A bunch of you have been asking how we celebrated Rich's birthday, so I thought I'd tell you about the great restaurant we went to with his family in Harlem last week-
Covo Trattoria E Pizzeria. (It's almost where we had Richie's Baptism Party- so we were happy to finally check it out and to taste the food). This is a great place tucked underneath the West Side Highway just north of Fairway.
The restaurant is located inside of a former commercial space, but the inside Tuscan decor will make you forget about that the second you walk in the door.
This is good Italian comfort food at reasonable prices. Their pizzas are fabulous- made in their brick oven. We started with their
Margherita (tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and basil) and fell in love!!! The crust was sweet, crunchy and nice and thin- just the way I like it.
Next we had their
Rucola Salad (baby arugula, pear, gorgonzola cheese and walnuts with balsamic vinaigrette)- it was excellent! The dressing was sweet which worked well with the tanginess of the gorgonzola- it was perfect. Their pastas are great too and all homemade. We ordered the
Penne Alla Bolognese (an original Italian recipe made with ground beef, celery, carrots and onions), the
Barese (mini shell pasta with spicy sausage, light tomato sauce, rosemary and sage), and
Spaghetti Positano (with clams, cherry tomatoes, garlic and extra virgin olive oil)- all were so good that I wouldn't know which one to order the next time I go back. The one dish I was disappointed with was the one I ordered (go figure)- it was the
Baccala' Alla Livornese (Pan-seared cod fish with capers, black olives and tomato sauce with a side of sautéed spinach and carrots). The sauce was great, but I wasn't a fan of the fish- I would have preferred something thinner and more flaky- this was meaty, but not in a good way. Who knows, maybe they were having an off-day with their fish, but bottom line- it was
not good and I only ate the side of spinach which was very good I have to say. We wanted to have dessert, but there was only one waiter manning the entire restaurant that night, and so we figured we would have dessert at home (didn't want to push our luck with a baby who did sleep through dinner...sweet little boy!)
All in all, I would recommend Covo if you are in Harlem, or the Upper West Side, or just looking to try a new Italian spot in the city. Bon Appetito! Happy Weekend to you and you and you!
Covo Trattoria
701 West 135th Street New York, NY 10031
(212) 234-9573
I ordered the Rev. Al Sharpton (chicken and waffles that you can order fried or smothered in gravy). I have to tell you, this was some of the best fried chicken I had ever eaten, so crispy and not too greasy at all. As for the waffle (I am not that much of a waffle person to begin with), this waffle was hands-down THE BEST ONE I EVER ATE! No exaggeration!
I also tried their macaroni and cheese, candied yams, and collard greens on the side, which were good, but nothing great.
Next time I want to try the "Stan Hoffman & Lu Willard" (BBQ spare ribs). You can also find things like fried catfish, chicken and dumplings, and ham hocks on the menu here. I was too full for dessert, but I know I will be back there again for sure!
AMY RUTH'S
