194 Elizabeth St. btwn Spring & Prince
(212) 965-9511
http://peasantnyc.com
As I remember, the Italian lifestyle does not require you to work this hard. Having studied abroad in Italy, I know my fair share of basic Italian, at least enough to fake it every once in a while on a menu. Peasant's menu was created to make you look like a total fool. What's the point? They clearly know they are going to have to translate everything for you. Really, that's just wasting my time and the waitress' also (who didn't hide letting us know she felt that way). I was particularly offended when I asked how the Orata was prepared (some kind of fish she spared me the details on). Her response: "You have to filet it yourself. If I have time, I'll try to filet it for you." I opted away from the do-it-yourself option. God forbid I give them a little taste of their own medicine.
Grahamy and I shared the bufala salad. I know it's sort of "the thing" the finer the mozzarella, the more wet and runny it's supposed to be, but this really wasn't my thing (or Grahamy's). Being a Jersey girl, I've gotta say the tomatoes were noticeably superb and perfectly seasoned. For my main course, I went with the Agnello (lamb for all my fellow morons). Ah---it was decent. The polenta which accompanied was congealed into a shape that even my best attempts couldn't deconstruct. I think Martinez's hen needed a pedicure.
I'll give points for the ambiance. Rustic and cozy place, nice for wintertime. Ultimately, I wasn't as disappointed as the rest of my group. Basically, I'm not mad I tried it, but I doubt I'll ever go back.
Go or No Go? No Go
