NYC Restaurants

The Nomad food scene continues to grow.  Ulivo, on West 28th Street, describes itself as a trattoria and pastificio.  The restaurant also offers a lengthy wine list with prices starting in the $40s.  There are fried dishes, like meatballs with sea salt and fried mussels with baby squash.   Larger plates include a 40-day dry aged rib eye with garlic and rosemary, and braised pork shank and roasted whole sea bass.  Pastas run the gamut from orecchiette with cauliflower, black olives and anchovy to shiaffoni with a spicy stone crab sauce.  Finish it off with a traditional Italian dessert, including tiramisu and Seadas; Sardinian fritters made with honey and pecorino cheese.  Eat in or grab a table outside.

Not too far away on 27th and Broadway is the newest rendition of The Smith with huge archways that open onto the street.  When we passed during early evening the placed was packed and the bar was buzzing.  Look for new American fare and other classics.  Starters include crab cake tots dipped in Alabama tartar, tuna poke and seared octopus.  Larger plates revolve around meat, chicken and fish.  Think blackened pork chops, mahi mahi with charred corn and avocado, and the Burger Royale, with two patties, applewood smoked bacon and house pickles.  The spot is already drawing a good-looking, overflow crowd.

If you are looking for something sweet to wrap things up, look no further than Lady M where a luscious assortment of cakes and tarts await.   There are crepe cakes in flavors ranging from citron and coconut to chocolate banana and green tea.  You will also find traditional strawberry shortcake, red velvet and a checker cake.  Enjoy!