Last week I celebrated pasta — though not just any pasta. Together with a select group of guests, we celebrated 100 years since the first production of Rustichella d’Abruzzo pasta. Italian American food has not been my choice for a while, but after this night, this food, this wine, and this pasta, my 25% Italian DNA has come back to life!

My good friend and outstanding writer, Adam Reiner, and I set out for an evening that began with a quick steak dinner. Quick?! Yes, that can now be a thing in NYC with the opening of the DMV original Medium Rare, where they serve only steak frites using one cut of beef, coulotte (top sirloin). Just tell them your temperature preference, and your meal will ensue.