I'm Hooked On Italian, Got A Big Fix Yesterday at IL Buco Alimentari & Vineria New York City

Ok, I admit it, I've become an Italian food and wine junkie, it has been 20 hours and 38 minutes since my last fix. Next thing you know it will be Mano a Vino, Italian Vino and Cucina and that's it.

I got a wonderful fix of Italian on Saturday with Diana, her sister, Heidi; Bro-In-Law, Perry; and friends from California, Srutih and Simon, at the Il Buco Alimentari & Vineria which is as close as you can get to Roma or Firenze in NY.

The place is filled with Italian delights, they do their own meat curing and smoking and the pleasant aroma fills your nostrils as you step in the door. The big communal table is so inviting but we sat in the corner at a very cozy table for six.

The open kitchen is bustling with activity. Turning out an endless stream of cucina autentica . Those are happy cooks.

We started off with some chicchetti, small snacks or side dishes, beginning with an assortito of salumi della casa and a cheese platter. The meats are all cured in house or in Virginia. The cheeses are local and Italian. Unquestionably delicious, and as good as in Italy. I know. Love the serving on a wood plank.

And an amazing dish of fried artichokes.

This Italian stout by Birrificio Del Ducato came from a tap. It was perfect with the dishes. Rich and powerful yet light and open at the same time. Wonderful hops and nutty flavors. Hiedi you're being so serious.

Then came the other courses. Like this perfect bucatini cacio e pepe. I must learn to make pasta this well.

And tagliatelle with mushrooms another classic Italian dish.

The panini of short ribs is made with in house smoked beef. Outstanding and then made outrageous with gorgonzola cheese. So good.

A wonderful soup and a dish of kale and soft boiled egg were equally delicious.

But the dish of all dishes was this carpaciccio of salt cod with capers, beat greens, grapefruit slices, evo and lemon. Yes it tasted as delicious as it looks.

By day iL Buco is an Alimentari (market), at 3:00 the place begins to transform for dinner as a Vineria (wine room/winery) in the lower level of the restaurant. Can't wait to get back for that.

Saw our friend Max who we know from Il Buco the restaurant on Bond, and I hear Roberto is back.

What's Pranzo, lunch, without dolce and cafe. We all had this.