Pillows of Goodness

It's always great to try a new restaurant after reading a review or having a friend tell you about a "must-try spot" but it's even better when the recommendation comes from chefs. Food Network's new show The Best Thing I Ever Ate features favorite restaurants of Food Network celebrity chefs. After seeing an episode where Ted Allen raves about the gnocchi at Jane's in NYC, I knew I had to pay a visit!

Conveniently located on West Houston Street, accessible by all trains heading to West 4th, Jane offers many great brunch, lunch and dinner options. After deciding to make this a lunch date with a dear friend and chef, we decided that it would be best if we "sampled" 3 dishes that called our attention: The Spring Lamb Ravioli, the Jane Burger and the Toasted Ricotta Gnocchi.

The ravioli was interesting, but I wouldn't consider it a favorite. The burger was awesome and definitely something I would get again. But the gnocchi...words cannot even describe how delicate, flavorful and luxurious the dish was. The ricotta gnocchi were like little clouds or pillows--light and comforting, especially considering there were lightly toasted (hard to hate anything that's fried!) The sauce was bold, creamy and cheesy. The drizzle of truffle oil was the bow on the packaging. The entire dish in itself was an experience.
Naturally, I had to bring my husband here to experience it for himself. The next day we headed here for lunch. We decided on the BLT&E (egg) and the Toasted Ricotta Gnocchi. As the plate arrived his eyes lit up! As he tasted the gnocchi I new it won him over. We decided to move on to the BLT&E and savor the gnocchi for last! Don't get me wrong the sandwich was great, exactly what you want for lunch--something delicious, but nothing overly heavy--but the gnocchi is something you could wake up to. Pillows of Goodness indeed!