Fabio Cuccina Italiana, Midtown East
I was craving pasta and our last visit to an Italian restaurant did not satisfy my craving. So, on a Friday evening, I reserved a table at Fabio Cucina Italiana, Midtown East. Nice place, with apparently few regulars and the Chef, Chicco Asante, omnipresent in the dining room.
Food wise, we were there for a treat, and the meal was delicious from beginning to end. Here is what we had:
They do not have a cocktail list but can make anything you want as they have a full bar. As we were in an Italian restaurant, I chose an Aperol spritz that was very good, nicely bitter.
Spritz at Fabio Cuccina Italiana, Midtown East
As a appetizer, Jodi ordered the Panella Tartufata, à Sicilian fritter made with roasted chickpeas and served with a salad that had a truffle vinaigrette. I like it: crispy, not greasy and comforting.
Panella Tartufata at Fabio Cuccina Italiana, Midtown East
On my side, I opted for the carpaccio di polipo or octopus carpaccio. I love octopus and, usually, when it is on a menu, I go for it. The carpaccio was good and it is a “light” appetizer in a way, perfect to start a meal. But I admit that I preferred when an octopus is charred, as you get more texture and flavor.
Octopus carpaccio at Fabio Cuccina Italiana, Midtown East
Then came the entrees. We both went for homemade pasta: Jodi love mushrooms and picked the fettuccine alla Fabio, made with mushrooms and truffle, but without the veal (they could have at least knocked down few dollars on the dish). It was delicious, with lots of mushrooms and the truffle aroma filled our noses as soon as they brought the dish.
Fettuccine alla Fabio at Fabio Cuccina Italiana, Midtown East
I went for the linguine nere al’aragosta or squid ink linguine with lobster in a tomato sauce (normally spicy, but I asked for mild). This was fantastic and I literally inhaled it! The sauce was not heavy, the lobster well cooked and the pasta perfectly made. I highly recommend it.
Linguine nere al’aragosta at Fabio Cuccina Italiana, Midtown East
Last was dessert: how could we not pick their homemade tiramisu? It was nice and creamy, a good way to end a very good meal.
Tiramisu at Fabio Cuccina Italiana, Midtown East
This was a great experience and I would definitely go back to Fabio for another delicious meal. Funny enough, as we were walking in the street, two women asked us for directions, but, instead of asking for a street or avenue , the asked for Fabio. So, not only did we tell them where to go, but we also explained what our meal was. They seemed as excited as we were...
Enjoy (I did)!
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Fabio Cuccina Italiana - 214 East 52nd Street, New York, NY10022
