I approve.

by 39 Comments

While I can’t say that I want to make a habit of nearly 16-hour days in the city, yesterday was definitely quite the good one.

After Erica’s interview, we hung out at our favorite cafe while I finished up with work. We also lunched there – a tomato mozzarella panini for her, and ham & frontega for me. It was pretty much a fancy-pants version of the grilled ham and cheese sandwiches I ate as a kid. I approve.

Further proof that cafes make the best offices, no?

E and I had some time to kill before meeting up with Gabriela, so we did what we do best…shop! I am happy to announce that Forever 21 now has spring clothes…

…and a great new line of workout gear, which I’m absolutely going back for more of. This top is the perfect stretchy material and was only $10.80. Approved!

After some hopping around the Village, the three of us headed to Mario Batali’s Otto, for dinner, per Erica’s rave review.

(photo a la Gabriela)

It was tough for me to decide between pizza and pasta (I’m a pizza-girl at heart), but Erica influenced me to go with the latter.

The Rigatoni Con Noci E Zucca (Zucca,Hazelnut, Ricotta Affumicata) caught me eye, but I wasn’t exactly sure what “zucca” was. Upon asking the server and learning it was butternut squash, I replied, “We have a winner.”

The girls and I also split two gelato desserts, which were out of this world. They attacked the chocolate flavors, while I was partial to the Creme Fraiche (yes, creme fraiche gelato does exist, and it is as amazing as it sounds).

If you’re ever in the NYC area and are looking for good Italian food, this is your place. The environment is fun and the food is outstanding! Not to mention that the price is very right, with all of the pasta dishes ringing in at just $9. Definite approval.

Back to work for me! And then back to the city for some Restaurant-Week action.

Enjoy your Thursday, will you? :) xoxo G

I know this is a toughie, but if you HAD to choose, pizza or pasta??

Comments

  8. says

    I am always googling words I don’t know on Italian menu’s.. there’s usually an equal chance it’s either some kind of noodle or some kind of meat, so I was surprised to hear it was butternut squash! Definitely keeping my eye out for this “zucca” on menu’s from now on!! Excited to hear where you choose for restaurant week because I’ve had the toughest time picking!

    :) Courtney

    Reply

  9. says

    Wow, what a steal for NYC!

    I think I’d have to go with pizza, only because pasta makes me very, very sleepy.

    I’m so excited to see that bright, beautiful dress. What a tease to buy that with all the snow on the ground up there, though.

    Reply

  33. says

    awww fun day! my best friend went with her current boyfriend on their first date to Otto and loooveed it and it worked in their favor because they’re still together! haha

    Reply

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