The restaurant is huge & very cavernous. There was plenty of room for everyone to stretch their legs and be comfortable and still feel like we were all dining together. The kids were sold pretty much from the jump off, as we were some of the only guests there and they were able to watch the football game on t.v. (Sidebar.....I find it funny that our kids are starting to enjoy watching football, even though we have never watched a game in our entire time as a couple. Who says gay men can't raise jocks?) While the kids watch the game, the parents were able to talk and share stories and enjoy some well-needed adult time before heading to our respective jobs the following Monday.
According to the online restaurant guide, the restaurant offered family size portions of some of their meals, which was a big draw to a group of 8. Unfortunately, when we arrived we were informed that the menu had recently changed and the option was no longer granted. Despite the fact, we all found something we enjoyed.
We started the evening with fresh Italian bread served with some type of goat cheese/olive oil/herb spread (delish) followed by the Caesar Salad, which was very satisfying. The salad had a great nutty taste to it, which was a nice addition to the salad. Also, it had a good of amount of Parmesan cheese, which is a bonus and really helps to make the salad even more hearty. We shared the salad with the kids who dogged it. Not sure if they loved it as much as us or if they just wanted to get back to the t.v. but whatever gets them to eat green food, we'll take it.
We kept it simple with the kids and ordered the fusilli with marinara and the tubini pasta with alfredo, which they delivered with marinara instead. No one seemed to notice besides the waitress who apologized profusely and offered to exchange it. We declined and kept it moving. The adults ordered a plethora of dishes including Ravioli di Brasato (homemade braised short rib stuffed pasta), Linguine alle Vongole (fresh clams, garlic, white wine), Timballo (baked eggplant parmigiana) and the Spaghetti Bolognese. Each of the servings were plentiful, as if you were eating at your Nonna's (grandmother) house. There is nothing worse than getting your plate and the serving sizes are fit for a bird.
After dinner, we all contemplated getting a dessert, but we were pretty stuffed and opted to have dessert at home, although there were plenty of choices on the menu.
We ranked the experience as:
Dad: 7 out of 10 Papi: 8 out of 10
Grady: 10 out of 10 Cyrus: 10 out of 10
Total: 35/40 or 87.5%
Our dining experience was an overall success. Although the prices were a bit hefty, there was something for everyone to enjoy and it was the perfect place to have a large table for fellowship.
Trattoria Cinque 363 Greenwich Street, near Franklin Street 212.965.0555
http://www.trattoriacinquenyc.com/
