Love Weekday Lunch for One @ Locanda Verde

On a very windy and cold but sunny February Tuesday lunchtime, I walked into a restaurant and inquired for the first time "May I have a table for one please?"

I have never dined alone and I think being an only child has created this phobia of dining alone...though in this city, table for one, especially during lunchtime is very normal, so I thought I'd give it a try.

I had a rolodex of restaurants run through my mind - from Luke's Lobster to The Standard, DBGB, Avoce and several others, before I decided that I wanted to return to Locanda Verde. For several reasons, it is still nearly impossible to get a reservation at Locanda Verde for a decent hour for dinner for a party of two without calling first thing in the morning 30 days in advance. So, Locanda Verde is was.

I was greeted very warmly by two hostesses. I arrived at 12:30pm with the restaurant (to my surprise, but really happy to know that they actually have a down time) half empty. I was seated at a table for two by the front window. My Chanel tote and coat occupied my would-be date.

I knew that I wanted the Sheep's Milk Ricotta with sea salt and herbs. It is an absolute fav of mine! I love this homemade ricotta and nowhere else has been able to perfect it like Locanda Verde has.

Sheep's Milk Ricotta

I was picking between the traditional ravioli and the Scampi Ravioli, but since I was thinking more traditional I went with My Grandmother's Ravioli - homemade ravioli stuffed with beef and topped with red tomato sauce and freshly grated parmesan.

 My Grandmother's Ravioli

I had about half of my appetizer and already felt full. Somehow I managed to finish my entree, but then when the dessert menu arrived in front of me, I couldn't resist Blood Orange-Prosecco Sorbetti.

Blood Orange-Prosecco Sorbetti

I really don't know how I ate so much on my own, but I was probably thinking at the time that these chances are few and far in between, so I made the most of it. Honestly, I've been beyond satisfied with everything I've had at Locanda Verde and even with high expectations, my third visit exceeded expectations. Beyond satisfied.

Closing Note: I did not enjoy eating alone and probably will not venture this route by choice in the near future. I got pretty bored and started to wish that I had company to chat with and decide on what to order from the moment I sat down.