An oyster bar glistening with chunks of ice and delicately placed crustaceans-nestled closely next to vibrant lemons, a glimmering metallic bar that snakes along the west wall of this charming Italian eatery, a gentle old man sipping his Pinot Grigio, the sun shining through the open doors that- thankfully beautify the ugly combustion of traffic and slobbering drunks spilling out on to the street-all from the hedonistic pub across the street. Giorgione is quiet, relaxed and simply laden with white brick walls, iron rimmed and wood shelves that line the walls, sweeping the dining room through a split level space-soft grey tones, a bar crowd bustling with anticipated diners awaits. \r
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Giorgione’s wait staff are attractive and cordial, but with an obvious professionalism about them, almost robotic, in routine. Owner Giorgio Deluca is hands on, and demands perfection. “He’s here every day checking on the place”, says one nervous employee. The menu reflects its owners healthy obsession for fresh inviting ingredients; like the featured Duck Ragu pasta-ominous, earthy-and the fava bean salad-crisp and garden fresh. The grilled octopus appetizer is fire grilled and boldly exciting, yet feels like a day at the sea-calming.\r
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Nearby a gruff, yet precise woman with a lonely face, orders the Bianca Primavera Pizza. I keenly watch her mood change into a giddy, child-like happiness, as she devours this wafer thin pie of fresh tomato, arugula and ribbons of shaved Parmesan. Chef Aldo Monosi displays his obvious culinary talents with a broad menu, highlights consisting of Carciofi alla giudea (fried artichokes) $12; Fritto Misto (crispy shrimp and calamari with lemon and sea salt) $14; Polpettine alla Siciliana (Beef & Pork Meatballs, Golden Raisins & Pine Nuts.)$22; Mezzi Rigatoni con “Guazzetto” d’Anatra (Slow-Cooked Duck Sauce, Bitter Greens, Fresh Pecorino)$19;.Milanese di Vitello (Breaded Veal Chop, Frisee, Radish and Lemon Vinaigrette) $34.\r
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According to Deluca, “Giorgione was created to provide a simple restorative or casual celebratory dining experience for the locals, including myself.” It’s safe to say that this, approaching 10 year old restaurant, has successfully achieved that.\r
Pros: pizza
Cons: neighborhood is a shame
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