Chun M.
Yelp
This is a romantic spot for date night! Interesting that it's a combination of Italian and Argentine cuisines. Farther from the main drag of restaurants on Vernon Blvd in Long Island City, but it's perfect with great food and ambiance! Inside, they can fit about 17 seats and when the weather gets nicer, they have additional seating for 13 in the hutch on the street. I called for reservations the same day on a Wednesday and they were not busy at all with a couple and a family of 4 seated when we walked in at 6:30. They seem to do a lot of takeout, with a constant stream of delivery guys picking up orders at the takeout window, but service did not suffer because the server was on top of her game. Takeout is good, but there is no substitute to enjoying your food hot out of the kitchen.
From the menu you can see that the meat dishes are Argentinian and the pastas are Italian and they have somehow harmonized these together. We started with the Fritto Misto, a mixed dish of fried shrimp, calamari and zucchini sticks. Perfectly dredged in flour, deep fried and seasoned. And the calamari included the tentacles (my favorite part) with a side of marinara, of course.
We both decided to go for pasta. The pastas are all homemade! For her, the Bucatini alla Carbonara had a delicate creamy egg sauce with pancetta and shaved parmesan was perfect. For me, Pappardelle al Ragu di Carne was very hearty beef shortrib chunks in a smooth tomato sauce. The wide pasta noodles were perfectly al dente and that pop/bite that only fresh pasta can give you. Delicious! A side of sauteed spinach rounded out the meal. I really want to come back and explore the Argentine side of the menu!
And for dessert, Tiramisu! Smooth, creamy and light with a dusting of espresso/cocoa powder over layers of cream and fluffy lady fingers. 2 spoons and 2 cappuccinos, please!