The Dreaded Holiday Office Lunch

In truth, I really don't dread the annual holiday lunch with my colleagues one bit. However, I am quite glad to be done with the DJ-riddled, over-produced, pigs-in-a-blanket infested, sub-standard booze infused evening at Tavern on the The Green that passed for the holiday party at one of my former jobs. Frankly, lunch is a heck of a lot more civilized. Wouldn't you agree?

This year, I was commissioned with the job of finding the restaurant for our work luncheon. Last year's spot, Avra, was pretty tasty, but I had a few complaints about the fare and several about how far it was from the office. (I don't think 9 blocks is bad, but clearly some of my colleagues did.) So, I stuck closer to the office for this year's pick: Cinque Terre (photo of the restaurant's namesake Italian region is above).

All in all, I was very impressed by the efficient and friendly staff - not to mention the very authentic old-world Italian menu. The restaurant is located in the Jolly Madison Hotel, which is actually an Italian boutique chain, so the fact that the entire staff and chef come directly from Italia, shouldn't have come as a surprise.

In terms of my picks from the menu, I started in with a half-portion of Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce and Buffalo Mozzarella. All I can say, is if that was a half-portion, heaven help the person who orders a full portion. (I'm inclined to believe that the chef was just heavy handed in the preparation, since half-portions aren't a typical request.) Then, I took the waiter's advice and ordered Veal Medallions surrounded with Proscuitto, served atop a Roasted Red Pepper Frittata. Gorgeously plated (as was everyone else's dishes) it was just as gorgeous on the tongue. Unfortunately, a couple of dishes at the table paled in comparison taste-wise - especially one colleague's bowl of Gnocchi.

But, once a few of us ordered up glasses of Moscato d'Asti, Prosecco and cups of cappucino, previous culinary trespasses were pretty much forgiven. And, the free plate of biscotti that arrived with our dessert orders kinda put it over the edge.

And, over the edge is where I'll leave it - as I bid all of you adieu for the holiday weekend. (Big surprise: Jewess that I am, I have Christmas plans that include a movie and Asian food.)

Have a Merry Christmas. I'll return on Monday...