Mike and I were looking for a place to eat in Hell’s Kitchen and stumbled upon Stecchino, a wine bar on 9th between 51st and 52nd. I remember walking in with excitement about the Specials.
Oddly… we were never told about them inside and I forgot. D’oh! Miss #1.
We were also there during Happy Hour but not a thing was mentioned about those nice deals either. Miss #2.
We sat down and I immediately zeroed in on the Crisp Serrano Wrapped Artichoke & Manchego. Three of my favoritest things.
I thought it was good… but it wasn’t as crisp as I would have wanted from something that is CALLED “crisp” and the artichoke flavor was almost entirely lost, but it was still delicious. Miss #3.
We also ordered the bruschetta that came with wild mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, arugula, gorgonzola, and truffle oil. It was DELICIOUS… but…
What kind of idiot decided to put brown paper below these (purposefully) oily dishes?! It just made it look unappealing. (BIG) Miss #4.
Mike chose the Black Pepper Crusted Steak Salad with mixed greens, sundried tomatoes, balsamic vinaigrette and crumbled bleu cheese topped with shoestring potatoes. I liked the idea of the shoestring potatoes, however, they were neither soft nor crispy. Weird. Miss #5.
I chose the Fresh Tagliatelle with wild mushrooms & ricotta salata. It was really good and topped with cute cheese spirals, however, it was just slightly lacking in flavor somehow. Miss #6.
Overall, Stecchino was ALMOST excellent, but had all these little misses along the way that weren’t deal breakers, but definitely made it lose points along the way. I’d give it another try… but seriously, someone get rid of those brown paper plate liners! EW!
Total Nom Points: 6.5 out of 10
