Dinner at the NY Historical Society: Caffe Storico

Right now, Manhattan is in the midst of "Restaurant Week," or as I like to call it, "Restaurant Month." In other cities, like Philadelphia, Restaurant Week is indeed a week, but in Manhattan, it lasts a month! Although I have been cooped up on my apartment working on applications, I was fortunate enough to take advantage of restaurant week and try a few places. 

For those who are unaware of Restaurant Week, it's a foodie's dream. Participating restaurants design lunch and dinner prix-fix menus. Three courses for a slightly discounted price. Generally, lunch is around $25 and dinner is about $38. That is of course without drink(s) and tax/tip. Considering how expensive Manhattan normally is, this is a bargain! 

I kicked off Restaurant Week Summer 2014 by having dinner with my bestest friend in the entire world, H. She's my sista from another mista. We decided to try "Caffe Storico", which is located at the New York Historical Society. I've been to the NYHS many times, but never the restaurant. I was super excited. 

Although the restaurant was quite small, due to the decor, it appeared quite spacious. High ceiling, white color scheme, mirrors --- it was very chic and uplifting. I really liked it.

H and I were seated and immediately, we jumped into conversation. We hadn't seen each other in a few weeks, so there was a lot to discuss! Travels, job updates, life updates, etc… Our waitress came to check on us a couple times, almost reminding us that there was a menu and that we needed to place our orders!

For my starter I ordered the panzanella salad with buratta and heirloom tomatoes. Simple and delicious --- well, almost. I enjoyed the salad, for the most part, but it didn't blow my mind. My instant thought was "I could make at home," but my main issue with the salad was the fried bread. I HATE FRIED BREAD. Yuck, yuck, yuck. Gross, gross, gross. Hate it. I've had panzanella in the past, but the bread was crispy, not fried. Eating my salad, feeling the oil ooze out of the bread and into my arteries…I did not relish that feeling. The buratta and tomatoes were lovely, but the fried bread really killed it for me.

Panzanella Salad

For my main dish, I tried the "bucatini fruitti di mare with shrimp, mussels, clams, and calamari." This was tasty, but again, my mind wasn't blown. The dish arrived lukewarm, which was a bit disappointing and the flavors were a bit underwhelming. The seafood was "eh" and the pasta had no life. Again, another dish that I felt I could cook at home and with a bit more panache. 

Bucatini Fruitti di Mare

For dessert, I indulged with a tiramisu. My first two course were a bit of a disappointment, but dessert --- that was the game changer! The tiramisu was really delicious and I thoroughly enjoyed every mouthful. Beautifully most, but not too overtly coffee tasting. The cream was very fluffy and not too sweet. Yum, yum yum!

Tiramisu 

Overall, I'd say my meal at Caffe Storico was "okay." Not the greatest meal I've ever had, but not the worst. That said, I'd be willing to give it a second chance and try the a la carte menu. 

For me, the highlight of dinner was being able to spend time with H. I always have such a wonderful time with H. Like I said, she's my sista from another mista and I love her to death. We've been best friends for nearly 15 years and I can't wait to see what the future holds. Since the future is too far away, for now, I will eagerly anticipate our next dinner date!