Scarpetta - I Had No Idea You Were a Chain

While reading Page Six today I found out some of the most interesting information I have learned about in a very long time. No, not that Katie Holmes is undergoing special treatment from the Scientologists to get pregnant again, but that Scarpetta, one of the nicest restaurants in NYC is actually a chain. Yup, fancy pants Scarpetta also has a location in Miami, therefore... it is a chain! My people, Jay-Z, Beyonce and my future husband, Arod were spotted eating there. Don't laugh, because when it happens, you won't be invited to the platinum wedding.

I was lucky enough to dine at Scarpetta a few months ago with the lovely, Nina, Jessica and Jemini. Jems is a fan of fine dining as of late so she suggested it. I was game, because I love food. If at the time I knew it was a chain I have a feeling it would have been a totally different experience.

Anyway, let me tell you about the restaurant. The ambiance is very low key cool and modern. It is probably more of a date place then a place you would go with your girlfriends, but hey, I take what I can get.

There are definitely specialty items here and I got them! For an appetizer I got the Creamy Polenta with truffled mushrooms. It was definitely good, but I wouldn't say it was the best polenta or truffled dish I ever had. The item that really stands out here is their spaghetti. It is by far the best spaghetti I can remember tasting. It is rather simple, just tomato sauce and basil. You almost think you should order something else when you are eating here but I urge you not to. This is definitely the entree to get. That night I also shared a chicken dish with Nina and it really wasn't that good at all. I think next time I would try a beef dish instead of the chicken to go with the spaghetti.

The desserts here I assume are very good. Truthfully I don't remember if I got one but looking at the menu online, I would eat all of them, especially the Coconut Pana Cotta, Vanilla Parfait, and Banana Budino.

I can totally see Scarpetta also opening an LA location in Beverly Hills and even one in Vegas. Don't be surprised if that happens soon.