Black Skirt

By Annabelle Goodman –

Southern Italian cuisine

I don’t need an excuse to dine with my grandson. We do it often. However, I am always looking for an excuse to dine at my favorite Black Skirt.

I can’t stay away. I love to go this warm charming restaurant. This was my first visit at lunch time. In the evening you must have a reservation because it is always busy. There is such a charm to this small comfortable restaurant featuring authentic delicious food from Calabria and Sicily. The front counter offers food selections for take out. The library shelves along the wall feature delicious gourmet items from Calabria and Sicily. This is a great time to go and pick up presents. Bottles of balsamic vinegar, almond cookies, and artistic packages of pastas, dried mushrooms and coffees are only some of the gift items available for purchase.

There is some seating at the front of the restaurant. I love the back because you can see into the open kitchen. The tables are closer together and I always find the clientele to be friendly. It is fun to see what others have chosen to eat. The service is always friendly. Danie was our charming server and took such good care of us. Proprietors Agata and Rosa make sure your food is prepared to perfection.

The bread appears in a paper bag. A wooden bowl with a pestle is filled with olive oil, garlic and herbs. Mush it around and spread this concoction on your tasty bread. Oh my!

My grandson’s Veal Panini ($11.95) was enough for an army. Huge is an understatement. It was filled with perfectly cooked veal and hot peppers. He is a big eater but was totally unable to finish it all. I know his care package was going to be enjoyed again later in the day.

The next time I go I plan to order the Muffaletta. It is a Panini filled with mortadella, capicollo, hot and sweet soppressara, provolone cheese, giarniniera, sun-dried tomatoes and black olive paste. ($10.95)

Nonna’s Pasta is my favorite.($9.95) The pasta is perfectly al dente and the tomato sauce has a rich fresh flavor. Two large pieces of delicious eggplant melded so well with the other flavors. It was presented in a large white bowl. I ate it all and licked the plate.

On another occasion the Sicilian Pasta was enjoyed.($15.95) Spaghetti with fresh white anchovies, pine nuts, raisins, tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil and dill in an olive oil sauce makes for a gourmet treat.($15.95)

On my first visit I chose to have two appetizers. The Shrimp were pan-seared in a spicy pizzaiola sauce and served with Italian bread.($10.50) The Wild Mushroom Crostini is prepared with oyster,  portobello, and cremini mushrooms topped with fontina cheese on grilled Italian bead.($8.50) The White Sicilian is a specialty offering fresh white Sicilian anchovies marinated in herbed olive oil served with fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil with grilled bread.($8.50)

Mains are served after 5 p.m. Osso Buco is a house specialty.($25.00) Veal Shank is braised in red wine and vegetables and served over daily potatoes.

Tilapia is seared with sundried black olives, white wine, caper berries and fresh lemon served with daily vegetables.($25.00) New York Striploin is prepared with red wine sauce and served with potatoes and vegetables.($27.00)

Save room for the Chocolate Cake.($7.50) Even the Espresso and Cappuccino were superior. We loved it all.