On "Seinfeld," Jerry doesn't know the name of the woman he's dating, only that her name rhymes with a part of the female anatomy. During and then after dinner tonight, I kept forgetting the name of the restaurant we were at, and the only way I could remember--aside from asking my dining companions--was to remind myself of this episode, to think of the different parts of the female anatomy, to think of names rhyming with that, and to come up with "Celeste," which strikes me as an improbable name of an amazing Italian restaurant.
But regardless, Celeste might be the best restaurant ever. It's up there with Al di La, but somewhat cheaper and with better food. So, better than Al di La. The only reason I say "might" re: Celeste is that my knowledge of restaurants is limited primarily to New York City and, within the city, places where no dish on the menu exceeds $20. Or maybe one dish does, but that's the superfancy one that no one would ever order unless trying to make a point or write a restaurant review. So perhaps Jean Georges or Masa is better than Celeste, but it doesn't matter. Celeste is fantastic. My only concern is that the place won't last--not only is it far, far too tasty to be on 85th and Amsterdam, but they seemed to undercharge us. Not something likely to disappoint a table of recent college grads, but nevertheless not the best business model.
Next time try the raviolini ($8.50) -- pillowy little ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach and served in a butter-sage sauce. I hear it's good. But is food allowed to be this good on the Upper West Side?
ReplyDeleteI've heard good things about this dish too, Anonymous.
ReplyDeleteI used to live seven blocks from there. Given my current restaurant choices in bumfuck - err Lansing - Michgan, you have made me very jealous.
ReplyDeleteWhen I lived there, there were several decent but not spectacular restaurants in the neighborhood. There were a number of servicable Italian restaurants (it's been more than 6 years so I don't even remember the names), but nothing that would have deserved these kind of raves.
No, I'm lying - it all comes back to me - there was actually a fantastic, reasonably priced Italian restaurant on Amsterdamn between 92nd and 93rd. What was it called? Is it still there? I'm not a huge antipasto man, but theirantipasto plate was to die for. And the entrees weren't haf bad either.