Sometimes It's Who You Know

My cousin who we're going to nickname... Cousin (original right??) is in the restaurant industry so knows all the hotspots. And typically knows a waiter, a busboy, or manager here or there. Let's just say getting a meal with her is kinda awesome.

I bring you... The "Day After" Birthday lunch...

Yes. This is "just" lunch.

A Voce

10 Columbus Circle

With views of Columbus Circle, this Italian restaurant in Time Warner Center does not disappoint. Matter of fact, I think everyone should head there now.

We went there for brunch with expectations of restaurant week. Turns out it was over. Oh well. Regular menu it is!

I don't normally take pics of the bread they serve but it was heavenly. And buttery. And the spread was a mascapone cheese which I'm pretty sure just doesn't get utilized as much as it should.

Starters:

Funghi al forno- roasted trumpet royal mushrooms, fonduta, mache, hazelnuts

Now most of you may know I'm not a fan of the fungi. Clearly this was cousin's order. She raved about it and that's all I know. I'll take her word.

Stracciatella- creamy pugliese mozzarella, pears, speck, arugula

Ya know sometimes there's that one food item you can't stop thinking about. Here ya go. Yes the pears and prosciutto were write-worthy... but the pugliese mozzarella on the bottom. Unreal. Salty and creamy. I still think about that cheese. Matter of fact, I think I'm on a new search for that cheese. Let me know when you find it.

And then came a couple of "Compliments of the Chef" part. Oh Cousin...

Uova in purgatorio- poached eggs, san marzano tomatoes, rosemary, pecorino

Looks like ravioli right?? WRONG. Two poached EGGS that broke the minute you touched them. Genius in that screw with your mind type of way.

Oh Chef, no really I'm flattered...

Cauliflower with raisins and a bit of kick (so I improvise)

Mezzaluna- taleggio filled pasta, butternut squash, brown butter, sage

Cousin ordered this one and hellooo. The butternut squash was a bit more of a garnish on top. The pasta was a bit like ravioli with a nice sweet cheese that wasn't overly stinky. And the brown butter sauce- aah good choice cousin. Good choice.

Whole wheat tagliatelle with duck ragu with duck prosciutto. And other stuff

Hearty. Very hearty. This pasta dish was one of those stick to the ribs situation. Oh and homemade tagliatelle, this goes on the top pasta dishes.

Room for dessert?? Not really. But maybe just a nibble or two. Wait is that chocolate??...

Bomboloni alla Toscana- tuscan doughnuts, bittersweet chocolate

What the description is missing is that these doughnuts were FILLED with creme! Like the Bavarian type. And then the chocolate dipping sauce? Oh it wasn't necessary but I told it.

Crostata- chocolate-caramel tart, fior di latte sorbetto, sea salt

Oh chocolate caramel tart. Caramely, chocolatey. All things good. Possibly a bit too salty though. And the sweet cream sorbetto (the white stuff on top) was uh, a bit flavorless. And it's not creamy like you would think. I know, I know. I had to find one fault in this fab meal. Really Cousin and I were just raving about the doughnuts.

WAIT! There's MORE?! What's this?! Oh Chef, you tease, you flirt! I'm married! But uh, just one bite and Mr. Broad won't mind. Jealous? Oh we won't have to tell him.

Mint Gelati and Lemon Granite

Yes mint gelati. Different for sure. And the lemon granita- probably the best light option with all the heavy food. Just a taste of course.

And a birthday gift. Just for me.

Who knew I still got it :)

Cocoa Powdered Chocolate Covered Almonds.

Aah the perfect make up gift for Mr. Broad on missing out on a phenomenal meal.

Review:

A Voce (pronounced Ah Voh-Chay) is now a top favorite. I know it's gotten rave reviews before but I don't think I realized how you pronounce the restaurant so I didn't exactly put two and two together. Oops. I kinda want to give a public apology right here and say I'm sorry it's taken a year and a half for me to get to you. And Mr. Broad wasn't even there! I read a review and it proclaimed that this restaurant was a bit "corporate" feel. I mean I guess, in that it's probably better to go here on a corporate card... There's a second location to this restaurant in Flat Iron area so maybe we'll try that one next. But only with Cousin.

Rating: 10

Yes, I'm sticking to this one.

PS- Thanks Cousin :)