“You know how it goes when they can’t get a reservation up in Carbone,” or whatever Drake said, but fortunately for me, I did in fact secure that coveted spot. And let me tell you, it was everything I could have hoped for and more. Let me spill the tea—scratch that—the espresso martini.
Starters
To kick off my culinary adventure, I started with a stunning spread of meats, cheeses, and bread. You know when you start with something simple yet executed so perfectly, you just know the rest of it is going to be a hit? Well, that was this. And the espresso martini? Dangerously strong but oh-so-delicious. It had just the right balance of bitterness and richness to keep the day going.
Next up: the assorted baked clams. The flavors were intense but in the best possible way—garlicky, buttery, with a hint of the sea that made each bite irresistible. If I had stopped there, I would’ve been satisfied, but of course, we were only just getting started.
Lobster Ravioli
Then came the lobster ravioli, each bite more indulgent than the last. It was perfectly cooked, with tender, flavorful lobster wrapped in delicate pasta. It melted in my mouth and was a total showstopper.
Entrees
As if that weren’t enough, I dove into Mario’s meatballs. You know how people say, “Oh, it’s just a meatball,” like it’s no big deal? Wrong. These were the meatballs of all meatballs—juicy, flavorful, and honestly life-changing. If you’re going to try them anywhere, this is the place.
But hold on, because the real star , and what you’ve probably heard a million times about, is the spicy rigatoni vodka. Let me tell you, the hype is real. Creamy, spicy, and perfectly sauced, it was the kind of dish that makes you want to put down your phone and just savor the moment. Each bite was better than the last, and it was hands-down my favorite.
Dessert
Of course, it was my birthday, so naturally, I had to end with cake. And let me tell you, this wasn’t your average birthday cake—it was decadent, rich, and the perfect way to cap off my birthday lunch. Sweet but not overwhelming, it left me with a sense of pure satisfaction.
One last thing to note if you’re planning to book: Carbone requires a deposit when you secure a reservation, but the good news is it goes toward your meal. Trust me, it’s worth every penny. Carbone is the kind of place that delivers on every expectation, and then some. This experience wasn’t just a meal—it was a full-on culinary celebration that left me craving a second reservation the minute I walked out the door.
So, yeah, Drake—I got the reservation.
