To start the year, T and I made reservations at Maialino. It had been years since I’d been and he’d only ever been for dinner. This holiday season, we’ve been dining out a bit more than typical, but it was nice to squeeze in one more nice meal out while the restaurants are still decked out for Christmas.
We were there just at the tail end of their brunch service. I chose to begin the year with something sweet. Their lemon ricotta pancakes were two fluffy cakes, accompanied by an interesting kumquat compote. It was either kumquat or syrup with each bite, as each were too sweet to both be used at once. The pancakes were perfect, with the ricotta giving the interior a smooth silky texture.
T had the Contadino – brussels sprouts, sunchokes and butternut squash. The brussels sprouts and the sunchokes were nice additions. Only thing missing is perhaps a bit of a crunch to the dish. To split, we ordered a side of their pancetta – their thick black pepper bacon. Definitely recommend as it’s a great addition to both salty and sweet dishes.
Maialino is a definitely a great nicer brunch option. We look forward to return back to try out their pasta at dinner!
Maialino – 2 Lexington Avenue (at 21st Street) – 212.777.2410
Reservations suggested (bar area is walk-in only)
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