Gigino NYC: Two Ways to Enjoy a Delish Neighborhood Spot

August 29, 2009 5:32 pm

Gigino NYC: Two Ways to Enjoy a Delish Neighborhood Spot

After many months we found the time to schedule a very downtown activity. A pal from Jersey mentioned this ultra kid-friendly eatery kissing the river with fantastic views. It sounded JUST RIGHT!

All sorts of confusion and anxiety pangs leaving the apartment on time and I quickly Googled the address once again. The "Contact Us" tab read 323 Greenwich Street. Accepting my ignorance about downtown streets we proceeded a long way downtown through Tribeca to Gigino.

When we arrived, we found the restaurant definitely attractive. It faced Washington Market Park, but where was the river? Confusion. The décor was rustic Italian—a plethora of distressed oak tables nestled together. Loads of waiters looking out for your every need—and gorgeous high ceilings that lead your eye straight to the quaint flower garden in the back. It was yet early in the day, and we figured we should enjoy the peace before the regulars arrived.

Promptly the kids order: pizza, fish fingers, risotto melded with butter and Parmesan and decorated with huge plump peas was presented. Not bad. Kids scurried to their platters and inhaled those recognizable delights.

In all the excitement we requested the server to bring us a new wine. This was an afternoon gem indeed. Similar to a Chardonnay, but a touch lighter and crisper—Orvieto Classico, Campogrande '07. I must add that to my list of items to remember.

Sheltered in the heart of the dining room we sampled the beet and frisée salad, the spinach/chicken/bacon pizza, a salmon over veggies as we rambling on in conversation with friends. Only once question came to mind, where was the river Eva mentioned?

Our $14 dollar pizzas and $24 dollar entrées left us satisfied and in dire need for a long stroll to find the river. We cleared our bill and took a discursive path to the Ferry station to show all the children the famous Statue of Liberty. What a sight on a clear and breezy day.

There was a long and well frequented path aside the river where we walked and walked until parched and hungry once again. It's not normal, but I suppose when in doubt a cup of tea with cut fruit doesn't really count in your overall calorie intake does it?

This was the irony of it all—where did we land up? Gigino once again. But this was on Wagner Park—on the RIVER! This was where we had intended to lunch. We all chuckled and absorbed the views. Life is full of small surprises. Nice surprises.

Gigino Trattoria
323 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10013
212.431.1112

Gigino
20 Battery Park
New York, NY 10004
212.528.2228