We began with Polipo; grilled octopus. The smoked potatoes were delicious and the octopus was meaty & tender--a great start. Then came pastas, 3 of them: Fusili, Spaghetti, and Agnolotti. The Fusili was as I remembered it: savory, rich, and full of flavor. Probably the best pasta dish I've ever had. The spaghetti was almost as good; the crab was a tasty addition. The Agnolotti (a version not yet on the menu) was very impressive--a sausage filling & lentil puree brought spot-on saltiness and texture. After a morning spent wandering the chilly city, these three pasta dishes were soulfully satisfying.
Next came a scallop dish. The scallops were perfectly cooked and the many flavors on the plate worked well together--I'd have no hesitation eating this again. Lastly, two plates appeared, each having both the carrot ("carota") and doughnut ("bomboloni") desserts on them. Overly full and pressed for time, I recall these both being quite good but don't remember specifics. Based on my earlier, November visit to Marea, in which I was served a mashup of several desserts in one bowl, I would not hesitate to order anything from the dessert menu--all of them have been perfect finishers.
The last of our weekend's Michelin starred New York meals, Marea absolutely hit the mark. Great food, a refined & buzzing atmosphere, and enjoyable service were perfect on this occasion.
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