We are planning a trip to go eat at the Restaurant. Has anyone eaten there and where is a nice place to stay in the city. We are from out of town. Where exactly is it? Does Rocco usually work there often and walk around the floor? Any info is greatly appreciated.
Thanks

• RE: Restaurant info please,MickeyM, 02:45 PM, 08-25-03
• RE: Restaurant info please,sbeck, 04:57 PM, 08-25-03

I have not eaten there myself, but it hasn't gotten rave reviews. Additionally, I just read an article about the restaurants' latest health code violations - they have a hearing on October 22nd on six violations. I believe you can read about it on the Smoking Gun website.

The location is: 12 E. 22nd St. As for Rocco, from the other articles I've read, he dosen't really do anything productive there.

A nice place to stay in Manhattan? What's your budget? You do know that hotels in NYC cost a fortune and most are probably not much bigger than your bathroom at home. My best advice is to check the discount travel websites to see what hotels fit into your price range.

It's on E. 22nd. There are plenty of nice places in Manhattan - but not all are affordable. I'd check with a travel agent for best buys.

May I ask why you want to eat there? Aside from the rudeness of the chef, managers, and various waiters, we've also seen Rocco put his hands in the food for tasting and Mama DiSpirito doesn't wear gloves when she's mixing the meatballs with her hands. Yuck! They were also charged with some health violation codes, four of which are critical.

I, for one, would never go there because I certainly don't want to encourage the behavior and attitude typical of the managers of Rocco's, but I hope you have a nice visit. Maybe now that the cameras are gone, Rocco will be, too, and you can have a grope-free dining experience.