Jacqui Gal

I Sodi

Read this article at Metromix.com

First-time restaurateurs Rita Sodi and Josh Dworkis have thrown their personalities into this compact West Village spot. Dworkis custom designed every inch of the interiors, while Sodi has created a menu to replicate the Tuscan palate of her childhood. Adding to the authenticity, Sodi’s mom (who lives just outside Florence) flew in this opening week, to stir, taste and give her seal of approval. “It’s all about clean tastes and simple ingredients,” says Dworkis. “We do a Branzino cooked in salt, it’s the best fish I ever had. The salads have only one or two ingredients, with the perfect olive oil and a tiny bit of balsamic vinegar. It’s just a simple, simple menu.” Pastas are rolled fresh every day, and the selection of Italian wines contains a few from Sodi’s own vintner friends. Dishes (including an artichoke lasagna, fried rabbit and risotto fungi) can be ordered to one of the tables, or eaten at the 15-seat bar.

105 Christopher St., near Bleecker St., 212-414-5774