A Happy Accident - Craftbar

I had only planned on attending 5 restaurants for Restaurant Week, but on Friday my sister and I decided to go see Friends with Benefits (meh, it was ok) and she suggested we eat at Crafbar since it was across from the theater. Sure, I said. Then I received a text: "Craftbar is doing lunch for restaurant week!" Crap. Thus Craftbar turned into #6.

This was my first time actually dining at a Colicchio establishment, having only been to 'wichcraft for a quick breakfast. I really like where the restaurant is located because it's right in between Union Square and the Flat Iron. Super easy to get to and lots of stuff going on around the neighborhood.

First course I chose their Pecorino Risotto Balls that came on top of a spicy tomato sauce. It's no secret that I love fried food. I think that's what happens when you grow up in a Dominican/Peruvian household. These were unbelievably delicious but I would have liked them even more if they were filled with cheese. It's not that I don't like risotto, because I do, and I have great respect for people who can make it (apparently it's super easy to over cook), but there's something about fried-something with cheese inside that makes my heart melt. The sauce was just perfect with the right amount of kick. Easily an 8 out of 10.

Second course I went with something light because it was still early and I didn't want anything too heavy. In came the Eggplant & Goat Cheese Panino, marinated eggplant, eggplant chutney, goat cheese, and pickled vegetables. I really don't like eggplant and I avoid it at all costs. I have a love affair with goat cheese, however. So, whenever I see it's on a menu I really tend to lean towards that particular dish. This was one of the best paninis I've ever had. I don't know if the nostalgia of being in Paris hit me as I was eating it, or if it was the crunch of the bread that did it, but goodness I devoured the whole thing making sure to take my time on each and every bite. Paninis aren't exactly something different or new, but I wanted to be bold and get it because it had eggplant and I normally don't eat that. The pickles were also insanely delicious. This guy gets 9 out of 10. Also, honorable mention to my sister's main dish which was the Veal Ricotta Meatballs with Pasta. TC is known for his meatballs so she decided to give them a try and she was pleasantly surprised. Even called them the best meatballs she's had in NYC. #Challenge.

Lastly, for dessert I ordered the Sour Cream Cake with jalapeno poached cherry and creme fraiche ice cream. I've seen chefs put sour cream into pancake mixes, waffle mixes, etc, so I knew I had to go with this option because I've always wanted to try something of this nature. The cake was very soft and I could taste the sour cream just enough to not be disgusted by it. The ice cream on the other hand I could not eat. I've had this problem before! I couldn't eat the creme fraiche on top of the waffle at Morandi's either. Maybe it was just too strong? Either way the cake made up for the ice cream so dessert gets a 7 out of 10.

24 out of 30 - not too shabby. They also have a pretty ridiculous wine menu that completely overwhlemed me. Good thing I don't drink. And P.S. I apologize as these picture are kind of awful, but I'll be bringing my legit camera with me for the future.

Craftbar
900 Broadway