Nello's

Of course after having lunch at Sant Ambroeus I had to have lunch at Nello's. Actually in all honesty, my lunch wasn't intended to be at Nello's. I had stopped in front of the restaurant and one of the managers had pushed us into the place and immediately sat us for lunch. If he hadn't done that I doubt I would have went that day. But none the less since I really wanted to go all was well. The restaurant has the feel of Pastis except with a more upscale clientele and a few more tourists and wealthy families. There's, of course, the Russian prostitute seated at the front at the bar so the old rich men who dine at Nello's can have a date for the evening. The best seat is by the window in the front and in the summer on the sidewalk but lets face it, you're not getting that sidewalk seat unless you either are a regular or come early. The owner, Nello Balan, knows how to run his business. If the restaurant is having a slow day he'll invite his friends or pedestrians to eat in the restaurant for free. He's also set out phony bills that state that Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich spend over $47000 at the restaurant as a publicity stunt (word is that Abramovich is seeking legal action). The two managers in the front while friendly are very pushy so beware if you are just stopping into Nello's to look at the menu (which I'll get to later) because there's a good chance they will almost force you to eat there if a table is empty. Nello's is famous for their lavish flower bouquets and grand setting so its no wonder why the place is always bustling. But I must warn you, Nello's happens to be one of the most absurdly priced restaurants in Manhattan. I'm fine with the pricing of Italian restaurants such as Babbo and Marea where a plate of pasta has an average cost of $25 (at Babbo) and a pre-fixe lunch menu can run at $38 a person (at Marea), but when a plate of Fettuccine is $38 which is more costly than what Del Posto, I begin to have an issue. Luckily I knew about these crazy prices before going to I wasn't too shocked when the bill came (so I wasn't "Nello'd" as people would say). The service is very cordial and does its job of taking care of its patrons, though it can get a bit crazy during lunch service. As an appetizer I ordered the Carpaccio con Palmito and as an entree I had the Gnocchi. Though the prices were high I must say the food at Nello's was very good. The Fillet Mignon used in the carpaccio was fresh as were the avocado and hearts of palm. The Gnocchi was a bit mushy and overcooked for my taste but the sauce and fresh buffalo mozzarella saved the poor cooking of the Gnocchi. For dessert I had the Napoleon which was fantastic. I must say my only true complaint about Nello's was the prices. The food is excellent, the ambiance is perfect and the service is great. If Nello's were priced the same as Sant Ambroeus I'd be there all the time! But since its not I'd say its worth checking out even if it is just for one time.