Italian gem scores high with Michelin!

Restaurant Critique
I Trulli
124 East 27th Street New York, NY
Pamela Goldman
Photos: Joanna Hass
Patch.com

Written up in the Michelin Guide as being an Italian gem, that
which “puts to shame other versions in this town,” my partner
and I found this restaurant from the atmosphere to every last bite
nothing short of deliciously festive.

Luckily, we got in before the entire city shuts down due to the
peaking of the Corona Virus. We were able to enjoy their homemade
pasta, braised beef dishes and extraordinary seafood. The service
was second to none; they had it down to a science, willing to please
throughout our stay at every moment!

The tablecloths were made from thick linen and the multi-season
garden was a delight to look out upon. I Trulli has been a family run
business, approximately for 25 years. Some patrons say, “It’s like
being in your grandmother’s home.” The design is polished with a
marble bar, hand made tiles, original art work and photo’s of the “old
country.” The owner’s mother makes the pasta and bread. It’s definitely
“all in the family” here.

For appetizers, we had Fritto Misto – Crispy calimari and shrimp with
lemon. It was crunchy, tasty and with the touch of lemon, perfect.
My partner, Joanna, had a ½ order of the Tonnarelli. Black and white
spaghetti with a generous serving of frutti di mare layered on top.
This included a whole lobster tail, clams and mussels. With her fine
palette, she tasted some heat in the sauce and the freshness of the
seafood. I had the Polpette, Dora’s Sunday meatballs. These were
fabulous, sprinkled with a touch of Parmesian cheese. Whetting my
appetite like no other.

Sitting by the cozy fireplace, made the evening all the more enchanting.
Nonna Dora, the grandmother, has been making pasta for 70 years.
She emigrated to the United States in the 70’s yet her style of pasta
is from Puglia, Italy which is from where she comes. Her son Nicola
opened I Trulli and the rest is history. Dora says, “My life is better now
- my husband passed away 30 years ago.” Preferring not to be alone,
she helps her son by creating Puglia influenced dishes.

Our main courses were wildly great. My partner, Joanna, had the fish
of the day cooked with wine and lemon. After filleting it, they served it
with a side of brightly colored cooked vegetables. My dish was Brasato
-braised short ribs cooked in a red wine reduction. It was served on a
bed of peccorino mashed potatoes. A hearty winter dish, it surely was
out of this world, warming every bone in my body.

We finished off the evening with two desserts. Torta di Riccotta, Dora’s
own creation, Italian cheesecake was served with a home made blueberry
sauce. The other dessert was warm flourless chocolate cake served with a side
of vanilla ice cream. Exquisite like everything else on the menu,
I Trulli is superb in all aspects. The warmth we felt from manager Chris,
the waiters as well as the spectacular fireplace next to our table, made
the evening our favorite Italian food outing.

Buono Appetito to all!!!