Fine Dining At Its Best
Trattoria35
213-15 35 h Ave., Bayside
(718) 352-3800
www.trattoria35.com
CUISINE: Italian
PARKING: Street, valet
DELIVERY: Yes
CREDIT CARD: Yes
I had heard great things about Trattoria 35 – the former Gino’s Trattoria – so I was excited for the opportunity to try it out recently. Growing up in an Italian family, I have high expectations for an Italian dinner. From the bread to the dessert, Trattoria 35 did not disappoint.
Overwhelmed by a full menu that sounded too good to choose from, my dining companion and I allowed our server to make recommendations. What followed was an amazing dinner that satisfied every possible taste bud I had.
To start, we had the classic Freddo antipasti – an assortment of cured meats, cheeses and Mediterranean olives – and grilled marinated octopus. I had never had octopus before, so I was a little hesitant when it was brought out, but one taste alleviated any reluctance I had. The combination of the two starters went perfectly together and set the stage nicely for the rest of the meal.
A pasta dish came out next. On the recommendation of the staff, we had a taste of the parpadelle con funghi selvatici – homemade pasta in a mushroom sauce. Served with it was a plate of osso bucco ravioli topped with the mushroom sauce and peas. As great as the overall meal was, the pasta course was the star of the evening. Had it been any other night, the pasta would have made for a perfect entrée. But there was still more to come.
The main meat course came next, a rib-eye steak topped with grilled peppers and onions for me and seared baby lamb chops for my companion. As the waiter placed the plates in front of us, our eyes grew wide. After the two previous courses, the sight of such a huge portion of meat presented a challenge for our already-taxed stomachs. The well-prepared presentation of the plates in no way did the meal justice. The steak was cooked just right. The lamb was well-seasoned. Our eyes may have been too big for our stomachs, but I certainly appreciated having some leftovers for the next day.
I thought we were finished after the main course. How could we possibly fit more food? No dessert, we said. But I was curious as to what was on their dessert menu. And then our waiter said the magic word: cannoli. I couldn’t pass it up. With a cup of coffee to wash it down, the cannoli was the perfect cap to the evening.
With an attentive staff and an impressive dinner menu, Trattoria 35 made for a memorable night out. I’m already planning my next trip to try the rest of the menu.
-Steven J. Ferrari