Sometimes it is different if you find something you did not expect. Naturally, there are good restaurants that can offer you steaks, chops and fresh fish. They do exist. And sometimes they try something unique for you to have. That is what happened when we walked into BLT PRIME for dinner. They had a twist to the menu by offering a special Italian Menu for the month. It was a smaller menu than usual with a good variety of things to have.When we stepped inside BLT Prime we knew it would be a nice place to visit. We did not expect we would actually be stepping inside of Rome. This was an experience we did not imagine here in New York.Having spent several weeks in Rome this year we knew what having Italian meals was all about. Fresh. Different. Items not offered in the typical Italian restaurant in the US. It was Italian. So, when we looked at the Italian menu we did not find items that were normal for the US. These were items you only find in Italy.When we were able to sit we were able to start something new. Both menus were brought to us. The usual menu and the Italian one for the time period. We decided to be different and go for the Italian. We wanted to give it a try.First they brought a way to start your cocktail with slices of freshly made bread and a spread of Chicken Liver Pate. Now, for those who always try pate we knew what to expect. Even having chicken liver during the holidays we knew what to expect. But to have this version of Chicken Liver Pate was new. It was fresh and tasty. Just enough to place on the crust and take a bite.It was perfect with an Aperol Spritz, a combination of Aperol, Prosecco and Club Soda. Fresh and refreshing. Perfect to start. We also had a glass of Vermentino, an Italian white wine from Tuscany. Vintage 2016. It also was refreshing and a complement to the pate.From there we were brought to a starter that BLT Prime is known for. The Popovers. These are made by Chef Crooks in-house. There were two. One for each of us. There was even a small card with the cooking recipe attached. Ideal to have and understand if you make it at home. This was freshly made and warm. It is a standard item we might have had from home, but this time there was the addition of gruyere cheese mixed in. This was wonderful. You would want it for breakfast. It was different. And each popover was large enough to share by two individuals. But they bring one popover for each person there. Enjoying a glass of wine was a way to have it.This was the beginning before the appetizers arrived. The first item up was the Prosciutto and Melon. But it was different. This is not as you normally get in New York. This was the way we had it when being in Rome for several weeks. It was purely Roman. It was made of prosciutto from Parma, thinly sliced melon all draped over homemade aged burrata, which is a version of mozzarella but softer and gentler. The prosciutto was seasoned and aged with a gentle taste and flavor. The melon was easy to eat and could have been a dessert itself. As for the burrata, being Italian I could have made this a meal with bread and wine alone.We also had a Carpaccio "Harry's Bar" , a famous location that is based in Venice. Having eaten in Harry's in Venice we knew what to expect. But here at BLT Prime they took it a step further. It is thinly sliced Filet Mignon that is topped with a lemon aioli, parmesan and some black pepper grissini. It even had some watercress that was freshly placed on top. Now, you can get this at a good Italian restaurant, but to have it this way was different. As we finished the appetizers, the entrees arrived. First was the Pappardelle Bolognese. This was fresh and made that day. It was hand-cut as pappardelle is a broader pasta noodle. It was definitely al dente. It was topped with a ragu of beef and rosemary. This is the way it is made in Rome. It is not covered with a red sauce. That is typical at other locations. This version is made as you find it in Rome. It is simply flavored with the ragu that is a good portion of the dish. It is easy to share between two, just as you find it overseas. Next a Breaded Veal Chop. This is a large, fresh piece of veal. It is cooked medium rare. It is moist and tasty. Not over seasoned. Just enough to make you enjoy the veal itself. It is placed upon a lemon-caper relish and a Tonnato Sauce, which combines tuna and anchovies with mayonnaise and garlic to produce a versatile touch to enhance the chop. Even after the meal there is time for a dessert. And a dessert you can share. We asked David, who helped us, his recommendation. It is always good to ask what they might have if they ordered. David recommended the Creme Brulee. It was warm. Fresh and tasty. You could taste the sugar flavor expected with it. The team is excellent. The chef is great. BLT Prime is a place to visit and enjoy. Prices are reasonable for where you are and what you will be offered. There is no rush when inside. BLT Prime is a prime.
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