A friend of mine, who also happens to be a fellow foodie, had long ago suggested this casual Italian restaurant. It took a full year before I actually had the opportunity and (memory) to check Paprika out, and I was not disappointed for the most part. Unfortunately, we just missed the early bird special, which ended at 7pm, but the regular dinner prices were fairly reasonable. I refrained from getting an appetizer, but others at the table did. And of course I had to try some. =3
Yes, even after spending a semester abroad in Florence, my first time trying Prosciutto e Melone was at Paprika. It was an interesting blend of sweet and salty – not quite my cup of tea, but a good appetizer to try nonetheless. I cut off pieces of the cantaloupe and then wrapped the prosciutto around it before eating the combination. Haha please let me know if this is the correct way to eat this! For those unfamiliar with prosciutto, it is dry-cured spiced Italian ham that is usually sliced thin and served without cooking.
I was very happy with my choice of entree, having chosen the roasted salmon with sautéed spinach, sweet onions, orange and lemon (Trancio Di Salmone Con Spinaci E Cipolline, Salsa Di Arance E Limone). Beautifully laid out with an excellent contrast of salmon pink and spinach green, it tasted just as good as it looked.
The bright light from outside made the dish look even more appetizing, and it sure tasted better than the spaghetti with chopped up zucchini I tried from Carson’s plate. That pasta dish was quite unimpressive, tasting exactly like something I could have thrown together with leftover spaghetti sauce and vegetables from my kitchen. Needless to say, I was quick to return to my happy plate of fish. (Of course I shared :))
Wai opted for the steak with mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes I tried were nicely whipped and served as a natural compliment to the big hunk of meat resting on top. All in all, a good meal in the East Village, though I would probably just order the salmon again if I returned.
Paprika
110 Saint Marks Pl
Btwn 1st Ave & Ave A
I've been told that a certain smile breaks across my face whenever the subject of food is brought up, a smile that radiates the purest forms of delight and happiness. Food transcends beyond the smell and taste of what's presented in front of me; it's an experience to be enjoyed, indulged, shared with those I love. Working and living in NYC continually opens culinary doors, from hole-in-the-walls to upscale (even stuffy) dining. I never take any morsel of food for granted, and I'm often THAT girl at the table found licking her plate at the end of the meal.
