Last Friday, continuing my quest for NYC's best pasta dishes, I headed to the Meatpacking District, to hit up Scott Conant's Scarpetta. I had heard raves about this place since it opened, most notably about Conant's Spaghetti Pomodoro, and I was excited to try it.

Scarpetta looks like a restaurant you'd find in the Meatpacking district, sleek and stylish, with a more conservative than casual feel. I took a seat at the bar and knew exactly what I wanted; the Spaghetti with tomato and basil. I also requested their bread basket, which at first the bartender told me they didn't serve at the bar after 10:30, which for a foodie, is just a dumb rule, but for a drinker, who cares. I of course used my magic, and made a bread basket appear.

I'm glad I made them bring me the basket for the various breads are good, and I enjoyed the three sides to put on them; olive oil, eggplant, and marscapone butter.

The Spaghetti with basil and tomato was delicate, perfectly cooked, and very good. Did it blow my mind? No. It was spaghetti. Would I ever order it again? No. It was spaghetti. I'm not sure why the dish has gotten so much press, maybe since I don't eat a lot of spaghetti at restaurants I don't have much to compare it too, but again, it was fine, just not mind-blowing. Would I recommend Scarpetta as an Italian restaurant to go to in the Meatpacking district, of course.

And so my journey continues for the best pasta dishes in NYC!

FOLLOW-UP NOTE - I went again to Scarpetta tonight (8/6/09) for a little party, was given another plate of the spaghetti, and must tell you that it was actually more mind-blowing than my first experience! Not sure what it was-but it was Great!

Scarpetta
355 W. 14th St. (at 9th ave)
New York, NY 10014
212-691-0555