Frankies Spuntino 570 launches our new series, Favorite Meal, which highlights some of the best meals in New York, both on and off the menu.
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Being a Brooklyner and loving local watering holes and even better, restaurants, I’ve been an avid fan of Cobble Hill favorite, Frankies 457. The food has never disappointed and I can always bet on the ambiance being just to my liking, darkish, cozy, with a speakeasy vibe. Last night I found myself wandering around the West Village with a friend and when the Spotted Pig was too loud and boisterous, we walked a block down West 11th to try out Manhattan’s sister version of the Brooklyn hotspot, Frankies 570.
While I still prefer the cute and quaint original location, 570 definitely lives up to its predecessor. I’ve visited the Cobble Hill staple enough times in my days to have tasted almost everything on the menu and I can honestly say that each dish is equally delicious. Whether it’s the fresh made Cavatelli, the Warm Polenta, Sweet Potato Gnocchi, or any of the Antipasti–you have a hit on the plate before you no matter what your choice or flavor. My ultimate favorite meal at either location however, is the Dandelion Salad with Grilled Octopus, accompanied by the Mushroom and Truffle Oil, and Cannellini and Anchovy Crostinis. What you have here is a bowl of crisp dandelion greens, manzanilla olives, grilled octopus and dressed with a little olive oil, lemon, and spice all served up chopped-salad-style and it’s simply amazing. There are a number of crostinis to choose from, but these two are my favorite. A crispy thin slice of hearty rustic bread topped with a generous portion of soft mushrooms and just the right dollop of truffle oil. The cannellini beans with a touch of anchovy tastes so fresh and light, and the presentation alone is almost too pretty to eat. Chefs and owners, Frank Falcinelli and Frank Castronovo had a beautiful concept when they first opened Frankies 457 in 2003 of serving fresh and local Italian inspired fare with a “Spuntino” style, and they’ve been serving simple delicious dishes ever since.
To top off my favorite meal, I either have a glass of the house chosen Nebbiolo or perhaps even a rather unique choice, the Fresh Ricotta and Wild Honey Crostini. Traditional desserts at Frankies are glorious, but this particular crostini is just the right amount of decadence, salty, and sweet. Try it. I’m willing to bet your taste buds will be intrigued.
Frankies Spuntino opened its doors on September 13, 2004. The building at 457 Court Street in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn had been an Italian social club, and it was a classic “fixer-upper” when discovered by friends Frank Castronovo and Frank Falcinelli in 2003.
Frank and Frank grew up together as friends and neighbors in Queens, New York. After losing touch for 18 years, they reunited by lucky coincidence in November 2003. Both were consulting in food and nutrition at the time, and after catching up, they decided to join forces. Together, they conceptualized Frankies—a unique restaurant that would embody the sum of their travels, food philosophies and experiences.
Frankies 570 is located at 570 Hudson Street at West 11th Street.
