Editor’s Note: Koran Kendig, an avid Lady Gaga fan who went on opening night to Joanne Trattoria, the restaurant on 68th Street opened by Gaga’s parents, sent us her review. Gaga’s fans, called “Little Monsters”, have scooped up many of the early reservations for the restaurant.
By Koran N. Kendig
I had an 8 p.m. reservation and it took a few minutes to get my table seated as the place was absolutely packed. Once seated we were greeted by a very friendly waitress.
The focaccia bread that we got when we are seated was fresh and delicious. I ordered the Spaghetti with Sunday Gravy and Joanne’s Meatballs; the meatballs melt in your mouth and the sauce was tomato-y goodness.
I also had the Italian Greens (Broccoli Rabe) with pancetta which was great and cooked just right. Joanne’s Macaroni and Cheese, which I split with three friends, is most definitely not for anyone prone to lactose intolerance…5 Italian cheeses, penne pasta and who knows what else. It was melt-in-your-mouth fabulousness. I highly recommend trying it.
For dessert we split the Southern Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce which was delicious as well. I had a bite of my friend’s Vegetable Lasagna and I can say without a doubt as a non-lover of lasagna that I will most definitely get this when I return next time, which may be next week
We were also seated next to the wonderful Tony Bennett who tweeted me that we could take a photo with him after dinner; however he left and we did not get to take a photo. Joe and Cynthia [Germanotta] were walking around the restaurant the entire time from table to table asking how everything was.
The kitchen was a bit slow between each course for not just our table — but it was opening night and the place was absolutely packed, even the outdoor back patio area. Nonetheless, everything came out fresh. I will without a doubt be back for dinner or even a drink at the bar to chat with the amazingly welcoming staff. Well done Mama and Papa Germanotta!
Zeppoles!
All photos courtesy of Koran Kendig.
For more coverage of Joanne, click here.
We’re so glad to hear that everything is running smoothly at Joanne Trattoria on the Upper West Side. We haven’t had a chance to check out this spot just yet. Perhaps when we do go we’ll also bump into Tony Bennett!