Crave Worthy: Sheep's Milk Ricotta Gnudi, The Spotted Pig

The change of season is really starting to effect my savory taste buds. Only one thing is on the agenda tonight - the gnudi at The Spotted Pig.  Don't confuse gnudi with gnocchi because they are two different things. First of all, gnudi, when translated in Italian means "naked." Gnocchi means...gnocchi. Second, there is far less flour in gnudi which makes it light and pillowy and simply delightful. The basil pesto that Chef April Bloomfield throws in doesn't hurt the gnudi cause, either. I'm a gnudi lovah, what can I say?

If there was ever a sexy Italian dish to eat in an English gastropub on a West Village corner, this would be it. Try to snag a dimly lit booth and get your gnudi on.

The Spotted Pig 314 West 11th Street nr. Greenwich St. 

Crave Worthy: Chongqing Chicken Wings, Mission Chinese Food

Spicy Chicken Wings, Mission Chinese Food
Photo: J. Zanuzoski, Eatery Expert

Sometimes I just feel a little caliente and crave the spiciest of cuisines around. Indian just won't do this time and I'm fresh out of cinnamon bears. It's Szechuan time. When Mission Chinese Food's Danny Bowien warns that there is "explosive chili" involved, he isn't kidding. Oh, and the added crispy beef tripe just for some extra savory goodness doesn't hurt either. Just make sure to have a pitcher of H2O handy.

Of course, I'm craving a dish that is only available at MCF and guess what? They are the only restaurant in the world closed on Wednesdays. City that never sleeps, my foot. JZ

Mission Chinese Food 154 Orchard Street nr. Rivington St.