Restaurant Week is back and greater than ever in New York City. Now becoming highly publicized and widely popular, Restaurant Week provides affordable lunch and dinners at all the finest and fanciest restaurants; with set prices of $25 for lunch and $35 for dinner. Going on from January 16th through February 10th, Monday through Friday, Restaurant Week is sure to cover the masses. It’s now celebrating its 20th Anniversary and will continue running not just in NYC but in other states.  With over 300 restaurants participating and a variety of fine cuisines ranging from Puerto Rican, Italian to even Indian, New Yorkers are sure to be overwhelmed.

Though I’ve heard of Restaurant Week plenty of times before, I have never participated in this new “cultural” event and took the chance to start something new. As a person who constantly eats both Puerto Rican and Mexican food, I decided to explore something a little different, Italian food. Though I’ve had Italian food plenty of times, it’s been awhile since by pallet has had a taste of Italian. With a wide variety of Italian restaurants it was difficult to choose only one, and even harder to make reservations to restaurants already filled.

This is where “Bistro Milano” comes to the rescue; being that it’s a family style restaurant, one meal can feed two or more mouths. Located on 55th and 6th avenue, this restaurant is in the middle of Midtown West. With a huge variety of items on its menu, you can choose between a brunch, lunch, and/or dinner menu. Since I was here for Restaurant Week, I was given the “special” Restaurant Week menu where I was sure I wasn’t going to experience my meals as family sized. By the looks of everyone’s plate, just one appetizer looked like a meal in itself; Come here hungry, leave here happy. Restaurant Week menus are arranged as a pri-fixe, the first course: Appetizer, second course: Entrée, and last but certainly not least the third course: Dessert,

Upon arriving, you are greeted with a warm ambiance and décor. There was the not too hard to spot silver plated lettering with the restaurant’s name “Bistro Milano”, small trees perfectly groomed and artistically placed in wooden like holders and glass windows and doors. As I scoped out the crowd, I noticed that the restaurant was packed inside; the waiters looked as if they had a lot ahead of them for the night. As I sat and waited to be seated I noticed the old school bright fancy lighting, allowing for an open and airy feel, black and white art, large mirrors, perfectly matched chairs and tables, and expensive china. With an array of business clad patrons, this restaurant looks as if it’s a place where no children are allowed. Rest assured, this is a staple for families with children and a whole lot of excitement. Though it can be a bit loud with all the chatting from each restaurant goer, “Bistro Milano” gives off a very homey yet personal vibe.

With the “Restaurant Week” menu in hand, I was taken aback by what it is they served. With all the great foods they had to offer, and hard to understand Italian words jumping at me, my palette was ready for this fine and authentic Italian food. Yet, I wasn’t impressed with this “special” menu and ordered from the regular dinner menu. My waiter was a young male named Giovanni, his name adding to the Italian flare; though starting off slow, he was incredibly friendly, an entertainer and an attentive server at the same time. One adverse opinion with him was the detail that he stuck too closely to the Italian atmosphere; he felt the need to speak in Italian, which caught me off guard. He understood that I didn’t know the beautiful language after I was only able to answer him in head nods and then soon responded in perfect English. Asking for food recommendations, he recommended my favorite on the menu: fried calamari; also served with shrimp and zucchini, with a spicy tomato sauce.

As an appetizer, this started my excitement of this soon to be three course meal, which I shared with another knowing I was going to be surprised by its family sized portion. Fried calamari, translates into fried squid, not sounding as tasty as its translation, this appetizer packs the greatest and tastiest punch. Lightly crispy and fried it’s served with a spicy tomato sauce; though I’m not too keen on anything spicy there was enough spiciness to continue to eat some more. As my first meal, my stomach was already filling up. To add to the theme of Italian, I “washed” down my meals with a recommended white wine. Unable to remember the name, I suggest you ask your waiter to recommend one for you, as I’m sure they know what they’re talking about. My second course, the “entrée” was a meal I enjoy but do not eat enough of, Lasagna. Classic lasagna in a meat sauce, not over flowing with sauce or too much meat, this meal was as perfect as the appetizer. Made with layers upon layers of pasta, ricotta cheese, tomato sauce and perfectly seasoned and savory meat. My last and final meal was dessert, hard to share something as great tasting as dessert. Who doesn’t love a nice tasting meal to end with an even greater tasting dessert? My dessert of choice was the crème brulee; I’ve had the great tasting crème brulee before but this was extra special, served with bitter chocolate chips. My love for chocolate has now been even more provoked. Crème brulee translates to a custard with a caramelized crust, which is made using a blow torch; one specifically made for cooking. This dessert was a beautiful ending to a great meal and experience. With my stomach completely full, head a little light (thanks to the great tasting wine,) “Bistro Milano” is a restaurant I’d surely recommend. Though its Restaurant Week menu wasn’t as strong as I thought it would be, it didn’t damper my thoughts of this recommended restaurant.

What better than to enjoy authentic Italian food, in the middle of New York, Midtown. With a family oriented feel, this restaurant is perfect to bring a group of friends, a significant other or yourself on a date to share such fine food. Though a bit pricey, “Bistro Milano”, is the place to go to if you’re looking to have only one, big and tasty meal. Its meals are perfectly portioned for two mouths and for a big stomach. With great staff, airy feel and beautiful decorations this restaurant is the place to be if you want to try something different than the average, burgers and fries, and/or Mexican food. Restaurant Week is sure to drive New Yorkers wild with its variety of eateries. Enjoy what Restaurant Week has to offer and participate in this lovely and widespread event, you won’t be disappointed!

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