[Photo: Kathy YL Chan]

Only at Gramercy Tavern could an order of Meatballs ($18) be so refined. It's a single gigantic, baseball-sized creature split down the middle with melted, bubbling fontina cheese oozing off both halves, earthy and nutty. The meatball is made from a blend of pork, beef, and veal, and is a fine balance between moist and meaty; most importantly, it's comforting. How could you not begin to salivate at the sight of this?

Buttery potato purée serves as the foundation, each creamy spoonful paired with sweet and melt-in-your month red wine onions strewn over the purée. Leftovers? All you need is a fresh baguette and there you've got a mighty fine sandwich. Pair with a glass of Lemon-Thyme Tonic ($5), bright, slightly sweet and herbal, perfect for balancing out a rich meal.

Gramercy Tavern

42 East 20th Street, New York NY 10003 (map)
212-477-0777
gramercytavern.com

About the author: Originally from Honolulu, Kathy YL Chan writes A Passion For Food, where she chronicles her eats and travels adventures between Hawai'i, New York and beyond. She firmly believes that there is always room for dessert.