Terrific Takeout: Il Melograno Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
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It's time for your Italian lesson, readers! Il Melograno means Pomegranate in Italian, and this hotspot in Hell's Kitchen, neighborhood famous for being the birthplace of one of the greatest American hockey players ever, Joey Mullen, is one you need to know about. They creatively pop pomegranate on top of each dish in our experience. We began with the delightfully fresh Artichoke Salad which is a m
editerranean blend. Grilled Artichokes, hearts of Palm, shaved Parmigiano had a party with cherry tomatoes and greens that combined to form one of the best salads we've had recently. Eat your salad!
A great test for a place new to us is to try the octopus. If it tastes rubbery, they fail and we don't write on them. Il Melograno succeeds at octopus with flying colors and tantalizing tenderness. Their
Grilled Portuguese Octopus, misticanza, diced potatoes, celery, cherry tomato & olives will make your summer day like few other dishes in Manhattan. Of everything we tried, this lasted fewr than five minutes after our departure and was gone in no time, delicately devoured with glee by our Editor in Chief. It is difficult to remember the last time we had octopus this superior.
See it smiling at the camera, though you will prefer it smiling in your stomach we can assure you.
Owner Alberto Tartari, who of course hails from Italy, suggested we also try a pasta course and the f
resh fettuccine, sautéed jumbo shrimp, creamy saffron sauce, chives, and baby arugula proved to excel with every bite. The succulent shrimps flavored so well danced on our palates while the fettuccine confirmed that Alberto is indeed from Italy.
We like fish quite a lot, especially in summer. The Branzino was pan-seared over eggplant puree with roasted Idaho potatoes and the taste and freshness announced that Il Melograno is among the best Italian spots in Manhattan. Every day they have a fish or meat special since they've been open for the last six years, and as they are especially close to the Piers and not far from the Javits, it is truly beyond us why anyone would choose to eat at that food court as opposed to strolling a few blocks to pick up something as stellar as this takeout. Note to everyone we've met at a trade show not living in Manhattan: this one's for you.
Il Melograno is Terrific Takeout!
