Old Italian

[mathewr]

Hi it is my good friend's birthday this sat. He eats, as he says, to live. In comparison we say we live to eat. Basically he eats very healthy, but his favorite cuisine is Italian. Definitely leaning towards old Italian ie pasta with clam sauce.

Do you guys have a recommendation for somewhere in Manhattan that offers this?

Thanks

[patrickamory]

There used to be so many excellent places... and now there are really very few indeed.

You could try Patsy's on W. 56 St. (Not the pizzeria - no relation.) Avoid anything newfangled on the menu. Linguini con vongole, spaghetti with meatballs, lasagne, chicken scarpariello on the bone with sausage (not listed but they will make it for you).

I would have pointed to you to Andy's Colonial Tavern on 116 St. and Second Ave. back when Sal cooked there, but alas, both restaurant and Sal are long gone.

In Brooklyn the old-style options open up a bit.