Restaurant Review: 83 1/2

Jeremy and I didn't feel like cooking one night, so we decided to go back to a place on the UES that we had been to over a year ago, 83 1/2. We remembered enjoying it, but nothing that made us come running back so quickly. It was pretty new at that point, and by now they have definitely smoothed out any kinks.

We had a really delicious meal and good service in a nice, quiet, welcoming place only a few blocks from home. What more can you ask for? Here's the rundown:

We started with 2 appys - Siciliana salad and Tortino di spinaci. 

The salad was made with radicchio, orange segments, candied pistachios, black olives, shaved fennel, and balsamic dressing. The slight bitterness of the radicchio was offset by the sweetness of the candied pistachios and I always love the citrus/fennel combo so that all worked really well together. 

Siciliana Salad

The tortino was a delish spinach cake surrounded by a Parmesan fondue and topped with a crispy egg yolk. This was creamy and savory and glad we decided to add this on last minute.

Tortino di Spinaci

For our entrees we split the ravioli of the day and the Cornish hen.

The homemade ravioli of the day was spinach and ricotta. It came with 8 large raviolis that were perfectly cooked and dressed in a sage butter sauce. 

Ravioli del Giorno - Spinach and Ricotta

The Cornish hen came with 2 large pieces (breast, and leg/drum) with crispy, well seasoned skin, sitting on top of baked stuffing. The chicken was juicy and moist, however the stuffing ended up getting a little mushy from the herb vellutata. That was probably my only complaint and it really wasn't that bad, I just prefer my stuffing a little less soggy.

Cornish Hen

I would definitely recommend this spot for any Upper East Siders looking for a quiet date night, dinner with parents, or a catch up with the girls!