DISH OF THE WEEK: Chicken Marsala at ANTONIO’S TRATTORIA

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

Wow! This past week I had some semblance of normal and I actually ate at a restaurant in New York City.

Of course, it was outside and masks were worn except for the actual masticating bit. But it was exciting to look at a menu, converse with a waiter, and have someone else do the dishes. It had been too long.

We took our son to the Bronx Zoo, since they have timed tickets and are practicing safety measures. And as we used to, if we found ourselves in this part of the Bronx, we had to have lunch along Arthur Avenue, the Little Italy of the Bronx.

We had been to Antonio’s Trattoria before (I’ve been many times actually) and like their Italian-American dishes and vibe. The food is always solid. It might not be the best restaurant in the neighborhood, but it never disappoints.

I chose Chicken Marsala on a whim and it was better than any chicken I’ve prepared at home in the last six months. Pounded very thin and meltingly tender, the chicken literally tasted like butter. To counter that richness, a tangy bright marsala sauce and meaty mushrooms rounded out the plate.

In the old days (pre-COVID), I might not have been completely wowed by this predictable (but solid) dish. Now that the world has turned upside down, I’m paying a little more attention and enjoying the little things a little bit more.  Price: $18