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| - Wanted to buy dinner to my buddy on July 5. His birthday was on July 3. As his wife was at a function nearby, we were with the baby in her stroller. Him, his brother and myself, strolled into Mercatto on Bay south of Queen and were warmly welcomed by the staff. I think they thought another sequel to "Three Men and a Baby" was being shot nearby. But no, we were just hungry.
A high chair was provided and we had a pleasant meal in this quiet and relaxing joint.
We shared appetizers.An extremely fresh and tasty burrata($12, worth every bite) and a grilled calamari($12). I love calamari and this grilled specimen was so good. Firm yet tender, tasty not fishy and well seasoned. Of course, those who know me are aware I am a recent convert to the joys of the Tentacle , and now they know I am a zealot. Which is why I had to order as my main the spaghetti chitarra with octopus(19.00). I was blown away by the taste of this dish: a combination of octopus, tomato pesto, olives and anchovy. Toss in al dente square spaghetti alla chitarra and you simply get greatness on a plate.
One of my dining companions had the costatine($25), a truly great beef short rib dish served with baby potatoes, green pea pesto and carrots: Beef and potatoes, italian style! It was apparently delicious. The other had his ear pulled in when he heard about the Orechiette($17) and was truly happy with this delicious ear-shaped pasta concoction: braised lamb neck, rapini, chili, mint, pecorino. A good combo.
Wines were had by the glass.An excellent Pinot Grigio($11), an Amarone ($17) and a Pirro Varone ($16). Mercatto has extensive all-italian wine list and the by the glass selection varies and changes from one Mercatto location to the other.They also have a great liqueur selection and a great range of Amari (bitters) such as the Punch Abruzzo and the Ciao Ciao Amaro (both $8). A decent double espresso($3.50) and desserts of caramel coppetta( a combination of vanilla gelato, salted peanuts, and caramel) and torta di formaggio(cheesecake) (each $7) topped off this meal nicely.
Colin was our server.He was attentive, pleasant and patient with my friend's 1-year old daughter.
Mercatto may be a mini-chain, but the quality of its service, the choice available and the freshness of ingredients used has nothing to envy to some higher-end Italian restaurants and the prices are moderate. Overall, a great choice for lunch or dinner when in the core. Try them, you will not be disappointed!
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