Bice 02-19-2010

Location: 7 East 54th St.
Time: 12:30pm
People: FA, AP and myself

Feelings: Bice serves traditional Northern Italian cuisine with posh decor and punctilious waitstaff. This is the kind of a place out-of-towners would love since it is oh-so traditionally Manhattan, and at the same time, they would impress noodle lovers like myself with their freshly made pasta. It is pricey, so it is more adequate for special occasions.

Bice tends to be crowded and loud, and you will be surrounded by business lunches, so if you are looking for a romantic meal, this may not be the place. If, however, you are a single lady who is looking for a well established gentleman to have a romantic meal with, this might be a good place.

We shared Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella with Tomatoes and Basil and Insalata Gloriosa as starters. The ingredients were fresh, but it was unfortunately over-drenched in dressing. It took quite some time for them to serve us the entrees, but it gave me plenty of time to catch up with my friends. My Rigatoni with Eggplant was excellent. The eggplant was flavorful and well seasoned, and the pasta was perfectly cooked. AP enjoyed his Ravioli with Spinach and Cheese, and FA's Spaghetti with Baby Manila Clams looked absolutely delicious! Manila clams are my favorite, especially as manila clam miso soup, and I can't get over their sweet and delicate flavor. Perhaps after my pregnancy, I'll try some pasta with Manila clams. The list of what to eat post pregnancy keeps getting longer and longer nowadays.

We left the place full and satisfied. I really enjoy having a nice lunch with friends, perhaps more than dinner. I get back to work refreshed, and I am ready to conquer the rest of afternoon..while giving enough time to digest the tasty carbs.