Dinner at O'Barone #2

Finding ourselves in Red Hook on a recent Tuesday night, we discovered that the places we haven't been to yet that are on our list to try (Botanica, Fort Defiance, the newly-relocated Teeny) are all closed on Tuesdays! What gives? So, we ended up at a place we've been to already, but since we love it, it wasn't too much of a disappointment! O'Barone (360 Van Brunt St., between Sullivan & Wolcott St., 347-599-2758) is an Italian-Austrian restaurant in the old 360 space that opened over the summer and seems to still be finding it's footing in terms of luring eaters out to dine there. THe food is so delicious, well-prepared and well-presented, I do hope that more people find their way here, so that it can remain on the food scene.

We started with a Baby Spinach salad with Goat Cheese, Beets, potatoes and string beans, tossed in a lightly citrusy dressing. Loads of tangy, creamy goat cheese was piled high atop fresh greens, earthy beets and almost creamy potatoes. A few string beans added a nice crunch.

For my entree, I ordered the Casarecci Pasta with roasted tomatoes & sausage. The tube-like shape held the sauce, and the fresh sausage was plentiful and flavorful. Such a basic, yet delicious dish, that was also comforting as only a simple and hearty dish like this can be.

My boyfriend chose the Gnocchi from the list specials. It was a four-cheese dish with a sprinkling of crispy Pancetta and walnuts on top. The meat was smoky and wonderful, the walnuts a nice nutty crunch and the gnocchi incredibly soft and light, almost pillowy! The sauce itself though was on the bland side - I wanted it to be saltier, denser. Fairly easy to remedy with a shake of salt, but I wish I hadn't had to mess with it.

The place was virtually empty, so I want to urge everyone to go give it a try. The food is great, the waiters are great too, and as for now, you''ll get a table immediately!