Giorgione-Like Your Favorite Pair of Jeans

I was not aware of the ignorance I was living in never having been to Giorgione, until about 10 months ago.  Although it is not a new place, (actually its been around for over ten years), all at once it seemed like everyone I spoke to was obsessed with Giorgione.  I simply had to see what all of the fuss was about and since being let in on this “secret”, I don’t know how I lived without it.  Simply put, Giorgione is a downtown no-brainer; something that will please everyone every time- like throwing on  your go-to pair of jeans, the ones know make your ass look good and don’t pinch on the sides , Giorgione can finish your sentence any time that you not sure of where to eat.

Spring Street between Greenwich and Hudson, a seemingly random stretch of city, actually has some fun on offer- faded glory joints like Sway and Anchor Bar as well as true gems like Emerald House and The Ear Inn (love them, especially right after the FedEx workers finish their shifts), so you can make an easy night of it after dinner.  Giorgione is bright and modern inside with clean design- all white and steel but in a way that is not cold or contrived.  Giorgione gets a sophisticated looking crowd that skews on the older side, a lot of locals/regulars.  (Last visit we had a Patricia Field sighting, with full on gay mafia). The menu is simply awesome- approachable and full of options- and there are always some seasonal specials to keep it interesting.  The truffle menu in the winter is especially tempting;  get better than truffles with pizza, truffles with pasta…I know, you cant.

Starters are all high-quality and well constructed to let the true flavors of the ingredients shine.  I am a loser, but I love the avocado with sea salt and balsamic vinegar.  Meatballs never disappoint, real Sicilian style with raisins, and the lobster salad could almost be a main course for someone so inclined.  The real star of the menu are the pizzas- they are all wood-fired and the perfect combination of crispy, chewy, and light that leads someone to eat the whole thing. Toppings are done in the right proportions and are kept authentic; there is nothing kitshy or gimmicky about true Italian food, and that is what Giorgione is all about.  There are of course entrees, and pastas, which contribute to the ease of bringing just about any sort of group to Giorgione. You can share as much or as little as you want, and always walk away satisfied; even if you have to undo a button on those favorite jeans…

P.S. It should be noted that Giorgione is from Giorgio DeLuca, the man behind Dean & DeLuca…