Italian Brunch

When I hear the phrase Italian Brunch, I do not automatically think of pancakes and eggs or the quintessential NYC brunch. Yesterday I ate an Italian Brunch at Dell'anima in the West Village (8th Ave, between Jane & 12th St). Brunch the Italian way was by far one of the best I have had in NYC. Perhaps it was the company (my friend Dina) or it was the 2 bloody Mary's, but I really think it was the quality food overall. Being a foodie & a dietitian is tough in NYC because when I choose to indulge I am very discerning and want to spend my calories wisely.

Let's start with the menu which was short and sweet. Most people who have eaten with me know that when there are too many choices on the menu it can make my decision making process difficult so of course I was pleased that there was only 1 entree option for sweet which was the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. They do have a few sides of muffins and cake but those are only to pick on or for dessert.

After you order, they bring you warm rustic Italian bread that has been grilled and a small dish of ricotta cheese that has honey drizzled on top and then pine nuts on top of the honey. After 1 bite of this I knew that the rest of the meal would be phenomenal.

Dina ordered the frittata with broccoli rabe, potato and pecarino cheese. I ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes and a side of scrambled eggs (because I always have to have that sweet/savory balance). The pancakes far exceeded my expectations because they were super light and dusted with just the right amount of powdered sugar and a spoon of berry jam. Of course when the pancakes came to the table I was thinking that they looked small and that there were only 2 because I am used to giant pancakes and usually not being able to finish. Dell'anima has made the perfect summer pancake that managed to keep me full for the rest of the day. The scrambled eggs were just the right texture (not too soft & not too hard) and were infused with Parmesan cheese (AHHHHH CHEESE).

I had to have a bite of the frittata but of course it was just OK in comparison to the pancakes. The bloody Mary's were good but I would not say it was the best I have had in NYC, that award would go to The Farm On Adderley which is in Brooklyn.

The brunch was topped off with a stroll to the Chelsea Market and then more strolling on the Highline. I highly recommend Dell'anima for brunch and perhaps any other meal.

Van Leewen Ice Cream Truck

I scream you scream, we all scream for ice-cream but I have not been interested in going back for seconds on this one. Not to sound like a hater of this ice-cream but my taste buds were not wowed. I love the concept and the natural local sourced ingredients, and the eco friendly cups/spoons. The ice-creams have a very clean, fresh taste but the mouthfeel is off meaning perhps there is not enough fat and not enough sugar. The taste just left my mouth too quickly for it to be memorable. This is saying a lot for me because I never forget what I have eaten and the experience it gave me.

To date the best ice-cream I have tried is from Emack & Bolios. When it comes gelato well that is a different story. By the way gelato has less fat than ice-cream so of course my love goes out to the Italians for that one.