Shocking Confessions of a Sweet Tooth

If you can't be trusted to watch a plate of cookies or keep your fingers off the frosting, don't worry. You are not alone. Many of us can't resist the allure of something sweet. Take comfort in the confessions of a Tribeca Taste reader:

"I don't usually participate in the rumor mill, but…did you know that there's a respected educator who confesses to spending her entire Taste of Tribeca ticket at the Duane Park Patisserie Booth? If the kids only knew! I'm a fan of their hot chocolate. They steam up the thick, dark base in the latte steamer and it's so rich, you can almost chew it."

Taste As If It Were The First Time...

Sometimes genius is not is inventing something new- but in re-discovering something that has always been there:

"I love how Roc can surprise you by elevating something mundane and, often, unloved: Brussels Sprouts. Who knew they could be so good, shaved thin, served raw with a lemony dressing and pecorino cheese? It was a revelation and I could have easily finished another plateful."

Gigino's

Everyone has their comfort food. One of our readers shares a favorite with us:

"There's something so welcoming about stepping into Gigino's on a raw March night. You can smell the pizza baking in the oven, the yellow walls and flattering light make it feel like home. In a way, it has been part of our home for over 13 years—as the take-out containers will attest. But there's nothing like going in, eating their wonderful olives and picking something off the specials list. My husband and daughter are devotees of the linguini and clam sauce—filled with manila clams and a sprinkling of red pepper. In the summer, I like those two small tables perched out on the stoop. It's the kind of restaurant every neighborhood needs."

Pepolino

When good food mingles with a beautiful space and attentive service you have the makings of a loyal patron and excellent word of mouth from one of our readers:

"We had a great dinner at Pepolino last night. I have actually not been here for sometime and I don't know why. The food is fabulous and the space is beautiful. Both of us each had one of the specials, my friend had the risotto which was amazing and I had the branzino, perfectly cooked and really tasty. When we got there we told the server that we had theater tickets so we only had an hour and we were still able to fit in three courses without feeling rushed. We finished with espresso and chocolate cake. I even had time to chat with Enzo, one of the owners, on my way out. Now that I have rediscovered this place, I plan to become a regular, like most of the patrons who were there last night."

Enjoy Tribeca with Friends

Here are some reader suggestions for dinner in Tribeca with friends:

Acappella is a great place to take out of town guests. Don't miss the three homemade pastas -- nothing better! Bandiera Italia: A combination of Three Pastas, Fusilli Pesto, Porpadelle Boscaiola and Paglia Fieno with Fresh Plum Tomatoes and Basil.

We went to The Harrison on a rainy night with a party of five and the warm service really cheered us up. We tried the fish specials -- yum! I also liked the Pumpkin Seed Salad.

When You Need a Little Something...

Sometimes you just need a little something... Maybe you need to bring something for a party or a morning pick me up. If so, here are a couple of suggestions to help scratch that itch:

Duane Park Patisserie made the cutest cookies for Easter. What a hit with the family when we brought a box over!

Zucker's Bagels is a nice addition to the neighborhood. I always see a friendly face when I stop in to pick up a homemade yogurt or bagel with tuna. The coffee is good too.

More Adventures for the Palate

Another restaurant lover chimes in about some Tribeca favorites:

Kiva Cafe has the best little carrot muffins.

Thalassa is my favorite place to go for fish. There is no place better. The Greeks know what they are doing! Try this starter too -- Anthos zucchini blossoms stuffed with jumbo lump crab meat.