Eataly

i’ve always wanted to go to Eataly, and given that i had no dinner plans and it’s less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel, it was a no-brainer. it’s definitely not what i expected. i envisioned an expansive Whole Foods-like place, perhaps with lots of wood accents and well-sectioned-off dining areas, but as you can see from the pictures, it’s small(-er than expected) and cramped and slightly chaotic. but you know, i think that just helps to accent what you’re going there for: the food.

you’re not going for the ambiance or the decor, you’re going because you want to eat well-prepared, fresh food, and from what i saw and ate, that’s definitely what you get. i spoke to the local couple sitting next to me at the Il Pesce (the seafood restaurant) bar and they said that the pasta selection (fresh and dried) and the produce (and vegetable restaurant) were great as well as reasonably-priced, and that the best eatery at Eataly (see what i did there?) was indeed Il Pesce in their estimation (=i chose well!).

i had the filet special of the day (Monkfish with Venetian Black Rice and Endive) and couldn’t resist trying “Live Maine Sea Urchin”. i’ve never had sea urchin before but it was amazing! definitely something i will get if i ever see it on a menu again. it’s sort of like a firm briny mousse that they seasoned with lemon and maybe a dash of oil? not sure, but it was delish. i normally don’t spend so much on food ($25 for the fish + $18 for the entree, yikes) but i figure a splurge every now and then is worth it (and it was).

(also, yes, i see the creepy man staring in one of the pictures. ack! i should have retaken that one!)