Scarpetta: a very good Italian meal in the Meatpacking

Checked out Scarpetta with some good friends last night. The noise issues were as problematic as I've read in other reviews. Scott Conant was in house as I saw him by the greeting station when I arrived and he gave me directions to the ladies room.

I ordered the soft shell crab to start and the cavatelli as my main. I thought the food was good, very good and I would welcome a repeat visit. I've liked Conant's food at L’Impero but never quite felt it at Alto.

The wine list was heavily Italian and with a French bent. I didn't want to spend too much time on the list so I ordered a lagrein that the sommelier suggested. It was a good early drinking red wine with soft tannins that was perfect for a warm New York City night to accompany a wide assortment of dishes. The list had a lot of good wines but based on the way it was laid out, it was hard to navigate quickly.

Decor was sophisticated and upscale bistro-esque. Interesting beam structure in the exposed glass roof top. Service was excellent but my experience was likely skewed as my friend had an "in" with management. Bathroom structure was a bit bazaar as the shared wash area was not clearly delineated and a fellow male diner and I were a bit confused. As mentioned, the noise level was high. It was difficult to hear my dinner companions. Adam Platt of New York magazine was in the house sitting at the banquet opposite ours.

When I think of Scott Conant, I can't help but think of ripped underwear. I'll share that story with a select few. And no, they were not mine. Wow, single life in Manhattan!



















Scarpetta
355 West 14th Street
New York NY 10014
at Ninth Avenue, Meatpacking
212-691-0555
scarpettanyc.com

1- pic of me with my wonderful friends
2- entrance way, separating the bar and dining room