Posted by Carbonara: Hot al-dente pasta tossed with fresh eggs, crisp guanciale (or pancetta), and lightly showered with fresh pecorino romano…and a twist from the pepper grinder. It simply doesn’t get any better…. (Andy)
Baci & Abbracci, 204 Grand St/Brooklyn NY/11211 Brooklyn, New York
Post Script: April 12, 2025: Fun vignette tonight. We went back to Baci & Abbracci in Williamsburg for their memorable carbonara. Wonderful small warm place exuding hospitality. We were early, and saw the dreaded table for 14 set up next to the window. The owner was pacing nervously.
In march 12 young ladies and a 45ish dad carrying one fully-inflated “6” balloon and a limp, un-inflated “1” balloon over his arm. His expression read “Where is my wife” and “I’d rather be at the dentist.” Boy have I been there.
His wife arrived soon after, tension released. We bought them both a well-deserved drink.
As we left, I shook his hand and said: “two more years”. He looked quizzical, “how did you know,” glanced at the balloons, and our connection was complete. Parents rock! (Andy)
Post Script: January 13, 2026: We were married on January 1, 1986. Yes, many were hungover, but it gives New Years Day a special significance for us. In rummaging through what we loosely term “the wine cellar,” we found a 1986 V Sattui Cabernet Sauvignon demanding a special occasion. So we carted it across the country in the plane to Dallas and then in a suitcase to New York, its third trip across the country. On January 1, 2026, the waiter carefully opened it – would it be wine or salad dressing? WINE! (Andy)
