Today is the day "when summer gathers up her robes of glory, and, like a dream, glides away" (Sarah Helen Whitman). It is also the day to savor summer memories, especially the most recent and memorable Labor Day weekend when we celebrated my son' birthday multiple times.
This year we filled our memory bank with the tastes of New York City. From street fairs and food kiosks to Little Italy, my husband, son, and I found multi-layered gastronomical delights. The day started with a delightful street fair close to the New York City theater district. It was the first stop on our theater-going adventure that would celebrate my son's birthday. We had a quick appetizer, empanada of spinach and cheese, at one of the stops before attending the Broadway musical, The Book of Morman, at the Eugene O'Neill theater.
Next, we traveled to Little Italy that is always a happening-type of place. We found the usual throng of tourists and diners, sightseeing and looking for the just-right restaurant, on Mulberry Street, the main walk-through. The weather was magnificent and the street was filled with singing, chatting, and people taking photographs. We strolled past many restaurants, checking out menus for a birthday celebration. While we have been going to Little Italy for at least forty years, there are always new places to visit and we found one that appealed to us, Sofia's.
Steve, a gregarious greeter wearing sunglasses, lured us in with thoughts of homemade pasta, great tastes, and a wonderful birthday surprise. He led us to a linen-lined table in front of the restaurant where we met our fun waiter, Tony, who introduced us to the delights Sofia's had to offer.
This year we filled our memory bank with the tastes of New York City. From street fairs and food kiosks to Little Italy, my husband, son, and I found multi-layered gastronomical delights. The day started with a delightful street fair close to the New York City theater district. It was the first stop on our theater-going adventure that would celebrate my son's birthday. We had a quick appetizer, empanada of spinach and cheese, at one of the stops before attending the Broadway musical, The Book of Morman, at the Eugene O'Neill theater.
Next, we traveled to Little Italy that is always a happening-type of place. We found the usual throng of tourists and diners, sightseeing and looking for the just-right restaurant, on Mulberry Street, the main walk-through. The weather was magnificent and the street was filled with singing, chatting, and people taking photographs. We strolled past many restaurants, checking out menus for a birthday celebration. While we have been going to Little Italy for at least forty years, there are always new places to visit and we found one that appealed to us, Sofia's.
Steve, a gregarious greeter wearing sunglasses, lured us in with thoughts of homemade pasta, great tastes, and a wonderful birthday surprise. He led us to a linen-lined table in front of the restaurant where we met our fun waiter, Tony, who introduced us to the delights Sofia's had to offer.
Selections of the day were provided by Tony who made the dishes sound wonderful. We decided on wine, prosecco, and Peroni to start the meal with a delicious arugula salad, Arugala al Limone. The salad had fennel, shaved pecorino, and a delicious lemon dressing. The mountain-like presentation was a picture worth taking. We were delighted with the freshly-baked and tasty bread that accompanied the salad.
Portions were plentiful. Entree selections were chosen with great care and had great flavor. Scrumptious!
Vitello Saltimbocca
Vitello alla Parmigiana
Francese
How do you end a meal so that your taste buds remember all the flavors of a great meal?
With delicious Cappucino
Italian desserts: warm chocolate souffle
Tiramisu gelato with expresso
Ricotta cheescake
We ended the appetizing dining experience with a round of happy birthday and wishes on returning with friends for a fall meal.
A Slice of Life!
You need a warning to keep people from reading this Slice on an empty stomach, Carol! I was right there with you, drooling just a bit. What a fun celebration!
ReplyDeleteThe dinner celebration was such a wonderful meal, Christie that my husband and I have been telling everyone about it. I am looking forward to another trip to Little Italy. San Gennaro Feast is coming up soon. Have a great week. I hope your class is wonderful.
DeleteThanks so much for letting us know about Sofia's. I will definitely check it out the next time I am downtown. I loved your lead up to how the restaurant got you inside, and then the photos and text are a great advertisement. And happy birthday to your son!
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining me here to read about our delicious meal in Little Italy. I also left a comment and my blog site address at Sofia's customer review. I hope more people check the restaurant out like you will do. Steve came up to me and said make sure you take more photos. Why not? The food not only looked appetizing but it was delicious.
DeleteSavoring, celebrating... Thanks for sharing the moment in words & pictures, combined.
ReplyDeleteBrian, thank you for reading my post. Being in Little Italy, eating outside, and watching the action on the street was so much fun. I am looking forward to enjoying a fall meal at Sofia's with friends.
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