A Second Chance for Keste

Keste e Vino, 271 Bleecker Street, NYC 1/12/13

Insalata Rustica:  "Spring Mix" of greens, Prosciutto di Parma, marinated Artichokes, Gaeta Olives, Lemon Juice and Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Pizza Speciale:

Noci e Porcini: Cream of Walnut, Porcini, Pecorino Romano, Basil and Olive Oil.

First visit to much heralded Keste was in September 2012 for lunch.  Crust was undercooked and mediocre, and generally indifferent.  The boss stopped in to speak with his manager, but obviously did not taste what was coming out of the oven.  I could not understand the big fuss.

Second visit at dinner time on January 12, 2013 was altogether different.  The Insalata Rustica was perfectly dressed, a well balanced blend of lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil.  The Noci e Porcini pizza was delicious.  It was generously sprinkled with porcini.  The pecorino romano was in perfect proportion to the porcini.  The crust was excellent, thin, crisp, but not a cracker.  The crust was tasty but did not dominate or overwhelm the toppings.  Experiment, go beyond the traditional Margherita.  You will not be disappointed.  I can hardly wait to return.