165 Duane St. (between Greenwich and Hudson Sts.) 212-528-0400 www.scalinifedeli.com
Italian. Once upon a time there came the perfect place for a date, proposal, anniversary, family gathering or business dinner. It was beautiful, with vaulted ceilings, countless flowers and better table spacing than could be wished. The menu, extensive and prix fixe, a delicious ode to Italian cuisine. The service as beguiling as one could ever hope. The desserts, each more enticing than the next. Ideal in every measure, it would seem a figment of one’s imagination — black truffle Arctic char, parmigiano crusted pork chop, warm caramelized apple tart in a baked fillo crust. Thankfully, this is no fabrication, but Scalini Fedeli. And, like the most riveting of tales, you will be compelled to revisit it again and again.