Locale

It has been far too long since I have been out to eat. When L called me up and said we should go out I was more then willing. I left it to her to select where we should dine and she came up with Locale in Astoria just off the Broadway stop on the N/Q line. This hip restaurant sits on the corner with towering windows and diaphanous curtains separating the diner from the quiet street. Of course I arrived early, as it is my lot in life to never be late, and scouted it out. I sat at the bar and ordered a Lemon Mojito...hey it was a rough day. Sweet, lemony, and minty it brought me back to summer. When L arrived we selected a two-top next to the window.

For our appetizers we selected the Braised Meatballs ( slow braised beef meatballs served with Ricotta Salata in a Spicy Tomato Sauce ) and a special, Heirloom tomatoes (love), fresh mozzarella, olives, and watermelon. The sweet and salty of this dish was a wonderful combination that I cannot wait to prepare for myself. The meatball dish was a stretch for me with the word spicy in the description. Turns out the heat was barely there. I guess with the mozzarella I was hoping for a softer cheese, more of a burrata.

Mains! L ordered the Black Linguini (Squid Ink Pasta with Sausage, Calamari, with Red Peppers, in a White Wine Sauce) which will always and forever creep me out. I debated between the Gnocchi and the Butternut Squash Risotto and ended up with the Gnocchi. The pasta was huge! Half-way through the dish I wasn't sure if I could successfully reach the bottom of the dish. (I did).

Service was great, bordering on annoying. I have a friend, ahem you know who you are, who wants her waterglass constantly full. Half-full (or half-empty, depends)? She is disgusted! I on the other hand don't want a water pitcher in my face every few minutes. Let me get to the bottom of my glass and yearn for a little more hydration and you, as the waiter get to save my day by refilling my glass.

L and I shared the Banana Caramel Napoleon for dessert. It was light and flaky, falling apart as we each attempted to get huge pieces onto our forks.

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