Truffle in Tribeca

I don't venture down to Tribeca very often, it's not close to the 6 subway line and I don't really have any friends that live there - so when I do take the $15 cab ride down it better be for something good. Locanda Verde is worth the trip. Located in the Greenwich Hotel off a cobble stone street two blocks from the water, Robert DeNiro hit the jackpot with this place. Try calling for a reservation two weeks ahead of time for dinner and the hostess might laugh at you. Ever since it opened back in 09, it's been a hot spot.

I was lucky enough to have a savvy sister who got us in for dinner right around the start of the hype (back in September) and it was awesome. Must order items are the mini lamb sliders and sheep's milk ricotta cheese.

However, this past time I visited, it was for Father's Day Brunch and the experience was just as good. We didn't have to wait at all to get our table (unlike our dinner visit) and the food was phenomenal.

Like dinner, they have the sheep's milk ricotta cheese appetizer, but instead of adding salt and herbs, they add truffle honey in the center and serve orange zested toast on the side. I couldn't stop eating it. Everyone knows how much I love truffle and cheese and they're even better together.

We also got the pastry basket to start which was on the small side for a party of 6, the the contents were awesome. There was this warm blueberry doughnut that melted in your mouth, a buttery scone that went great with the rhubarb jam and some other breads.

I moved on to the polenta waffle that didn't have the taste or texture of polenta topped with fresh strawberries and marscapone cheese. Melissa got the ricotta pancakes that were light and fluffy with some blueberries. They don't even bring you syrup for this dish and when you ask for some they suggest you to try the pancakes without them first. The chef swears you don't need it -- and he's right.

Everyone at the table got something different which was a first and no one had any complaints. I left a little too full (thank you truffle honey and ricotta cheese) and actually made a trip to the gym on a Sunday.

Keep on trying to get into Locanda Verde for dinner because it's worth the trip and don't forget about it for brunch. It's definitely easier to get into and the food is just as delicious.