Vegetarian in New York City
Both Vegetarian and Gluten Free, but not Taste Bud Friendly
Jun 10, 2008
The Big Apple: well known for Broadway, Times Square and fine cuisine. Anyone afflicted with Celiac disease, or the inability to digest gluten must be more selective than the average person about which locations they patronize in NYC. One place a celiac patient can patronize without hesitation is Risotteria, located in Greenwich Village on Bleeker Street between the corner of 6th and 7th Avenue. The establishment boasts an array gluten free choices along with a sizable vegetarian selection. The locality does not accept reservations; one can expect to wait a minimum of forty minutes on a Saturday night. With a wait of that length anyone would expect the cuisine to be top notch. However, the place did not quite live up to these expectations on the evening of 10 May 2008.
Once inside customers find themselves in a rather tight space, cramped for elbow room once seated. It was much like a European café, except for the fact that this is not Europe. Diners are greeted by a waiter offering menus and complimentary gluten free breadsticks. Any celiac patient used to the dense and often dry offerings of other gluten free breads, these breadsticks were a welcomed change. The warm, fluffy inside was enrobed by a crust with had a hint of parmesan flavor. A drink menu, uniquely presented on the side of an empty wine bottle even offered a selection of gluten free beers.
Guests have a selection of paninis, pizzas, risottos and salads to choose from, all with gluten free versions as well as many vegetarian selection, with a menu that is clearly marked for all dietary restrictions. As an appetizer one can choose from several hot and cold antipastos, or a cheese platter for one or two. The latter option presents a selection of gruyere, goat, fresh mozzarella and feta cheeses, at the price of $16 for two. The presentation is simple; 2 portions of each variety on a white plate. The gruyere leaves something to be desired, with a very sharp undertone, on the borderline of being almost sour. The mozzarella was rather salty but the goat cheese was creamy and smooth, almost a mild ricotta that melted in your mouth.
For an entrée, the gluten free patron can choose from an array of pizzas, such as mozzarella, roasted Portobello mushroom and truffle oil, salads and risottos. The best feature of the pizza mentioned was the Portobello, the pizza itself left much to be desired, with an undercooked crust and runny cheese. This personal size pizza, large enough for two to split if an appetizer was had prior to the main course, was not worth the $16.55 it cost.
A gluten intolerant guest can take comfort in the fact that the gluten free tira misu is worth every penny. The chocolate cake was light, fluffy and as moist any gluten inclusive confection. The subtle chocolate flavor is complimented by the seemingly weightless topping of mascarpone cheese dusted with a hint of cocoa powder. This dessert was a truly delightful end to a mediocre meal.
Those afflicted with celiac must be picky about the places they choose to dine out. Though the location of Rissoteria is in the heart of scenic Greenwich Village in New York City, the restaurant’s atmosphere can not make up for what its cuisine lacks. With that said, unless going strictly for dessert, Rissoteria is one place a celiac patient could skip.
