DISH OF THE WEEK: Spit Roasted Short Ribs at IL BUCO ALIMENTARI E VINERIA

Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City

Alright, so it might be difficult to completely detach myself from Time Out’s list. This Dish of the Week entry happens to be pretty high up on their current Top 100 list. And while that was not the reason I came to Il Buco Alimentari, it certainly helped convince us to order the spit roasted short ribs.

This was my second time at this restaurant, which is sort of the hip man’s Eataly. In addition to a working market, bakery, and grocery up front, there is a lively restaurant and bar in the back with a full Italian menu (comprised mostly of products from the market) and hypnotic wood-burning smells.

And while everything is pretty scrumptious here (including the transcendent olive oil that is served with the bread), it’s the large spit roasted short ribs that truly satiate the hunger caused by the drool-worthy smells in the air.

The dramatic hunks of meat were falling off the gigantic bone as they arrived to the table. The pepper crusted beef, with its crisp smoky char and tender well-marbled flesh, makes me realize why I could never be a vegetarian.

But the vegetarian garnishes all played a part in the composition of this awe inspiring experience. Crisp celery slices, clean delicate green olives, crunchy earthy walnuts, and a shower of fresh horseradish all brought something to the party, while cutting the richness of the maddeningly flavorful meat.

At $38, it’s not a cheap dish, but it feeds at least two people. Two very happy people. If all the dishes are this good, I might be convinced to take up completing Time Out’s list for a fourth year.