California Vegetarian

Recently, my brother-in-law decided to take the family on a trip to New York City to attend a Yankees game since this is the last season before the team moves across the street to the new stadium.  George and I happily accepted the invitation.  The result for California Vegetarian was two wonderful dinners in small family owned restaurants just a couple blocks off Times Square. 

Tramonti is a modest Italian restaurant quaintly situated in the basement of a brownstone an easy walk from Times Square.  The dining area is very small, ten tables perhaps, but well decorated and comfortable.  Plus, the petit area is more than made up for by the excellent food.

George and I were very happy with their vegetarian options.

Our meal was not elaborate.  We were a bit pressed for time because we were on our way to a show.  So, we only ordered a main dish each. Actually, George and I made our choices with the intention of sharing given that we already knew we were skipping the salad and appetizers. I ordered the Pizza Di Filippo ($14).  It was spectacular! It was a traditional thin pizza crust topped with mozzarella and the creamiest goat cheese we have ever tasted. They baked it sauce-less. Then after it was out of the oven, they drizzled balsamic over it and threw a pile of arugula on top.  It was so good that I have already done my best to re-create it at home.  I’ve gotten pretty close, but not exactly right. The goat cheese was magnificent. The closest I’ve come to matching it was to mix half chevre with half cream cheese. Simply put, this pizza was amazing.

From a vegetarian pizza to a vegetarian pasta…

George ordered their Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina ($14). It was gnocchi in a simple tomato sauce with mozzarella and basil. But if you have ever had gnocchi, you know that gnocchi done well is to die for, and gnocchi done poorly is to wish for death. Okay, so, maybe you are not so dramatic, but if you appreciate light, perfectly cooked gnocchi, you’ll love the gnocchi at Tramonti.

There were several other vegetarian options on the menu (You can review their menu at www.menupages.com). We were certainly happy with our vegetarian meal, and more importantly, our carnivorous family members were happy, too. We were unable to order wine with dinner.  So, I cannot speak to their wine list. But I should note that in addition to a wine list, they appeared to have a full bar.

I think you’ll love Tramonti. George and I can easily see ourselves going back if we find ourselves in Manhattan looking for vegetarian food in the company of carnivores.