For this edition of Model Eats Manhattan, Taste Collection’s Sophie Sumner checks out Trapizzino, a favorite Lower East Side haunt for quick and late night bites.
Trapizzino serves up traditional Roman street food that is “simple with fantastic ingredients” — a philosophy that owner Stefano Callegari espouses. Callegari marries the triangular tramezzino sandwich with the classic pizza bianca (plain pizza dough) to create a pizza pocket filled with classic roman home cooking.
The results? A delicious and flavorful blend of traditional dishes served in a modern format — easy to eat on the go or enjoy in the restaurants fresh and breezy interiors.
Callegari has put a lot of love and research into coming up with his recipes. He even went as far as asking friends and friends of friends to invite him over for dinner in order to cook with their grandmas to study their techniques and compare recipes.
“You really can’t go wrong with what you order at this place,” says Sophie.
“My personal favorite is the Coda Alla Vaccinara. It’s their version of oxtail ragu with celery and of course, red wine!”
While it’s still summer we suggest trying the Doppia Panna. This is filled with stracciatella di burrata and Sicilian anchovies, a cool and flavorful option that is perfect on a warm day.
The menu is also vegetarian friendly offering items like Parmigiana di Milanzane (eggplant, tomato, mozzarella, parmigiano reggiano, basil), Misticanza alla Romana (seasonal greens, chili, garlic), and the Zucca e Mandorle (butternut squash, toasted almonds, pecorino romano) to name a few.
The menu is always changing and bringing in seasonal dishes so that every time you pop in there is something new to try.
Other noteworthy menu items are the suplis, which is a famous roman street snack of deep fried risotto balls. They come in many flavors. For meat lovers try the Classico (beef ragu and mozzarella). For a great vegetarian option we suggest the Porri e Taleggio (braised leeks, taleggio cheese). Again, flavors vary from day to day so be sure to try them all. These glorious little rice balls serve as the perfect accompaniment to your trapizzino or stand alone as a quick bite for when you’re on the go.
Whether it’s your first time or you are a regular in the place the staff is supper friendly and knowledgeable about the food that they serve. First timers get a whole spiel about the history of the place and the trapizzino. Evidently, they are very proud of the food they serve and it shows in the quality of every dish.
Pop in for a quick lunch, afternoon happy hour, or a late night drunken meal (the LES location is open till 3am on Friday and Saturday). In addition to their LES location there is a second branch open in 570 Lexington Ave (Midtown) so be sure the check out that location too as certain dishes are location specific.
The casual and homey vibe of the place is complimented by the reasonable menu prices which is hard to come by in a trendy neighborhood such as LES. A trapizzino is only $7.50 each and a supli is only $3.50 each.
Trapizzino is located on 114 Orchard St. (corner Rivington) and is open everyday. So come by and enjoy some reinvented Roman fare that any Italian grandma would approve of.
Model Eats Manhattan is our food blog that pairs our favorite neighborhood restaurants with our favorite models. Who says fashion and food are mutually exclusive? Models eat too! If you would like your restaurant or know of someone who would like their business featured in our blog, email sophie@tastecollection.com.
