Tufino: Astoria, NY

Interior

I love Tufino for its intimate and quaint space, decorated with signs of Italian beers and liquors. The wooden walls give a rustic and cozy feel. It’s a a true gem not only because of the good food, Jose and I had one of our first dates here and it’s become a date-night favorite. Due to COVID-19 Tufino recently has been only doing delivery and take-out. With NYC finally allowing indoor dining again, we wanted to commerate our first indoor dining experience by visiting Tufino again.

We have our favorites here—but during this pandemic, Tufino has been creating a new menu of mouthwatering specials that we were eager to try.

Food + Drink

Normally we order some cocktails; For a change, we ordered off their wine menu. I chose Terresacre Rosavitte Rosato (earthy, fruity, refreshing) and Jose had the Tufino House Red Wine(med. bodied, red fruits). Both wines were equally delicious, the rosé paired well with the lobster gnocchi, while the red wine paired well with the burrata burger.

One of the best calamari’s I’ve had, I love Tufino’s calamari for its slight spice and crispiness. The breading is crunchy + flaky, not at all greasy or heavy. Their calamari is addictive, complete with their homemade marinara to dip it into. Before you know it, you’ve finished it all. It’s the perfect appetizer that prepares your palate ready for the next course.

The lobster gnocchi is a delicious addition to the Specials menu—Soft pillows of homemade gnocchi, fresh Maine lobster, cognac cream, and summer corn topped with shaved parsley. It’s decadent, fresh, and flavorful. You can taste the difference in this gnocchi vs. the store-bought version. The sauce is creamy and full of lobster and cognac flavor. It’s perfect to pair with a rosé or white wine.

**Truffle Burrata Burger w/ crispy prosciutto**

This is how a rustic Italian restaurant restaurant does a burger and it does it well. The truffle burrata burger first caught my eye on their IG stories, and knew we had to order it the next time we went to Tufino. The burger is a generous portion of freshly ground beef, insanely juicy + flavorful (We ordered the burger medium). Topped with the melting burrata, truffle aioli, balsamic + the crispy and prosciutto, the burger is a a medley of flavors and textures that work so well together. Make sure to order extra napkins!

Truffle Burrata Burger: Butcher’s blend patty, imported burrata, truffle aioli, balsamic reduction on a toasted brioche bun. Add crispy prosciutto ($2 extra).

Other options: Add black pâté, fresh shaved black truffles ($5 extra).

**Parmesan fries topped with fresh parsley. Served with burrata burger.**

A big thank you to Tufino to making our first indoor dining experience during this pandemic safe, welcoming, and delicious. We look forward to trying your future specials, we can’t to see what you come up with next!

Tufino is still doing take-out and delivery. If you prefer indoor dining, temperature checks will be done at the door, tables are spaced out, and hand sanitizer is provided for each table.

Tufino can be found at 36-08 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria NY 11105

Website

Instagram

x Yzabelle

Pane e Vino: Miami, FL

Tucked away at the end of Espanola Way, you’ll find an intimate restaurant that makes you want to book a trip to Italy. While it was difficult to get reservations, it was very much worth it. If you’re a lover of Italian food, especially homemade pasta and service, then Pane & Vino is a restaurant you need to visit next time you find yourself in Miami.

Interior

As you enter the restaurant you’re welcomed with endless lit candles and table side chatter. The interior is inviting through its charm of dim lights, in addition to the smell of freshly made bread and pasta. You’ll find it feels like you’re in a nonna’s house, and the restaurant is decorated with trinkets you’ll find around a house—small sculptures, fake potted flowers, decorative signs and paintings. Even the bathroom feels like it’s lived-in, and that’s what the restaurant makes you feel like—you’re welcomed into someone’s home eager for the culinary adventure you’re about to embark on.

Food + Drink

From their vast menu of homemade pastas to intricate appetizers, we started off with something light gradually moving onto the heavier pasta dishes. For wine we asked our waitress, Sara, for her recommendation based on what we ordered. We decided on a red wine from the south of Italy to pair well with each course.

Wine: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Appetizer: Burratina with parma, topped with sweet tomatoes and fresh basil and thyme.

Pasta: Cappelletti verdi Tartufati–handmade green pasta stuffed with fresh ricotta and mascarpone cheese, served with butter, Parmesan cheese and black truffle sauce

Tagliatelle Paglia e Fieno–handmade bicolor tagliatelle with crispy Parma prosciutto in a creamy portobello mushroom sauce

Dessert: shots of limoncello + Panna cotta ai Frutti di Bosco–homemade panna cotta with fresh mixed berry sauce on top

Homemade panna cotta with fresh berry sauce

Stomachs full and glasses empty, we spent time speaking with the owner and our waiters not wanting to leave. Our experience at Pane e Vino was amazing, delicious, and memorable. A big thank you to the owners and our waitress Sara for their hospitality, service, as well as making my boyfriend’s birthday a truly unforgettable experience. I’m looking forward to visiting this restaurant the next time I’m in Miami.

For more information about Pane e Vino:

Website

Instagram

x Yzabelle

San Marzano

Only a few years old, San Marzano offers homemade, high quality pasta for just $9. It's been a staple in my rotation of favorite restaurants--it's rustic and perfect for a casual hang out or date night. Their quality never falters and prices still remain affordable for everyone's budget. If pasta isn't quite your thing they also have a variety of paninis and appetizers to suit your fancy. There is also a separate brunch menu available which includes bottomless mimosas if you order alongside a meal. For my coffee lovers, coffee is bottomless for only $3.

The beautiful thing at San Marzano's is their customization with their pastas--pick a pasta then a sauce and dig in!