Welcome to my newest feature, SnackTime With Jen. This midweek morsel is a small taste of something fun. Topics range from food (of course) to fashion, amusing little discoveries both locally and abroad, and a variety of interesting intel too tempting not to share. So let’s get snacking…
Bad Roman, located in The Shops At Columbus Circle, plays hard-to-get with reservations. Not one to give up easily, I sweet talked my way in recently for a much belated birthday dinner with a friend and I can tell you that I do now see the attraction to this flashy Italian rebel. Don’t fall for the looks-good-on-paper-but-doesn’t-deliver-in-person Roasted Garlic Babka (all dough and no go) and instead dive into the surprisingly satisfying Spicy Gem Caesar with crunchy ciabatta crumbs hiding beneath a sexy snowstorm of Parmesan cheese. (Sometimes the good-looking shy ones are pretty spicy underneath, eh?)
For your entrée, split Il Divorzio Half & Half which literally translates into “The Divorce” and you’ll see why. It’s a bright red, green, and white affair housing Pomodoro Pasta with a trio of gorgeous charred tomatoes on one side, and Pesto Pasta with some fragrant leafy basil on the opposing side. The safe space in the middle coddles Straciatella dappled with olive oil and black pepper. The Pomodoro is seemingly infused into those savory wide curls and the Pesto sports just the right nutty creaminess that lovingly clings to each saucy bite. Ethereal Straciatella can be pulled in either direction but refusing to pick sides, complements both equally.
Dessert is not to be missed. If you’re a sucker for a good poser, tumble into this bed of buttery graham crumbs where dreamy Lemon Cheesecake hides inside white chocolate lemon shells. If your taste skews more toward crazy rich and smooth-talking, swipe right for the Caramelized Chocolate Tart & Olive Oil Gelato. Can’t decide? Ordering this duo could be the most decadent way to celebrate a birthday no matter your age or marital status.
Bad Roman isn’t all bad (who is??) but if you lawyer up and stick with my picks, Jen’s Little Black Book can wholeheartedly endorse this most delicious “Divorce” and happily so will you.
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