Small Plate Mania

This is gonna be a super quick update on two restaurants that I ate at during Restaurant Week. One (Fig & Olive) I've been to before and had made RW reservations at under the impression I'd try some of the entrees they had. The other (Tia Pol) I returned to with a friend from out of town because it's just that good.



Fig & Olive Downtown

This place is one of my favorites in NY for its delicious small plates and fresh ingredients. My friend and I had planned on doing the RW menu, but when we sat down, we were again lured by the Tasting Menu, an array of Mediterranean tapas style options, like roasted vegetables, crostinis and unique carpaccios.



The service to start was slightly slow and abrasive but got better as the dinner moved forward. The waiter flat out told me that my first wine selection was "disgusting" and wouldn't I like to try something else? Kind of surprising, but you gotta appreciate his honesty! My friend's white sangria was delicious and led to a happy buzz for her!



We share a mixed veggie plate which featured roasted eggplant and tomatoes, roasted sweet red pepers in light olive oil, artichokes and lightly cooked zucchini with fresh parmesan cheese that was utterly delicious. The vegetables were farm-stand fresh and cooked to their perfect state, melting in our mouths and delicious on the bread provided. I could eat that constantly.



Second was the array of 3 crostini, followed by two carpaccios, yellow fin tuna and prosciutto and fig. I'm not going to go into deep detail, but suffice to say that everything was outstanding. The freshness of the ingredients just makes everything at F&O that much better than other places. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite places in NY.


And quickly...Tia Pol

I've been totally remiss in finishing this post and catching up, so I am not going to spend too much time. Everyone who goes to Tia Pol loves it. The tapas is EXCELLENT. Seriously the best croquetas in town...both times I've been there I've ordered a second batch. Crispy, creamy little bits of culinary delight. Great sangria (red or white), great food, great service if you can find a seat at one of the very few tables or at one of the few seats at the bar. All in all, my favorite.

That's all for now...