Restaurant Review: Sauce and Barrel

Details: Located at 97 Washington St., New York, NY 10006. Official site is http://www.sauceandbarrel.com/

The waiter mentioned that this place opened up a few weeks ago, so it’s pretty new.

My group and I ordered the margarita pizza, the ravioli (sweet potato and brown butter), and the squid ink pasta (squid, chili, and shrimp).

The pizza was pretty terrible. The crust tasted bad and was so hard I was worried I’d chip a tooth. The pasta was amazing in comparison.

The waiter we had was nice.

The space is large and they have seating upstairs if you want something more quiet. It’s a good place to get drinks and some food after work I think.

Score: 5/10

Restaurant Review: Trattoria Pesce Pasta

Details: Located at 262 Bleecker St., New York, NY 10014. Official site is http://www.pesce-pasta.com/

Came here with some friends. I feel like this is more of a date spot more than anything. The dark lighting and exposed brick are pretty romantic.

A minor complaint I usually with many Italian restaurants is that you get a tiny saucer of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This place however, just gives the whole jug of both. I must confess that I doused all the free bread with tons of olive oil and vinegar.

The we ordered a number of dishes ranging from the squid ink pasta to the ravioli, to the linguini amatriciana. It was mostly standard Italian fare and very good. Check the menu, it’s a tight menu with all the expected Italian favorites.

While many say Eataly is an overpriced placed for yuppies, but the pasta I had from Eataly (when it first opened downtown) has become the standard by which I compare the tastiness and texture of pasta I eat anywhere subsequent. This place came close to the pasta at Eataly, but was slightly harder and less fresh. You really couldn’t tell unless you were consciously examining the thing.

Score: 6.2/10 I should also mention that we came here mostly because of my vegan friend being unable to eat anything else and this place accommodated her. No complaints from her end, so it’s a good place to bring a level nine thousand vegan if you’re looking for one.