NEW YORK – Gene’s Italian Restaurant
I recently met a girlfriend at Gene’s Italian restaurant, a friendly, comfortable dining establishment on 73 West 11th Street in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village. The restaurant is located on a beautiful tree-lined block that makes you feel like you aren’t even in a city.
Gene’s has been around since 1919, and its prices are more than fair for a New York City Restaurant. My main half a chicken dish came with a baked potato and mixed vegetables for just $27.95. Other entrées were moderately priced as well.
So what to order?
I wasn’t famished, so I chose the Broiled Half a Chicken Foscana (they tell you that it will take half an hour, which it did), which came with baked potato and mixed vegetables. It was delicious and perfectly cooked.
My server delivered a white ceramic plate that elegantly presented the juicy, golden-brown chicken. The chicken glistened in the light, with flecks of grated Parmesan cheese adding a touch of richness. Fresh basil leaves delicately garnished the dish, adding a pop of green color and a hint of aromatic freshness. The plate was accompanied by crusty bread with butter, ready to soak up delicious, imported olive oil. This perfect serving of Chicken Toscano was a feast for the eyes and a delightful culinary experience.
The next time you are in Greenwich Village, check out Gene’s. You won’t be disappointed!
Before I go, I must say more about Gene’s marvelous Chicken Toscano. It is a classic Italian dish beloved for its vibrant flavors and comforting appeal. Its popularity stems from the harmonious combination of ingredients like garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, which create a flavorful and indulgent sauce that browns in the broiler and perfectly complements the tender chicken.
This dish not only satisfies but provides a balanced meal with protein from the chicken and nutrients from the vegetables. Its versatility inspires variations, making it adaptable to varied preferences and dietary needs. Whether served with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, Chicken Toscano is an ageless favorite that brings a taste of Italy to any dinner table.
My entrée was so delicious I decided to share an old family receipt with readers. My recipe calls for chicken breasts, but you can modify the chicken volume and cuts to suit your table and guests.
Sora’s Chicken Toscano
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup baby spinach leaves
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with Fresh basil leaves.
Instructions:
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes in the same skillet until fragrant.
Add cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
Stir in baby spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
Pour in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Gene’s Italian Restaurant
73 W 11th Street
New York, NY 10011
212-675-2048
For information and menus, click HERE.
Readers may also enjoy our reviews of Le Rivage on Restaurant Row, Dowling’s at the Carlyle, Ethos Greek Restaurant, Prince Tea House, Egyptian Dining at Casa la Femme, Bocca Di Bacca Italian Restaurant, Amali Mediterranean Restaurant, and Balade Lebanese Restaurant.
