Salumeria Rosi, Upper West Side, Manhattan

Most New Yorkers disparage the Upper West Side as an 'eating wasteland'. But how wrong they are. There are some terrific understated gems hovering just below the publicity radar. One of them is Salumeria Rosi. Just over a year old on Amsterdam Ave near theWest 72nd St Red subway stop, this cured meat and cheese deli/bar/restaurant reminded us of all those stylish mod-trad Italian eateries in Melbourne.

Great theatrical fit-out complete with a dramatic plaster friese on the ceiling.

There are dozens of freshly sliced proscuittos, hams and salamis to nibble with foccacia and wine or several simple yet big flavoured tapas-size dishes from squash and goats cheese risotto to slow-baked lamb rib in tomato and rosemary sauce. For an Aussie on holiday a home away from home!

Salumeria Rosi Deli

Eat in or stock up on a take-out antipasto plate

salamis, cheese, dips, and arisanal breads

plaster freize on black reflective perspex ceiling and wall

Your table setting comes with a fragrant sprig of rosemary tucked into the linen napkin. Nice touch!

This pinot grigio was a perfect accompaniment to the tapas plates

marinated white anchovies on a bed of shredded red cabbage

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All fuelled up and ready to catch our 1 hour train to Redbank, New Jersey to see Darlene Love and Ronnie Spector of 'Phil Spector Wall of Sound' fame perform their Christmas Show

.....funny...

.... knowing Americans this is very funny .....

finally arrive at our destination...

The famous Count Basie Theatre has just undergone extensive renovations thanks to a fundraising concert by local boy turned good Bruce Springsteen. For locals, tonight is a social calendar event to see the renovations unveiled.

Darlene Love is on first and at 68 is extraordinary - big voice, great mover and high energy. Absolute star power especially her rendition of River Deep, Mountain High. Ronnie Spector (who we saw ten years ago) is showing her age. She appeared to be sedated and needed the musical director to remind her what song was next. Still worth the trek out to New Jersey again!

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