A (Fantastic) Alto Adige Dinner

I'd heard great things about Italienne, the new restaurant on 24th Street, but I was unprepared for the pure pleasure of the relaxed ambiance, caring service, lovely wine list and wonderful food. We happened to land there on Monday, which the restaurant devotes to regional meals.  Last night honored Alto Adige, which is as close to Austria as Italy ever gets. This meal, which began with the plate above, was proof of that. On the left, light, almost lacy slices of speck.  In the middle, cheese and potato cakes - rich, crisp, completely seductive.  And on the right, little herbed fresh cheese dumplings which were perfect on the restaurant's flaky rolls. There was also this faro soup, redolent of a rich meat stock.

On to canderli -

remarkably airy bread dumplings surrounded by apples, red cabbage and horseradish. Next a major meat plate

smoked pork loin, a rib so rich it shattered at the touch of a fork, gorgeous sausage, sauerkraut and little nubs of roast potatoes.

Finally

apple strudel with a fior di latte gelato as soft as frozen velvet. 

Finishing this fantastic meal I had two thoughts: I wish my German father could have been here.  He would have LOVED this meal.

And... when can I come back and taste the rest of the menu?