Felidia vs. Insieme

[markk]

I'm curious to hear how people would compare Insieme (probably the traditional side of the menu) with Felidia. I'm debating which one to try, as a break from all the French dining I do.

Thanks, all!

[mjc]

I'll weigh in on this one, but note that I had dinner at Insieme last week and I haven't been to Felidia for a few years.

Felidia is a more extravagant restaurant than Insieme, it has a much more formal feel (Felidia reccomends a Jacket for men and Insieme is business casual) and a much more proper service.

The food of Felidia is appears to me to be very influenced by Lidia's home region of Friuli and features a good number of very "rich" dishes. The cooking at Insieme is seems influenced by a diverse array of regions.

Last week at Insieme we ate the Lasagna verde al Bolegnese, Spaghetti Amatriciana, Short Rib Ravioli with mushrooms, and I had a Sea Bass Saltimboca with a lemon puree. For dessert we tried the quark dumplings and the bombolini. Everything was very good. It is hard not to compare this restaurant, both its menu and decor, to A Voce when Carmelini was still at the helm. I think its got a similar vibe, but the food was not at the same level.

The only dish I specifically remember from Felidia were the Krafti. Those are basically a ravioli filled with rum soaked raisins, orange zest, and a mix of cheese. They were excellent. Aside from that dish I remember thinking that the rest of the meal was not as good as it should have been.

I liked Hearth a lot better than Insieme.

If I was thinking about going to Felidia, I would also consider Scalini Fedeli. Its a beautiful restaurant in the old old Bouley. The food is very luxurious and based more on northern regions. I think for the quality of the food and experience its also a very good deal.