Frankies Spuntino - good but don't tell

I know it seems like every place I try I love, but Frankies Spuntino on Clinton Street has always been one of my favorites. I debated blogging this one because it's quite the hidden gem - I would hate to have issues finding a table on a Saturday night given their no-reservation policy. But, since it's too good to keep a secret, I decided to let you all in on this discovery.

I first went there on behalf of a recommendation and had low expectations - the place is undeniably cramped and from my standards, out of the way from most common locations in NYC. But the scrumptious ricotta and truffled mushroom crostini mezmorized me - I soon fell in love, and my second trip this weekend just confirmed that feeling.
Upon entering, friendly faces greeted us and instantly sat us to a table. Despite the small space, the low light and mystic surroundings give it a very quaint and intimate feeling that actually makes each table feel like a private space. The wine list is adequate, and offers a variety of carafes - the house merlot is definitely a winner.

An interesting aspect about this restaurant's menu is its blatant lack of what most italian restaurants call "secondi." Aside from a pork dish and an occasional special, no meat, fish, or main dishes are offered. This, I believe, is to give particular attention to the variety of antipasti, delicious cheese, crostini and pastas that Frankie's offers - and they are all wonderful! The restaurant of course starts you off with an airy Italian loaf of bread - nothing to write home about, but the crostini makes up for it. At $3 a piece, you MUST try as many as you can, but espcially the mushroom crostini - a thin piece of Italian bread perfectly toasted and piled high with finely chopped mushrooms, and doused in truffle oil (my FAVE). The other amazing crostini: toast with a heap of ricotta and rustic chunks of pecorino - so mild and flavorful. The next dish I tasted was a house special - the mushroom ravioli. Delicate, savory, and surprisingly light with just a touch of butter and parsley to round the dish out. YUM.

For my main, I split both the fennel salad (sans lettuce, be warned) and the orrechiette with sausage. The chunks of homemade pasta almost resemble gnocchi but the surprisingly chewey (in a good way) and dense texture make the dish unique and SO memorable. While the pastas come with some heavy items (sausage, for example) they all seem to be light and fresh - not too much oil, but they pack in a punch of flavor so you go home feeling satisfied.

If you go to Frankie's, go with no more than three others to fully enjoy the experience. The service is attentive (I must admit they serve you almost too fast), the feeling is calm, quiet, and romantic, and the food is simple yet bold. YUmmmm