and avocado - heavenly!
Le foccaccine con parma prosciuito e mozzarella, a flaky foccaccia stuffed with thin slices of ham and a chuck of mozzarella. Mmme! So-o good!
Make sure to save room for dessert, the ricotta cheese cake is a MUST!
*** Real Italian Gelato
There it was, the very place I was told to visit only the day before, a real Gelateria Espresso Bar like those found in Rome, Florence, Arezzo or any Italian city, complete with outdoor seating.
Invited by a friend to try "Ciao Bella's Gelato" at Whole Foods Edgewater, New Jersey store, I sampled several favors as I fell into a conversation with a couple about why gelato in Italy always taste better than anything that can be found here. Everytime someone tells me they've found Italian gelato, I am always a little disappointed. Although Ciao Bello's texture and flavors were surprisingly good and the Sorbets, Mmm! The couple, however, insisted I try Sant Ambroeus on the Upper East Side.
Well, on a walk in the West Village, Sant Ambroeus found me. At Last, genuine Italian gelato, the real McCoy. Made fresh everyday, presented in those familiar metal bins, soft, creamy rich velvety textured gelati in a rainbow of colors.
The pleasure of eating gelato begins with one's eyes; your taste buds get excited as you first imagine what the coral-colored raspberry will taste like.
What is the difference between this and ice cream? How can I describe it? Flavors hang on the rich cream of ice cream. Gelato is made with low fat milk and a lot less air so it's lighter in texture. The process creates far more intense flavors, like cold concentrated fruit exploding in your mouth.
I was in heaven as I slowly savored each spoonful of passion fruit, lampone (raspberry) and limone (lemon).
Confession; Years ago, I gave up eating ice cream, as I'm fortunate to get to Italy at least once a year. I would store up all my ice cream credits until I returned. Upon arrival, I could not make it out of Rome's airport before I had to have my first gelato fix. By the time the airport train reached center city, I was ready for another cup. Then, I had to have it at least twice a day, sometimes three times for the duration of my trip.
Now, my addiction may never end. All that crazy tension can be over; I can enjoy Italian gelato right here at home!
So take a walk in the West Village, find Sant Ambroeus at West 4th and Perry Street and discover your favorite gelato flavors.
Go eat something good!
Joseph Knight
For Postcards from New York
Address to remember: Sant Ambroeus, Espresso Bar, 259 West 4th Street, New York, NY, 212-604-9254, http://www.santambroeus.com/
Directions: From Times Square MTA 1 to Christopher Street, walk north on West 4th Street.
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©Copyright 2007-9 The Cable Group
Joseph Knight, private jeweler and Postcard from New York Photographer
Website: http://www.postcardsfromnewyork.com
Jacqueline Cable, Art Dealer and Fine Art Consultant, is Editor and Publisher of the Award Winning e-newsletter Postcards from New York. Postcards celebrates the "Big Apple" by cutting through the dilemma of choices. Each week it presents unique experiences and special tips so readers can enjoy more of "the banquet" New York so abundantly offers.
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Bon Appetit!
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