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| - Don't be put off by the plush velour and overly decadent interiors, Little Anthony's is really quite charming. I went with a large group. Originally skeptical of its authenticity and rather bland menu, I was soon convinced otherwise.
We were seated at the very back of the restaurant as we were a large group. In the future, I would suggest reserving one of the round half-open booths that seat 2-4 as it is both intimate and comfortable.
Our starter salad was a heap of arugula, smaller than usual (I take it because it is wild), lightly dressed and a generous portion of pecorino cheese. It was delicious and definitely appetizing. For our pasta dish, I had the butternut squash ravioli with brown butter, rosemary, hazelnuts and pecorino. The taste was very subtle and not as anticipated, since butternut squash and rosemary were such strong flavours. The portion was just right and the sauce was a delight. I actually stole some extra bread to mop it up. My fellow eaters who had the spaghetti alla bolognese said it was also quite hearty and delicious. I had my eyes set on their ossobuco, and was glad I chose it. The saffron risotto was exactly al dente, with a little bite with each mouthful; it almost stole the thunder from the veal shank. The ossobuco was a bit overcooked and oversalted for my liking, but that could have been because of the cut, which was not as thick as usual. My favourite part of the meal though - the marrow. It was generous, rich and really really fresh. Growing up I was basically raised on marrow, and taught to get everything out of the bone. Suffice to say, that was the most satisfying part. Also because in discovering my love, my tablemates gladly gave up their marrows. At this point I may have been delirious and drunk from marrow, because the desserts offered escape me. There was a choice between chocolate truffle cake (cheese cake?) and tiramisu, both average.
I would highly recommend visiting Little Anthony's for their pasta, as the mains were somewhat average. Bring a healthy appetite and an open mind for the waitstaff - who appear to be slightly disorganized and distracted.
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