I and five of my friends visited Del Posto two nights ago and dined from the Enoteca menu. I have spent years working the Manhattan restaurant industry, and two of my guests were prominent figures in the industry as well (a maitre d' and a pastry chef). While I generally avoid eating out on Saturday nights, the crowd was not distracting, and the service did not seem to suffer. We ate late, ordering at 11:30, and all partook from the $41 four-course prix fixe menu (a surprising value for the venue). I was miffed when the server told us we all had to order the prix fixe or none of us could, but got over it when I realized that it meant we could all try everything on the menu (six antipasto, primi, secondi and dolci amounts to a total of 24 dishes sampled). Some dishes were a surprising spot on (calamari and squid, gnocci, sea bass, beef and turkey) and some were lacking (squash salad, mini penne, spaghetti, cod). The rest were decent. My pastry chef friend was critical of the desserts, so was I; a sweeping disappointment as none of them wowed. The wine list, (or should I say tome?) is expansive but expensive, but I progressed through four different obscure bottlings that were very satisfying and inexpensive. Service was remarkable, perfectly timed and attentive. I could barely tell they were there until I needed them. Wine service - immaculate. The bill with tax and tip was $600, and for the price, a good dinner. But to be honest, I much prefer A Voce.
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