Not Your Neighborhood Italian Market

Il Buco Alimentari e Vineria.  53 Great Jones Street (Bowery & Lafayette), NYC.

Roast Porchetta Panino.  Not for those watching their cholesterol.  This sandwich is a generous portion of Porchetta served on a crispy, crusty house-made roll.  The portion was obviously sliced from a rolled pork roast which would make natives of Lazio proud.  The slice included the crunchy skin and a rich layer of pork fat surrounding the moist pork and its Salsa Verde.  Peppery Baby Arugula in the sandwich was a nice counterpoint to all that fat!  A small side dish included Pickled Cauliflower, a Baby Carrot and a small Onion.  These pickled vegetables were also a nice contrast to the rich pork.

A generous slice of Olive Oil Cake was a satisfying dessert with its hint of lemon.  Black and Green teas are served by the pot; and a full menu of espresso drinks are available.

Sit at the 6-seat counter in the Alimentari.  The wait-staff could not have been nicer, or more professional.  They graciously answered any and all questions--about the food, the wine, the fancy beer and wine pulls, etc.  Water glasses are routinely filled, even though the water carafe sits in front of you.  Every effort is successfully made to make a diner feel welcomed.