211 Waverly Place – West Village
Italian, Hot Spot, Keith McNally
www.morandiny.com/

Morandi is a ‘rustic Italian trattoria’ owned by restaurateur Keith McNally of Balthazaar, Pastis and Schiller’s Liquor Bar. Although Morandi has been around since 2007, we’ve never set foot in the place. Like Balthazaar or Pastis, it is in a constant crowded state, which make it lose it appeal for us. But after only one visit for lunch, I’d say go! Like Balthazaar, it opens at 8am and closes at midnight. There are plenty of off hours available! If you can swing lunch on a weekday, that is a strong bet. Or make a reservation in advance.

The location is a nice spot on 7th Avenue and Waverly Place. There’s a little triangular community garden in front of the outdoor cafe area. It’s a pleasant place to dine outdoors. I was not impressed with the interior decor, however. It struck me as tacky Italian-American style, which I think has been another part of our hesitation to go. It seems the throngs go because it’s McNally. And I’ve perused the yelp reviews, most of which are complaints. But then yelp reviews aren’t the most trustworthy source.

One downer was the finish on the outdoor tables…it is gooey and sticky. That would be fine if they didn’t turn the glasses upside down so the rim of your glass is stuck in goo before they pick it up and pour your water. I was nervous about my upcoming meal.

But, surprise! It was a fantastic lunch, albeit a simple one. The ingredients were so fresh and carefully prepared. I ordered the grilled Calamari Antipasti and a Bibb Lettuce salad. I could tell each ingredient was prepared just for my antipasti, the calamari freshly grilled and veggies freshly roasted. The bibb lettuce was arranged like a head of lettuce and a dribble of dressing was layered between each leaf.

Calamari Alla Griglia
grilled squid salad with peppers, capers & olives $12.00

Insalata Verde bibb lettuce with red wine vinaigrette $8.00

I will be going back, I hope, many times. The trick is getting out of the office for lunch or maybe grabbing a table right after work.