Met one of my book club friends in her hood at one of her go-to places for lunch, Pavin86, a cozy Italian restaurant on First Avenue.

She ordered a pot of fresh mussels ($22) in a butter wine sauce and a side of crispy French fries ($9), a woman after my own heart, as to me, fries go with everything. Her bivalves were tender and delicious. We soaked up the flavorful sauce with the sliced bread.

I tried their rigatoni alla Bolognese ($28) with freshly grated cheese added. It was fine, I prefer Novita’s version with less pasta and more meat.

We finished with more conversation and coffee — one double espresso, one cappuccino. I liked the quiet vibes of this intimate restaurant and recommend.

 

Pavin 86
Upper East Side
1663 1st Ave
New York, NY 10028
(646) 368-1666
pavin86.com/