Locanda Verde's Mini Rhubarb Pie

Locanda Verde is one of my favorite restaurants in New York City for many reasons.  Their savory dishes are always excellent, it’s not that expensive for how great the food is, and their desserts, by pastry chef Karen DeMasco, are always off the hook.

Karen DeMasco's mini rhubarb pies from Locanda Verde NYC

However, sometimes it’s hard to get a reservation, especially on the spur of the moment.  And sometimes, I just really want one of their desserts and don’t want to deal with all the fuss of dinner.  That’s where Locanda Verde’s bakery counter comes in.  Many people don’t know you can walk right  in and get  all kinds of bakery and dessert-like items without waiting.  Everything from scones  and muffins to donuts, coconut cake and slices of pie.

Nutella cookie from Locanda Verde Bakery Counter

Today I scored two mini rhubarb pies.  I couldn’t resist because Rhubarb is in season and they looked a bit like hostess fruit pies from my youth.  Imagine the format of a hostess fruit pie except created and baked by one of the best pastry chefs working today.  As if that weren’t enough of a pitch, they were also only $2.50 each!

Locanda Verde Scone

If you’re expecting a sweet, syrupy, pie-like rhubarb filling you will be dissapointed as these things were quite tart.  In other words a perfect use of a seasonal root vegetable.

Dark bitter pistachio tart from Karen DeMasco

Locanda Verde’s web site is here.

Locanda Verde is located at 377 Greenwich Street (off North Moore St.)

Posted by Niko on Thursday, June 30th, 2011 at 4:50 am.