Sicily in FiDi

I recently discovered a gem in the Financial District. Or should I say un gioiello?

A small storefront with the name Best Sicily Bottega is hidden away on Beaver Street, with the scent of real espresso wafting through its door.

The first time I visited the place was all about espresso - espresso for 25 Italian travelers that were crammed in and happily sipping afternoon coffees. They were brought there by an Italian tour guide that knew that he would need to appease his tour group with an honest espresso once a day.

That day's espresso was at Best Sicily Bottega. And, it wasn't until the gaggle of Italians departed that I could spy the housemade sandwiches, ready for a hot press; the delicate olive oil biscotti cookies awaiting a cappuccino for dunking; the giant ariancini stuffed with ground beef and peas; and the myriad of fresh-from-the-fryer bombolini...

I now find myself taking the 2 or 3 subway regularly to the Wall Street stop to partake in a bit of Sicily. It's a heck of a lot cheaper than a plane. And, the espresso? Bellisima!