Last week I had the opportunity to have an amazing dinner with my dear friend Jay… he’s a sort of in-the-know New Yorker that’s always running off to some private concert, putting together Zac Posen’s fashion week events, etc. So when Jay tells me that I MUST try a new restaurant called de Santos on West 10th Street, I basically have no excuse to ignore his suggestion.
Homemade Pasta with Mussels
This chic, West Village restaurant looks unassuming from the outside, but is warm and inviting as soon as you step in. Although I tried nearly everything on the menu (it was so good, how could I refuse?), I had some definite favorites! The Tartara di Tonno appetizer was one of the most well-balanced, delicious appetizers that I’ve had a chance to sink my teeth into lately… and I eat out 5 nights a week! The sushi-grade tuna was chopped finely, infused with a soy ginger vinaigrette, and laid upon a bed of perfectly-ripe avocado. Homemade, thinly cut waffle chips accompany this dish to act as little crunchy tartara scoopers! This flawless appetizer easily feeds two people at only $14.
The Most Amazing Tuna!
Another favorite was the Carpaccio di Buffalo con Gnocci… all I can say is it didn’t last very long on our plates. Jay was a gentleman and let me finish most of it, but I think I must have looked like a pig as I practically licked the plate clean. This herb-marinated buffalo carpaccio was paper-thin, and covered in a generous portion of homemade Robiola Gnocci (OMG delicious) and TRUFFLE OIL!
This dish shocked me at only $13, I would have easily paid twice as much…
We also tried some mouth-watering crispy baby shrimp with julienned veggies, a to-die-for homemade, al dente linguini with grape tomatoes, capers, and fresh crabmeat, and almond-crusted lamb chops with broccoli rabe (which is a steal at $25 in the West Village). And when I say homemade pastas, I’m not kidding. The chef actually has an apartment in the same building.
We finished our incredible meal with a warm plate of banana-nutella crepes.
We recommend making reservations at this newly opened celebrity hotspot ASAP! (and here’s a secret tip, we hear the after party for a pretty major recording artist is going to be there TONIGHT).
de Santos
139 West 10th Street, NYC
(212) 206-9229
