Via Emilia Restaurant – Modenese Cuisine
Via Emilia Restaurant
47 East 21st Street
New York, NY
(212) 505-3072
*Try to make a reservation before you come because it can get packed.
Via Emilia Ristorante Modenese Restaurant
The awareness started when one day my friend Tiffany, pulled me aside in a hallway at work and told me the most delicious Italian dinner she has had in New York City. “The food is sooo sooo yummy! You must try it when you get the chance . The pasta is so fresh and delicious! I know you will loveee it!” Sure enough I was convinced to go just because of her sheer enthusiasm. I mean like, how many people do you meet that exhibits that kind of passion and enthusiasm? I sure as heck don’t encounter any so I was convinced to go. Now she did bring to my attention that it’s cash only. As a joke, I asked if the owner was Chinese because a lot of restaurants in Chinatown only takes cash. She gave a light chuckle, but told me that she honestly doesn’t know, but told me to give it a shot I told her I definitely will and will feature it on my website.
Now here I am.
Before I begin to explore my experience, just a quick background about Modense Cuisine:
- Modena is in Northern Italy and it is not too far away from Bologna.
- Signature Pasta: Tagliatelle (like the fettuccine but longer and curves in shape)
- Signature Cheese: Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Traditional local mountain food: Tigelle (round flatbreads) and Gnocco Frito (fried dough)
- Specializes in pork (sausages, prosciutto, pancetta (smoked bacon), ciccioli (fried pork rinds))
- Dessert Specialty: Chocolate Torta barozzi (Chocolate Black Cake: Peanut butter, almonds, cocoa and coffee)
It would be helpful if I knew all of this before I went! I invited a couple of friends for a get together and pretty much blindly picked out of the menu.
Take a look:
Via Emilia's Specials Menu
Complimentary Warm Soft Bread
Borlengo - (thin broad-pan bread with pancetta spread, fresh rosemary and Parmigiano Reggiano
Thin and crispy, it reminds me of a thinner very of a cheese-it. I loved it, but sharing with three others can go very quick.
Spaghetti Neri con Calamari w/fresh black ink spaghetti with fresh squid, chopped tomatoes and basil in spicy olive oil and garlic
This is my delicious dish! I am an avid fan of calamari! It is a change not to have it fried, but it is not as comforting to eat either. The calamari is a little rubbery which is normal, but it is very flavorful once combined with the basil, garlic, and garlic. Very delicious. I recommend it.
Stinco d’Agnello: Braised lamb shank served with polenta and Parmigiano Reggiano croutons and sautéed spinach
I did not taste this, but my friend Kim completely cleaned the plate. She did complain that there’s not enough meat, but sometimes that is good because all the flavors can be completely absorbed!
Tortelloni di Pollo: Chicken and wild mushroom tortelloni with truffle olive oil
My friend Amanda was in love with this dish. She was boasting on how flavorful and comforting it is to eat. She took her time to savor the flavors as my other friends grabbed it off her plate. Yes, this can be dangerously addictive.
Lasagne w/eggplants
Jeff gave me first dips to his dish since I told him how much I love lasagna and how much I’m starting to like eggplants. By far, this has to be one of the best lasagnas I have ever had, EVER. The slightly crispy and soft eggplant complimented the lasagna very well. The layer of the cheese, the tomato sauce, and the lasagna pasta made it such a memorable meal. Words simply cannot describe how good this tasted. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you to give this dish a shot. Something that looks so simple is so delicious.
I will definitely come back to try their signature dishes. I really cannot wait to go back.
Until next time,
<3 FCG
Health Inspection Grade!
VIA EMILIA
47 EAST 21 STREET, MANHATTAN 10010
000-000-0000
Violation points: 7/28 – MORE THAN PASSED
Inspection Date: 01/26/2010
Violations were cited in the following area(s) and those requiring immediate action were addressed.
Sanitary Violations
1.) Wash Hands sign not posted at hand wash facility.
2.) Sanitized equipment or utensil, including in-use food dispensing utensil, improperly used or stored.
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This place looks great. When are we going to come here?? I would love to try some of that tortellini or lasagna especially after pilates!