Eataly

I always knew that when I came to live in New York I would have pretty much every single type of cuisine available to me. From Thai to Mexican and from French to Moroccan I almost feel like I have travelled the culinary world, one restaurant at a time. Yesterday I journeyed over to Italy, as I ventured into Eataly in New York's, Flatiron District. 

Eataly is an Italian food shop with a few different restaurants to tantalise the whims of every customer that comes through the doors; whether it's a light bite, or a sit down meal they have it all. Stocking Italy's favourite coffee, Caffee Lavazza welcomes you on the way in, followed by the Gelateria and then the Pasticceria, which are all casually mixed in amongst shelves of some of Italy's best produce.

I've always felt that one sure way to know if the food is good in a new restaurant, is to have a look at the crowd. For example, if you go to a sushi place and there is not a Japanese person in sight, the sushi probably wont be any good. However, Eataly was bursting with Italians - many tall dark handsome suit wearing Itaians,  come to think of it - all siping on fine wine, eating delicious cheeses and finishing it all off with a double expresso or two. Yes, Eataly is food shopping, the Italian way. 

Think Harrods food hall in Lake Como... 

Despite also offering a pizza & pasta restaraunt, 'La Pizza La Pasta', and a cheese & meat bar, 'La Piazza', we decided to opt for a true multistar sit-down meal at the Manzo Ristorante. Having to wait over 45 minutes for the table we were positively staving, however the wait was well and truly worth it!

Baby Wild Rocket, Beef Carpaccio, NY Strip Steak, Torta di Nocciole and Vanilla Panna Cotta - we ate like true Italians.