Sometimes eating my way through New York City seems like a task that will take an eternity to complete. But, after dinner at a restaurant as satisfying as Barbuto, I’m actually hoping that that’s the case.
Last night I met up with Gabriela (just back into the city, woohoo!) and her dad at the well-renowned Jonathan Waxman restaurant in the West Village. Despite it being pretty hot outside and the restaurant being quite crowded, the entirely-open spot remained cool and comfortable.
(photo – Gabs)
As for the food? Barbuto’s “Italian-inspired cuisine represents only the best in local and seasonal ingredients. All dishes from the antipasti to the primi, secondi, and contorni are developed using simple preparations that showcase the quality and flavors of each ingredient on the plate.”
We started with two appetizers. First (and my favorite), a beet salad of roasted local beets, ricotta salata, baby mixed greens and hazelnut dressing.
We also got the zucchini e farro: grilled summer squash, pickled shallots, lollo rosso & farro.
(photo – Gabs)
Both dishes were seriously outstanding. I didn’t want them to end!
For my entree I went with the merluzzo salate: pan roasted cod with vegetable ragu and basil.
The cod was perfectly cooked – crispy on the outside and flakey & buttery on the inside.
I tried a bite of Gabriela’s swordfish – with artichokes, fava beans and wild arugula – and it was really delicious as well.
The three of us also split a side of broccoli with capers, anchovies and garlic.
I must say I was impressed with each and every bite at Barbuto! It really just go to show how local and fresh ingredients prepared the right way can make for the most incredible dishes.
Gabs and I rounded out the night with a visit to one of our favorite spots – Frying Pan – to catch up on the past few months of our lives. Have I mentioned how thrilled I am that she’s back in NYC?!
The two of us have plans to keep up regularly with trying new restaurants, so hopefully soon I’ll make it from “wannabe foodie” to an actual one 
Anywhere you suggest/would like us to try??
And, now that I’m thinking about it, how do you define being a “foodie?”
I heard Cafeteria is really good, I haven’t made it there yet! Also Kifi on the upper west side has great Greek food! I love the Frying pans’ veggie burgers too!
Love you ladies, dinner looks lovely as usual – but you two steal the show
A Foodie eats food with an open mind–and loves a lot of it!!
Go to A Casa Fox! It’s on some random street on the Lower East Side and the service sucks, but the food is delish if you feel like trying something different
Looks like you two ladies had fun!
P.S. I’m about to email you, sorry it took me so long!
I define a ‘foodie’ as someone who is willing to try almost any type of food! Okay, this restaurant is Expensive, but, if you each get an entree with maybe one glass of wine each, it is hands down 100% worth it — it’s called Felidia on East 58th Street. SO delicious.
That food looks DELICIOUS!!!!!
Beautiful pictures!!
I would define a “foodie” as someone who is really curious about new types of food and enjoys learning about food. But that’s just my opinion!
I consider a foodie to be anyone who has an appreciation and passion for enjoying and/or creating food. I am hardly a gourmet chef (big, big emphasis on the “hardly” haha), but I really enjoy trying new dishes (either at restaurants or at home) and expanding my food horizons, so I consider myself to be a foodie.
That restaurant looks awesome, btw. Hopefully someday I’ll be able to go to NYC and hit up some of these restaurants!
You girls are gorg!!! Lahve the fish.
that food looks amazing! I’m adding it to MY list. And Frying Pan? I am obsessed with that place!! You don’t even feel like you’re in the city anymore.
I’m dying to go to the Frying Pan! For my friend’s birthday next month, I want to take her to this sushi place I heard about in Kip’s Bay – you get a private room upstairs and have a karaoke machine with all you can eat sushi!
I define a foodie as somebody who both loves and respects food. Somebody who looks forward to their meals and get’s excited about trying something new, but doesn’t overeat or binge just because they love food so much.
Eating your way through NYC sounds like the best goal ever! I think I want to put that on my bucket list haha.
Looks like a stellar meal, and even better company! Glad you ladies had fun!
Yayyy I’m back!! Loved seeing you last night, as usual. I can’t wait for our next adventure….hmmm, where shall we go?!
I’m so glad I’m not the only wannabe foodie. and that broccoli/anchovies/garlic dish looks increible.
note: that was supposed to be spanish for incredible. but it just looks like a typo.
just so you know.
Hi there, read your guest post on I’m an Okie and loved it so I wanted to say hello. Great site! I could totally relate to your moving situation too, 4 years ago I packed up and left my hOmetown and I’ve never looked back
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Ohh what a perfect way to celebrate Gabriela being back in the city! That dinner looks amazing- especially the appetizers! And I think being a foodie describes people who genuinely love food and get excited about it!
A foodie is passionate about well food ha. It doesn’t matter what kind of food, but food excites them, whether it is talking about it or actually eating. A foodie doesn’t fear food but instead embraces it in it’s entirety. Yep I think I qualify as a foodie
i just read your guest post on i’m an okie’s blog – i just moved to Hoboken for my boyfriend 5 days ago and it’s been so stressful! I have been looking for free yoga/workout classes in the area/nyc and trying to join dinner/wine clubs as well. I love my boyfriend and all but I dont wanna spend EVERY waking second with him…this girl needs some girl time too
If you have any suggestions let me know!
I have been living in NYC for 4 years, and I would definitely call myself a foodie. I love going out to eat in NYC, and I feel like there are so many great places that you probably can’t go to all of them in your lifetime! My favorites are Bianca (East Village), Parlor Steakhouse (UES), and the best of them all: Le Bernardin! I would love to join you lovely ladies sometime
Oh, and Momofuku too! If you go there, get the pork buns!