Otto

Mario Batali, you're kind of gross. Seriously.

But I like your food.

I had my favorite type of meal tonight with K and A at Mario Batali's cheapo resty, Otto... Lots of wine and lots of olives and espresso with two packs of sugar. YUM.

We talked about Mario's bizarro show Spain: On the Road Again in which he drives around Spain with Gwyneth Paltrow in a Mercedes convertible eating. I've yet to see it but absolutely love the idea. (NY Mag gave it a 'Highbrow Despicable' on the Approval Matrix for the very reason of being a show about driving around Spain in the Mercedes during a recession. Ha.)

It's a weird look into celebrity indulgence and a country in which I've become fascinated since hearing that gorgeous Spanish guitar music in Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Maybe I'll buy it with my itunes gift card so that I can watch Mario and Gwen eat olives during my morning commute. Stay tuned.

At any rate, I love this restaurant... its very much a tourist trap but its near my office and its cheap Italian done well. Plus- there's always a chance of spotting those orange crocs. Ew.