Date Visited: August 22, 2009
Reason Why we Visited:
At the last minute Jon was able to work out a day trip to NYC. Before we left we researched a few restaurants so we knew where we would end up for lunch. At first, we searched the famous ones, but apprehensive of crowds, noise, and high prices we opted for a few lesser knowns. The one that caught Kate's eye was "Isabella's" because of course, it was so close to her daughter's beautiful name. The online reviews were good and the menu on their website boasted high-end and healthy options.
The Wait:
Kate's initial idea was to NOT make reservations or call ahead for the following reasons: 1) we weren't exactly sure when we were stopping for lunch (we still hadn't quite mastered the subway schedule) so we didn't want to be too early or too late for a reservation 2) we thought we would have lunch a little later in the day missing the "lunch crowd" and 3) we figured even if there was a considerable wait, what would be the harm in wandering around the area surrounding the restaurant...that's what the whole point of our trip was anyways. FIRST MISTAKE! It had been off and on drizzling all day. We asked the hostess for wait time and she seemed a little put off we didn't call ahead. She offered us the outside or the bar for immediate seating, but we were warned that if the weather turned we would be moved inside, possibly to no table. We chose the bar which was a little disappointing. THEN, just as we were seated at the bar the rains came. We thought we were safe because we were safely inside gloating that we had not decided to wait and get caught in the storm. Just then, everyone from Columbus Ave poured into the tiny establishment, shoulder to shoulder, invading our personal space. Conversing at a bar is already a little difficult but is made immensely harder when 30 New Yorkers are chatting in a confined space right behind you.
The Atmosphere:
Very cute. Little New York style high-end bistro. Small, as many New York restaurants are but nicely decorated and pretty views of the street inside. Outdoor dining area for nice weather. It seemed very "local" and not as tourist-ish.
The Service:
The bartender was great! Just as friendly as if she were a waitress at the table. Gave Isabelle crayons and chatted with her like she was an adult. Very attentive. The BEST part: When she found out Isabelle's name she insisted on getting a hat from the kitchen with the company's name and logo on it for it.
The Drinks:
Kate had a slight headache from so much walking and only wanted water. We were just not in the mood for cocktails since we had alot more of the city to explore.
The Food:
We had the calamari served with marina and tzatziki sauce for an appetizer. (If you've followed us regularly you have noticed calamari is one of our fave appetizers). It was good and Jon and Kate agreed that the tzatziki sauce was delicious-cool and refreshing. Also different, since this is not the traditional calamari accompaniment. Marinara was only ok, something similar to Campbells tomato soup. Kate ordered a dinner size Caesar and Jon had the Spinach-Ricotta Ravioli. The Caesar was good, nice portion, and tasty dressing. Jon enjoyed his pasta except he mentioned that a few pieces were a little undercooked. Kate tasted the dish and liked it as well. The tastes were excellent. Jon praised the sauce.
The Dessert:
We skipped dessert due to our hectic schedule. However, if dessert was anything like the meal it would have been good.
Value:
Prices were definitely not bad, especially for NYC. Very reasonable for good food and great service in a classy neighborhood.
Overall:
We really enjoyed our visit but we regret not calling ahead and getting better seating. We also felt (and this was a continual feeling throughout the day) that we wish we had more time to linger and soak it all in. But NYC is huge and we only had a few hours to scratch the surface. Isabella's is a place we would recommend for anyone visiting NYC.
Reason Why we Visited:
At the last minute Jon was able to work out a day trip to NYC. Before we left we researched a few restaurants so we knew where we would end up for lunch. At first, we searched the famous ones, but apprehensive of crowds, noise, and high prices we opted for a few lesser knowns. The one that caught Kate's eye was "Isabella's" because of course, it was so close to her daughter's beautiful name. The online reviews were good and the menu on their website boasted high-end and healthy options.
The Wait:
Kate's initial idea was to NOT make reservations or call ahead for the following reasons: 1) we weren't exactly sure when we were stopping for lunch (we still hadn't quite mastered the subway schedule) so we didn't want to be too early or too late for a reservation 2) we thought we would have lunch a little later in the day missing the "lunch crowd" and 3) we figured even if there was a considerable wait, what would be the harm in wandering around the area surrounding the restaurant...that's what the whole point of our trip was anyways. FIRST MISTAKE! It had been off and on drizzling all day. We asked the hostess for wait time and she seemed a little put off we didn't call ahead. She offered us the outside or the bar for immediate seating, but we were warned that if the weather turned we would be moved inside, possibly to no table. We chose the bar which was a little disappointing. THEN, just as we were seated at the bar the rains came. We thought we were safe because we were safely inside gloating that we had not decided to wait and get caught in the storm. Just then, everyone from Columbus Ave poured into the tiny establishment, shoulder to shoulder, invading our personal space. Conversing at a bar is already a little difficult but is made immensely harder when 30 New Yorkers are chatting in a confined space right behind you.
The Atmosphere:
Very cute. Little New York style high-end bistro. Small, as many New York restaurants are but nicely decorated and pretty views of the street inside. Outdoor dining area for nice weather. It seemed very "local" and not as tourist-ish.
The Service:
The bartender was great! Just as friendly as if she were a waitress at the table. Gave Isabelle crayons and chatted with her like she was an adult. Very attentive. The BEST part: When she found out Isabelle's name she insisted on getting a hat from the kitchen with the company's name and logo on it for it.
The Drinks:
Kate had a slight headache from so much walking and only wanted water. We were just not in the mood for cocktails since we had alot more of the city to explore.
The Food:
We had the calamari served with marina and tzatziki sauce for an appetizer. (If you've followed us regularly you have noticed calamari is one of our fave appetizers). It was good and Jon and Kate agreed that the tzatziki sauce was delicious-cool and refreshing. Also different, since this is not the traditional calamari accompaniment. Marinara was only ok, something similar to Campbells tomato soup. Kate ordered a dinner size Caesar and Jon had the Spinach-Ricotta Ravioli. The Caesar was good, nice portion, and tasty dressing. Jon enjoyed his pasta except he mentioned that a few pieces were a little undercooked. Kate tasted the dish and liked it as well. The tastes were excellent. Jon praised the sauce.
The Dessert:
We skipped dessert due to our hectic schedule. However, if dessert was anything like the meal it would have been good.
Value:
Prices were definitely not bad, especially for NYC. Very reasonable for good food and great service in a classy neighborhood.
Overall:
We really enjoyed our visit but we regret not calling ahead and getting better seating. We also felt (and this was a continual feeling throughout the day) that we wish we had more time to linger and soak it all in. But NYC is huge and we only had a few hours to scratch the surface. Isabella's is a place we would recommend for anyone visiting NYC.
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