Basso 56: Formerly the Lower East Side's Basso Est, Basso has recently relocated to West Midtown, newly renaming itself Basso 56, but still serving up the same menu, prepared by the same chef, Paulo Catini. Ironic though because in Italian basso apparently means “lower east,” while the new location is anything but. Nevertheless, the classy yet unpretentious Italian favorite's new space is larger and sleeker, with the same stately white tablecloths, white napkins, and white collars. Despite the new address, Basso 56 is still affordable. Don’t even bother coming here if you’re not intending on dining, though. The aroma inside is divine, the setting is romantic, and the Abruzzi Italian cuisine (homemade spaghetti with lamb ragout and percorino cheese, $12.50), desserts (tiramisu, $8), and homemade sangria are delicious. Basso 56 makes it so when you want Italian, Little Italy never even crosses your mind. Now, how about some more of that sangria? |
