Isn’t it amazing how an ordinary day can turn out to be extraordinary just by a change of plan! Every Friday, almost like clockwork the plan is to see a movie and have a quiet dinner out without the children. Usually a neighborhood choice is easiest when thinking about time and distance for keeping the babysitter over time.
This evening began as every other Friday but quickly changed into an experience that became a memorable evening. First the decision to pass on the movie and check out the new mall on E. 116th Street where Costco, Target, Old Navy, Marshall’s, and Best Buy have opened adding color to East Harlem. Next an impromptu stop by a New York institution, Rao’s Italian restaurant at E. 114th Street and Pleasant Ave.
Having read all of the reviews of this NY institution I was quite intrigued, enough to stop by to see what all the fuss was about. In the front of the restaurant were three chairs with a small table. Three gentlemen having drinks with cigars and a docile dog named Cinnamon were outside to greet the patrons. Later it was made clear that one of these men was part of the family that has owned an operated this restaurant for 114 years in New York City.
“Rao’s is renowned for its jukebox, its quirky decor, its unmatched hospitality and most of all, the spectacular Neapolitan cuisine. It’s also notorious for being one of the most difficult restaurants in New York in which to get a reservation. Yearlong waits for one of its ten tables are not uncommon. But what is it about this tiny, charming restaurant that makes it the most in-demand spot in the city night after night, year after year?”
How wonderful to be invited in for a drink at the bar by Ron, one of the owners always present out front to greet the patrons in his affable style with his charming grace. Asking if it would be possible to eat here he said, “Its very difficult but maybe over time you can get in”. Once inside it was easy to see why people wait a year to eat here, the staff, the atmosphere, as well as the delicious aromas from the food was quite enticing.
Being a native New Yorker it was such a treat to experience this 114-year-old treasure in New York, and maybe, if the restaurant God would shine upon this writer, a coveted reservation might be obtained. Here’s hoping until next time.
