Come on in!
After a long flight and a sweltering hot taxi ride without air-con, I was anxious to get to our room. Welcome to the Royalton Hotel daaaaahlings. Isn’t this a lovely lobby? It’s so Art Deco/ Goth. It kind of feels like I’m in an episode of Bat Man. So, where have I traveled to? I am indeed in THE Gotham city my dears: New York. Woo hoo 
the Housewife has arrived. Bat Man beware, you are no match for me… and for goodness sake, put on some pants on. Did your mother really let you leave the house looking like that? Show some shame man!
While Mr P checks out the horrifically overpriced snacks in our room ($5 for some M&Ms and $8 for water?!?), I think I’ll have a nice soak in the tub, before dinner.
For our first night in the city we opted to go to most casual of Mario Batali’s New York restaurants: Otto Enoteca & Pizzeria. That place is buzzing! As soon as you walk in you are bombarded with bright colors and loads of lively chatter. I was later to note that the noise level in New York restaurants is much greater than anywhere in the UK. Okay, but I’m not going to complain about noise, that’s just going to make me sound like I’m old, and we all know how young and pretty I am. I am also wise… so very wise LOL. Am I digressing already?
On a hot day, I can’t tell you how lovely it was to be greeted with some icy cold water without having to ask for it. I don’t know about you, but it’s little things like that which really endears me to a place. The water was later followed by a packet of thin and crispy breadsticks and a hunk of chewy but pleasant bread wrapped in brown paper. The bread sticks were no taste sensation. Actually, they were a teeny bit bland, but they were cute, and cuteness factor counts in my book. The bread was nice, but it was even better when we asked for some olive oil for dipping. The olive oil they gave us was exceptional. It was very light and fruity. I couldn’t mop up enough of it.
We had a wonderful waiter who seemed very knowledgeable about the items on the menu, which was good, because many items were listed by their Italian names. Funny, but our waiter actually looked a bit like Mario Batalli himself. Apparently, from a conversation I overheard, Mario Batali does visit the restaurant occasionally, but at the time of our visit, he was not in NY. How wonderful it would have been to see him. I admire Mario Batali very much. He is one of my all time favourite chefs because I really sense his love and passion for what he does. When I see him on TV, I find his enthusiasm really infectious. And his creations? Art.
For starters Mr P and I got some giant Sicilian olives. You can’t really tell in this picture, but these suckers are big! Actually if you compare the olive to the base of the spoon, you might get an idea of what I’m talking about. They were also very delicious and had the faintest taste of the lemon rind which was sitting in the oil along with the olives. The man at the table sitting next to us was so impressed by them, that he had to order them too: copycat 
. Next was some very good eggplant caponata. My favourite caponata, is the one at Carluccio’s (which tends to be on the sweet side, while this one is more savoury), but the one here at Otto could definitely hold its own. The best of these starters, for me, was the sweet corn fregola. Really, I had no idea what fregola was, but the waiter explained that it was pretty much the same as giant/ Israeli cous cous. The fregola was nutty and delicate, and the corn tasted so fresh and sweet. You could tell that the corn was cut straight off the cob, as there were actually some little kernels that were stuck together. I was totally won over by this particular starter. I know it might not look like much, but believe me, looks are deceiving here.
So, it was here that I had my very first New York pizza. While I did like it very much, I was later to find that there are much better pizzas in the city… much better. Despite that, it definitely wiped the floor with any pizza you would get in the UK (and that includes London–oh god, am I ever going to be able to enjoy Pizza Express again?).
Here is a picture of my potato, ricotta, and anchovy pizza. The crust was nice and crispy. The anchovies very salty (I like salt), and the ricotta was smooth and creamy. It was a great combination of flavours. I preferred Mr P’s selection of Pasta alla Norma, however. His was a fabulous and perfectly al dente pasta which consisted of tomato, roasted eggplant, basil, and bufala ricotta. The pasta was generously coated in the rich and flavourfull sauce, and when you got a bit of the cheese, well it was divine. A rare and bright smile could be seen on my Hubbykin’s face, and so I will now have to figure out how to duplicate this dish at home. Mr P is a very friendly and happy person, but funny enough, he doesn’t smile all that much. I love it when he smiles!
I wouldn’t come to Otto and not try their gelato. It’s what all the bloggers rave about. From what I’d read before my trip, this is supposed to be some of the best gelato in the city (although we later found something way better– that will be in an upcoming post). Otto offers loads of tempting flavours to choose from, and between Mr P and I, we tried 6 different gelatos.
Mr P’s selection was a vision in white, as he chose coconut, vanilla, and olive oil (a blogger favourite according to the reviews I read). My favourite of these was probably the coconut, though I think it would have been even better if it had little coconut pieces in it. The vanilla was sweet and creamy, as good as vanilla gets. As for the olive oil, well, while I can understand why one would like it, the fact is that my tastes run toward the more traditional. I did, however, try it with the idea that I was going to love it, so I was more than open-minded. I feel like as a food blogger I am committing a sacrilege by telling you that I wasn’t feeling Otto’s famed olive oil gelato, but I’m not about to start lying to you. I like my ice cream to be sweet and full of sugar and cream. Salty gelato is a bit too complex for my palate. Mr. P, on the other hand absolutely raved over the flavour with its fantastic texture and the rivulets of oil which ran throughout the mixture. Mr P. says he is going to Baskin Robbins kick up a fuss until they put it amongst their 31 flavours. Trust me, he can kick up a fuss when he wants to.
As for me, I had salted caramel, hazelnut, and dark chocolate. Of these, the dark chocolate was my favourite. There was something about it that tasted very pure and singular to me. It was strong and unabashed, super chocolatey. Next was the hazelnut, which tasted almost like Nutella ice cream with little chocolate pieces in it– it was a close second. As for the salted caramel, another blogger favourite, it just wasn’t as amazing as I’d imagined. It was creamy and salty with a slightly “burned” flavour. It definitely had a uniqueness about it, but it just wasn’t to my personal taste. Even Mr P agreed with me on that one, and truth be told, I think his tastes are much more sophisticated than mine (I hope he doesn’t read that). Overall, I have to say that all the gelatos had a marvellous creamy texture and come to the table beautifully presented. It’s just up to you to pick the right flavour.
Otto is excellent value for money. Mr P was shocked when we got the bill and it was under $70! Don’t fret my little pet, I’ll find you something else to spend your money on.
I deffinitely would reccomend Otto. The starters are fresh and exciting. For the mains, I’d go for the pasta rather than the pizza. The pasta was fab, and the pizza is good, but you can do better if you are in the city. As for the gelato, there are so many wonderful flavours to choose from, you are bound to find one you love wether you are the adventurous foodie or the cautious and picky.
Overall score for Otto: 8/10.
Our bedroom at the Royalton Hotel. Note to self: Must buy feather pillows.
Whoah, this post has taken me forever to write! Bed time for me. I always get tired after a big meal. Time to climb into my super comfy feather bed. Some people like to count sheep, I count bread rolls (with buttah of course). Sweet dreams daaaaahlings. Do come back, I’ve got loads of good eats and fabulous adventures to share with you.
*Goodnight Kisses*
Sweet dreams and have a fabuloussssssssss time in the Big Apple, darliiiiiinnnng HH!
XOXO LOLA:)
Dahling, you did not let me know you were coming to NYC! How long are you in town? I’d love to see if there is any way in a hello!
I love Mario too and his newest book, Molto Gusto, is based on recipes from Otto. In fact, it’s one of my favorite cookbooks that I’ve received so far this year so I was really excited to read this review. I have to say that Mr P definitely made a very wise and delicious choice with the Pasta alla Norma. Holy cow does that look good with all that gooey cheese melting all over the place!! I’m loving the way they serve you a trio of gelato in one dish, very pretty! Looks like you’re having a wonderful time in NYC. I hope you have lots of fun and tasty eats!!
Yeah, what Hamptontoes said. You’re in NYC?! You are staying blocks away from my work. What if we passed each other on the street?! We could have…it’s NYC. Oh! And if you want a DELICIOUS and WONDERFUL wine and cheese night, you MUST go to Caselulla (52nd & 9th). And if my friend Allen is working, tell him you know me. He’ll take extra special care of y’all.
Wait a minute … you’re in NYC and you didn’t even tell me?! LOL
Wow, the Royalton looks lovely! I’ll have to remember that for the future. And, as for Otto, I like it, but don’t love it. The pizza is OK, but that pasta looks fantastic. I’ll have that next time for sure.
I must say I’m a big fan of both the olive oil and the salted carmel gellato. In fact, I liked them better than the pizza! LOL
looks like a great meal! I would love a taste of those gellatos! Have a fabulous time in New York!
The bath tub looks super! I never touch the mini bars in the room…. they are ridiculously expensive.
My goodness, another wonderful trip! I’m so jealous! Gosh, the room looks incredible…. I might want to jump into the bed with you too! hahaha…. Just blaughing! By just the look, I think I’ll take the pizza! Guess, this is just the beginning…. more scrumptious food coming up next, right! Hope you’re enjoiying your day.
Cheers, kristy
HH, have a wonderufl trip in NY and make sure you post all about it…. Looking forward to see what you get your teeth in to next ..xx
The pizza looks amazing! I wouldn’t do olive oil gelato either…
Have a wonderful time in the city that never sleeps. Hope you see tons of shows, buy the perect purse and enjoy every morsel of food you can handle. I love New York. One of my favorite cities EVER. Bakery, bakery, bakery- can’t have enough of that there, and the sandwiches. Oh too much to eat and enjoy!
Have fun! I love your tub!
I am revisiting NYC in October, so I await your reviews with eager anticipation! I shall also have to find and read the NYC food bloggers for their reviews and opinions of the cuisines on offer in the city.
Sounds wonderful, I was in the city Monday and am heading back in next week, I want some of that caramel gelato!! Love the feather pillows on the bed, the room and hotel look fabulous!
I am checking out a little Italian restaurant in Manhattan in a couple weeks because I hear its garden courtyard evokes a small European feel, we shall see!
btw, I haven’t mailed your glasses yet, hopefully they will go out on Friday and arrive in England in one piece!
Have a wonderful time and I can’t wait to read more
xoxo
Faabulous review.Those olives looked delicious.You cant beat a good Italian.Ha.
Lovely photos!
Wow, you and Mr. P really know how to travel in style, daahling…the Royalton is absolutely gorgeous and your room is massive for New York standards! I totally agree with your assessment of Otto, the veggies and antipasto are great, while the pizzas and pastas are decent but could be better (and what, no lardo pizza?! LOL). I can’t believe you tried 6 flavors of gelato though, how fab! I’m a big fan of salty desserts so I think I would have enjoyed both the caramel and olive oil gelato (your description of the rivulets of oil running through it is very tempting).
Ooh La La…on the Royalton…life is treating you well…and you certainly deserve it don’t you ;o)
Otto is certainly a great find…especially when you get more for your dollars. You seemed to have had a lovely evening.
Have yourselves a fun time in NYC.
Ciao to the very young HH,
Claudia
Oooh, the pizza is to die for, isn’t it? You’re right, even the worst pizza in NYC beats the heck out of pretty much any other pizza.
Hope you’re having a fab time! XO
Darling! I knew you’d do NYC in style! That shower, I love it!
And the pizza? Faaabulous!
Welcome to the states my dear! If you get the urge to swing by lovely Michigan before you go back, I’ll fry you up a mean ham and cheese, along with a Founders Dirty Bastard!!!
I am soooo jealous – I love NYC!!! Have a lovely time HH.
Next time, try the lardo pizza. Yes, it’s pig fat on pizza. But it’s totally heavenly.
Oh daaahling, I am so envious! It all looks so fabulous, from the feather pillows to the pizza, pasta and gelato. Sigh.
More NY posts please
wow! what a gorgeous place you’re staying at!!!
can’t wait to read about the rest of your tasty adventures in NYC.
cheers
M.
NYC is one of my favorite places in the world. Every chance I can, I visit. Every time I arrive in NYC I feel like I am standing in the middle of the world.
You can most definitely sleep well and fill your belly in NYC. Enjoy your time.
The food looks excellent! I would love to try the olive oil gelato. And what a beautiful room – I love feather pillows – can’t sleep on anything else. Enjoy your trip! Can’t wait to hear more.
There are so many things I did not try when I was in NYC last. Is Otto expensive? Have a happy trip
Everything looks so grand…A waiter that knows the menu?
I have friends in NY, but they always come here…I need to plan something. Great post dear 
Did you take into account your gentleman’s smile for scoring
!?
I am pretty jealous of everything in this post…from your trip to NYC to your gorgeous hotel room to the fact that you are off to spend your hubby’s money.
$70 is an amazing deal for all that delicious food! Please remember me HH while you indulge in all things NYC…I’ll just be over here in L.A. fasting away.
PS – the water trick doesn’t work for me. I just need carbs, lots and lots of carbs.
OH how I miss NYC!!!! You and Mr. P, do know how to take a trip in style
Fab photos!!!
Welcome to NYC… for pizza, there are so many now.. but the classic is Lombardi’s in Soho. Hope you have a smashing rest of your visit (don’t forget to visit the new Plaza Food COurt!
I love the bathtub surround! And, I couldn’t be more jealous of your meal at Otto. I’ve never been to a Mario restaurant, and I really need to do something about that. Great-looking gelato!
What a great adventure, beautiful hotel – I’ve not been to NYC in such a long time, your post made me want to jump on a plane. I’ve gotta try some of that ’salty gelato’!
I couldn’t read this post without feeling a twinge of envy! How I miss New York – never got around to trying Batali’s restaurant though… and the Dalton hotel looks fabulous – will try to stay there next time I go.
sounds like u had an amazing time in nyc! i was there just last yr and boy was it amazing. except for the hotel tho. it can’t hold a candle to the one u stayed in!
oh, and those ice cream look so tempting!
What a beautiful hotel! I just love NYC!
You didn’t tell me you were going to NYC!!! I have only been there once – but it was just last March…. and there are some things I would have loved to have shared. Did you get to Momofuku or (heaven forbid…) Per Se? Try any street food? Get to Carnagie Deli? Your hotel looks like the place Princess Di would have stayed when she visited. YUMMY! Those kind of business trips, I love. We did a foodie tour of Greenwich Village which was a real highlight for us… and then, there is the Met, the MOMA and the Guggenheim. so much to do. I cannot wait to read more about your trip. BTW… everywhere in Canada we are given a glass of ice cold water as we sit. I think in most places in the States, too. Certainly in the NW and NE. Also, you know the British are more reserved than the Americans. I was even embarrassed when travelling, and I am not American… but just for many of my American “brothers” who were far too loud in restaurants and on tours. It was embarrassing.
XOXOX
Valerie
How fab! You are in my neck of the world! Finally, I don’t have to drool from afar, I can get in my car and actually visit Otto…which I now plan on doing…pronto! xx
So fun to read about your adventures. Looks like you’re eating well and staying in fabulous places. I’ll look forward to hearing more about your trip.
I’ve never really heard of Otto until this post, but I can see it’s way out of my league! Ah, to be pampered like that! What a life you have!
You are having the most amazing adventures at the moment – totally jealous of that hotel room and of you being in NYC!
Oh! How lucky you are !!! NY is one place I so so so want but yet to visit. I am so totally a green-eyed monster now
))
Oooh, what a decadant hotel! Looks so lovely. And I adore Mario Batali restaurants. I want to pluck one of those olives from my computer screen. Yum! I can;t wait to hear where else you eat in your NY travels
Wow! The shot of your room is amazing! I love that sofa…and the bed…oh, and that tub! You are so right, the front of the hotel does remind me of Batman!
Your potato pizza looks delicious! I’m sure I would have chosen this exact one also. I haven’t gotten to NY quite yet. Someday.
Awh you have all the fun darling, could have taken me with you *wink.
Sounds so delish and loved the photo’s too, the place you stayed looked fantastic.
xoxo
I feel bathed in luxury just reading this post of yours HH.. holy cannoli … and thks for the food pics at Otto, plus the honest review of the gelato. Must admit, I’ve always been curious abt the olive oil flavor … never had it, but have heard oodles abt it.
You two sure know how to travel! Looks like a divine time. Oh those olives…Want some NOW!
You lucky, lucky girl! Lucky girl….
Woohoo: New york city!!
Thanks for sharing your hotel & restaurant expeirnces with us!! What a fabulously looking hotel & hotel room!
The pizza looks fab & also does the dessert!