Angela and I woke up early this morning and headed out for the city to visit Eataly. This would be Angela's first time visiting and she eagerly looked forward to our adventure. We knew we had a limited window today. A super storm was moving into the area and was predicted to hit us by late afternoon. As we walked up to the market our anticipation grew as the first few drops of rain began to fall.
ANGELA'S ACCOUNT
When Mario mentioned to me earlier this week that he thought about us going to Eataly on Saturday morning, I thought YEAH! We left and drove down to 14th street and stopped by Mario's work first, he had to drop off a few things. Then we got on the L and traveled across town to the East Side. Before I knew it, we were on 23rd street in the Flatiron District. The store is huge, 50,000 sq. feet to be exact, and the crowd makes you feel alive! (I really can't wait to share this place with my parents and my in-laws). The assortment of Italian fresh food and the way everything is displayed, you know you are somewhere special. It reminds me of the Metzgerei's in Germany, but of course it specializes in many other delicacies other than meat. I never thought a market could look, sound, and taste so fashionable. If food had a fashion show Eataly would be Bryant Park and the designer is our Captain of course. Once we had all of our ingredients for the evening meal, Mario and I sat down and had a little lunch. Now, you have to understand that I was thinking food the minute we walked in the door, but I didn't want to assume we are eating here. After all, this was our first date in quite a while, and I didn't know what else he had planned. Then he asked, and I was immediately on board. We were trying to decide which of the many bar style restaurants inside Eataly we were going to try. Then, I walked by a gentleman who was just served grilled scallops and I knew! We sat down at
Il Pesce and ordered lunch. The food was fabulous and every morsel melted in my mouth. I didn't leave any to take home and the waiter laughed when he came back to the table. I guess he could tell I liked it. Mario and I talked and ate and ate and talked. Even if it's just for a few short hours I love spending that one-on-one time with him. He always seems to know what makes me feel better after a hectic week at work. I'm looking forward to visiting Eataly again, next time we'll take Mariesa and she will tell you what she thinks.
Mario started by heating up the EVOO in our dutch oven and added in the paste until it melted away into the oil. I then added the pork shoulder and browned it on all sides. After properly browned we poured in the Chianti Classico, tomato sauce, lowered the flame to a simmer and set the timer for two hours.
I'm sure those of you that have played with us knew that Mariesa and I would come out on top, not once, but twice! Grandpa you would have been proud of the way Mariesa played. The games took us about 2 hours and we quickly picked up and started to prepare the Fettuccine Capricciose. The recipe was very simple and could have stood alone as a meal on its own. We began by browning some garlic, then adding a 1/2 cup of sweet red vermouth and the oyster mushrooms.
We all agreed that this was a special meal. The pairing worked very well. The oyster mushrooms had a lobster texture and with the sweet vermouth and butter it tasted similar to lobster. Umm Umm Umm! The pork was so tender and juicy, it simply melted in your mouth. We all easily agreed that both of these dishes deserved 5 crocs!
Ciao,
Mario & Mario
The Three Tocayos
P.S. We would all like to say Happy Birthday to Nana! We wish you were hear. You would have loved this meal!
