Guest Blogger from New York, New York!

Today's and the first ever guest blog comes from Charlotte.  Char currently lives in Brooklyn, NY and frequents areas all over New York City.  Her suggestion today - Italian food is the way to feel at home in the Big Apple.... 


Hey Tony, Lemme Get Some Of Dat Bisketti

"As a friend and I were wandering around Union Square last Saturday looking for a nice place to eat without breaking the bank, we came across a "hole in the wall" Italian joint.   The name of the place is Paul and Jimmy's, located on 18th and Irving.  

It doesn't look like much at first, but once we walked in, there was no where else we could even possibly think of going!  Being from Philadelphia/Philly Area, my friend and I were a far cry from home but places like this really put you in that Back At Home mindset.  We were immediately warmed by the homeyness of the establishment.  Kind of like walking into Mom's house with gravy cooking on the stove.

Right away we were greeted by two gorgeous and mannerly "right off the boat" Italian men.  We were seated, given water and complimentary bruscetta. We decided it was going to be one of those "... eh just get a bottle" kind of nights.  After ordering a bottle of wine, our server explained to us the importance of looking at the cork and how you can tell if the wine is bad or not just by doing so. 

As we drank our wine and took in the low-key, amorous ambiance we both discussed what a perfect date night place this would be.  We noticed a large Italian family in the back of the restaurant reminscing and saying things like "I am a very emotional man, I want to take care of my family".  They were passing around plates of food and gushing over the rich red wine. 

Our meals came and we couldn't have been more please if we tried.  The pasta and vegeatables in my friend's primavera were roasted to perfection.  My dish had an exquisite combination of penne, sun dried tomatoes, and artichokes in a thin red sauce. 

To finish the night, we indulged in coffee and a canoli-- aka, heaven on earth.  All in all, we each spent about $30 for an unbelievable meal. 

To Avoid A Food Coma.....

We ended the night with a few cocktails and some more friends at a bar uptown; Papillon. Four words that come to mind when I think of Papillon-- New York, New York. 


This restaurant/bar, with tall ceilings, and Inn-esque wood architecture was the perfect way to end a perfect new york evening.  The Christmas tree and life size elves helped as well...oh and so did the free champagne and appetizers bought for us by the wealthy business men sitting by the bar. 

All in all, it was a great New York night with great New Yorkers.... or so we say."