On Tuesday, Megan, Eric and I were treated to what was seriously one of the best meals of our lives at one of my favorite restaurants, Trattoria Casa di Isacco, while doing a little filming for an upcoming DB episode. Isacco started us off with plates of Sobrasada Iberico (sort of like a pork pate, served on crusty bread) and Jamon Iberico de Bellota (absolute top-quality cured ham from acorn-eating, free-roaming pigs in Spain), and then inhaled sizzling platters of garlicky shrimp and rosemary-crusted squid. We sampled some of their house-made raviolis (oh my goodness, is the lobster ravioli ever delicious) drenched in creamy sauce, and then moved onto a parade of desserts, including champagne and honey-soaked pears and a platter of perfect manchego cheese. All of this was served alongside some of the best wines I have ever tasted in my life. The final touch: a tasting of Isacco’s homemade grappas (hence my ruddy cheeks in the above photo).

My favorite thing about this restaurant is that it’s on 9th Avenue, directly south of the Port Authority, and is a total hidden gem. There are only about ten tables, so call ahead for a reservation…and give Isacco a big hug for me when you see him (which you most certainly will; he’s there seven days a week).

Sir Alistair Rai one-shoulder blouse.