April 12, 2011 10:24 am

Dish of the Day: Grilled Tuna from Lido

Just like back in the Roaring 20's, Harlem is trying to make a cultural comeback by adding some new, hip restaurants to the neighborhood. Having only been open for about two months, the most recent addition to the area is a new Italian restaurant called Lido, located on Frederick Douglas Boulevard. The dinner menu has been created by Executive Chef Stephen A. Putnam, and although there aren't too many traditional pasta favorites (the pasta and secondi are on the same list), Lido has a short, but sophisticated choice of entrees that are delectable due to the freshness of the ingredients and skilled cooking. Like most Italian menus, the ingredients are simple, but they completely speak for themselves. Putnam brings out the most in flavor out of all ingredients he uses. Portions are not huge, everything is moderate in size, just like the North of Italy.

I had the grilled tuna with broccoli rabe over a sweet potato puree in a red wine emulsion. The tuna was cooked to perfection and had lovely coloring and texture. The sweet potato countered the bitter broccoli rabe (which was also perfectly cooked) exquisitely. Overall the dish had a beautiful color array with different textures and tastes that blended beautifully. The Grilled Tuna was a great healthful meal that will definitely make it hard to try something new next time I go to Lido.

Tip: Get the marscarpone ice cream for dessert; you won't want to share!

Photo credit: Lido

— Written by Valerie Cario

0 Comments >

Tags : Lido, Stephen A. Putnam, grilled tuna, broccoli rabe, sweet potato, Italian, Valerie Cario, Harlem

October 27, 2010 9:22 am

Dish of the Day: Butternut Squash Lasagna at Via dei Mille

It's pretty difficult to mess up lasagna. Sheets of pasta, layered with tomato sauce and cheese, and baked until warm and gooey— how could you possibly go wrong? But every once in a while you may come across a lasagna that goes above and beyond the norm. Meet the Butternut Squash Lasagna at Via dei Mille. This isn’t your typical lasagna; this is your favorite Italian comfort food with the sophistication and flavor turned way up. The butternut squash adds a subtle sweetness that feels appropriate with the dropping fall temperatures outside. This seasonal fruit pairs wonderfully with the hearty lamb ragout sauce. Meat sauces can sometimes weigh down the pasta in lasagna, but this lamb ragout has a deceivingly light and almost velvety consistency. All of these ingredients sandwiched between layers of Via dei Mille's freshly made pasta make each bite melt in your mouth. For an elegant and surprising twist on a foolproof Italian dish, the Butternut Squash Lasagna at Via dei Mille is where it’s at.

Tip: If you still have room after devouring the lasagna, be sure to try the Nutella crêpes for dessert. A real European treat!

Via dei Mille
357 West Broadway
New York, NY
212.431.0080

Photo credit: Kravetz PR

— Written by Cara Colbert

1 Comments >

Tags : Via dei Mille, lasagna, butternut squash, lamb ragout, Italian