With a new place right across the street its tough not to go. So last night I ventured with a lovely companion over to Poetessa which took over the old East Post spot.
First thoughts - nice place. They have a pretty good vibe. Its dark but not too dark. Once and awhile the music got annoying but besides that they kept up that east village kind of fancy thing. Of course Mermaid Inn right next door looks like it does it much better.
We ordered two appetizers. The Fonduta e Pane Tostato (Fontina cheese fondue) - which was ok but was really just cheese poured over break. I think for like 8 dollars they could have worked on this one. Put the cheese in a ramekin - and serve it with really good bread - a fig - and some kind of meat. It would then be great. In this incarnation it was only ok. The other app was gulf shrimp on Tuscan chickpeas with lemon and olive oil on top. I liked this but feel it needed just a bit more flavor.
The entrees got better (I have learnt though that you need to question a kitchen that can do entrees better then appetizers). We ordered the Ossobucco and the Gnocchi. The gnocchi was good - not great. The amaron infused sauce was real delicious but might find a happier home on top a steak of some sort. The gnocchi were different then I am used to - small and not very starchy. The "wild bird" ragu was ok also but really lack much flavor. The lamb shank was a different matter. Tender as can be and with a real balanced taste. I didn't get much of the Meyer lemon gremolata the menu described but the Tuscan kale made me very happy.
To round out the dinner was a bottle of Castle Rock cabernet sauvignon. Real fruity red that went well with the meal. Dessert didn't blow me away but a Cappuccino pudding (its billed on the menu as a crème brule but no no no it is not one) and almond honey cake with lavender ice cream went very well with good strong coffee.
Overall an average meal with a somewhat above average price. Will I go back - well I wasn't going to but while writing this I kind of want to try the steak. I am always willing to give a place a second chance.