colicchio and sons

Saturday night was pretty darn perfect.

Which makes sense seeing as the entire day was spent riding an emotional roller coaster of terror which was kick-started by my "moving company" showing up Saturday morning, doubling their quote, spewing lies, unwilling to negotiate, and then left me. They. Left. Me. And as quickly as I learned that tears weren't going to get me anywhere, I was just as quickly graced with a series of anything-but-small-miracles that somehow fell seemingly into place; not only getting me from Point A to Point B but making the whole nightmare not just bearable--but dare I say enjoyable (even if I'm so sore as I write this, walking is a chore, and I just tried to cross my legs and let out a loud moan).

So Saturday night, too, turned out to be just as spontaneously perfect. As a reward to one of my handful of heros that day, I figured what better way than to blow the money that had originally been allocated for the world's worst human beings/movers than on a night of great food and drink. And after christening the new apartment with a glass of 2008 Domaine Weinbach Riesling Schlossberg Grand Cru (in my Riedel Riesling Grand Cru glasses. BAM!) we found ourselves at (a nearly empty) Colicchio & Sons and cozied up to the bar.

I've been a long time fan of Tom Colicchio, as I'm sure many of you have been too, and my experience at Craftbar had been pretty enchanting (the white anchovy bruschetta with slow poached egg and leeks orgasmically flipped my world upside down), yet Colicchio & Sons has somehow managed to sneak right by me, in a way. Of course I'd heard all about it from the many glowing reviews but I mysteriously never got around to formally adding it to my To Do List. And what an inexcusable mistake that was. Because the food last night was nothing short of special. Thoughtful. Seasoned to perfection. Not a single element overlooked.

After guzzling down our beers, we got to ordering: bacon-wrapped rabbit terrine with ver jus cherries and frisee (unREAL), a ricotta, zucchini, and squash blossom pizza with rabbit sausage, and stuffed shells with duck, ricotta, wild mushrooms, and sofrito. Every bite euphoric. Not a detail to nit-pick. And then a bottle of sparkling rosé was popped and poured and all the stresses from the day were asked to pack their knives and go. I had entered a state of pure elation.

It should also be noted that the Tap Room prices are extremely reasonable considering the quality of the food put out. And there's an understated sexiness to the space. A rustic mountain lodge meets the big city hybrid. Dark, yes. But deliciously cozy.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

Colicchio & Sons

85 10th Ave. (at 15th St.)

FOOD: 39

SERVICE: 27

LOOK: 19

VIBE: 10

FINAL GRADE: 95

Image above courtesy of Serious Eats

FYI, I'm blogging from the wine bar "nook" in my new kitchen, and I'm freaking out with happiness. Just had to share.