Puttanesca

 Puttanesca is a perfect place to go to before going to the theater. While it's a little bit pricier than other restaurants on 9th avenue, it will also give you more privacy. 

The mother's day menu looks particularly good. For $39.95 you will be treated to a glass of prossecco,  lobster, skate, or braised short ribs, an appetizer and dessert.  Wow, my mouth is watering writing this. Maybe we will go there.

It gets quite busy during pre-theater hours and the waiters can be curt. Yet, there is a charm about the place. The restaurant feels cozy--walls are brick covered with stills from Italian holidays and photographs of Italian celebrities.

While this isn't the place to go to if you're on a tight budget, it won't break your bank account. A caesar salad is $7 and penne puttanesca, served with a light spicy tomato sauce, black olives, anchovies, capers is $12. Desserts too are pretty reasonable at $7 with many choices including apple pie and creme brulee.

If you're coming for brunch, make sure to order food first before filling up on unlimited champagne, mimosas, or peach bellinis. Healthy options include franola vanilla yogurt dried fruit ($19) and fresh fruit salad half cantaloupe ($19), as well are more fun options like the chocolate chip pancakes ($19).

If the name doesn't offend you (it means whore's spaghetti), this could become your regular pre-theater choice.

- by Danielle Sonnenberg, New York Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Danielle Sonnenberg

Danielle Sonnenberg is a freelance writer living in New York City. She is passionate about stories and asking questions. She has written for several publications including the New York Post, TheStreet.com, Lifestyles Magazine, and Minyanville.com To view more of her work please go to, Her website is www.daniellesonnenberg.com