Bites on a budget is a toothsome and tasty series where members of the OC family forage great food—under $10!
The day I lead Nadia, Kate, and Chris to Pepe Rosso To Go for lunch, I had actually just discovered the spot the night before, when I went there for dinner. The fact that I ate two meals in a row at Pepe's should give you an idea of its caliber.
Pepe Rosso is one of those spots that makes you wonder why all Italian places in New York City don't revamp their interior to look like this one. Exposed brick, two chalkboards, one string of Christmas lights, four decent tables, paper bags plopped over the hanging lights and voilà, you have yourself a quaint, authentic Italian spot that would fit perfectly in Rome's Trastevere neighborhood. Despite the fact that they are a take-out spot, Pepe can still seat eight comfortably.
Nadia and Chris' fresh tomato, mozzarella, arugula and basil panini ($6.95 each) had perfect proportions of the best-quality ingredients. With these plus a panini presser, you just can't go wrong. I opted for the salami, provolone cheese and cream of capers (cream cheese with capers) panini ($7.95). Though I did finish it in one fell swoop, maybe it could have been pressed a tad longer. But we unanimously decided that Kate's lunch––the penne vodka with pancetta ($8.95)––won first prize in the ordering arena. It came out of the kitchen piping hot (the only way to eat penne vodka), with pancetta practically melted throughout, adding a subtle, savory touch.
As much as it pains me to publicize this hidden treasure, it would be criminal not to do so. So while I'm at it, I might as well let you know that they offer beer and wine. And have a West Village cousin, Pepe Verde. *Sigh*
PEPE ROSSO TO GO
149 Sullivan St.
New York, NY 10012
MAP
Photos by Rachel Hodin and Kate Gamble![]()
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Fresh tomato, mozzarella, arugula and basil panini
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We were cold, but it was worth it
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The day I lead Nadia, Kate, and Chris to Pepe Rosso To Go for lunch, I had actually just discovered the spot the night before, when I went there for dinner. The fact that I ate two meals in a row at Pepe's should give you an idea of its caliber.
Pepe Rosso is one of those spots that makes you wonder why all Italian places in New York City don't revamp their interior to look like this one. Exposed brick, two chalkboards, one string of Christmas lights, four decent tables, paper bags plopped over the hanging lights and voilà, you have yourself a quaint, authentic Italian spot that would fit perfectly in Rome's Trastevere neighborhood. Despite the fact that they are a take-out spot, Pepe can still seat eight comfortably.
Nadia and Chris' fresh tomato, mozzarella, arugula and basil panini ($6.95 each) had perfect proportions of the best-quality ingredients. With these plus a panini presser, you just can't go wrong. I opted for the salami, provolone cheese and cream of capers (cream cheese with capers) panini ($7.95). Though I did finish it in one fell swoop, maybe it could have been pressed a tad longer. But we unanimously decided that Kate's lunch––the penne vodka with pancetta ($8.95)––won first prize in the ordering arena. It came out of the kitchen piping hot (the only way to eat penne vodka), with pancetta practically melted throughout, adding a subtle, savory touch.
As much as it pains me to publicize this hidden treasure, it would be criminal not to do so. So while I'm at it, I might as well let you know that they offer beer and wine. And have a West Village cousin, Pepe Verde. *Sigh*
PEPE ROSSO TO GO
149 Sullivan St.
New York, NY 10012
MAP
Photos by Rachel Hodin and Kate Gamble
Fresh tomato, mozzarella, arugula and basil panini
We were cold, but it was worth it
