New York City, a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, constantly offers hidden gems waiting to be discovered. As a food enthusiast and content creator for streetsounds.net, I’m always on the lookout for unique dining experiences that resonate with the city’s vibrant energy. My journey recently led me to a memorable lunch at Adrienne’s, nestled on the charming Stone Street in the heart of the Financial District. This wasn’t just any lunch; it was an encounter sparked by the writings of the renowned food critic Ed Levine, a figure I had come to admire through various stages of my own culinary explorations.
My initial introduction to Ed Levine came through Ruth Reichl’s captivating book, “Garlic & Sapphires,” where he was portrayed as “The Missionary of the Delicious.” Later, his books, “New York Eats” and “Pizza: A Slice of Heaven,” became familiar sights in bookstores, intriguing me with his deep dive into the city’s food scene. Witnessing his appearances on “Molto Mario” and as a judge on “Iron Chef America” further solidified his presence in my culinary consciousness. Finally, discovering his blog, Ed Levine Eats, allowed for direct engagement, and my comments there unexpectedly led to an invitation to “break bread” with the man himself. Meeting Ed Levine, a true New York icon, was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
The rendezvous was set for Adrienne’s, a pizza place on Old Stone Street, as Ed described it, “near Wall Street” and “really hard to find, an obscure street.” Navigating the maze of downtown Manhattan, an area admittedly less familiar to me since a childhood visit to the Stock Exchange with my father, proved to be a mini-adventure in itself. Wall Street, with its towering buildings and intricate street layout, can indeed be disorienting.
Following signs for Stone Street, I eventually stumbled upon a cobbled pedestrian haven, alive with outdoor tables and diners. This had to be Old Stone Street. A quick confirmation from a street sign and a call from Ed Levine, whose voice echoed both from my phone and nearby, confirmed I had arrived. There he was, Ed Levine, in person, welcoming me to Adrienne’s on Stone Street.
Adrienne’s, as NY Metro describes it, is a “stylish joint venture” by the Poulakakos restaurateur family and Nick Angelis of Nick’s Pizza fame. While they offer Angelis’s classic round pies, the real draw, as Ed had enthusiastically described, is their thin-crust square, or “grandma”-style pizza. Inspired by Brooklyn’s Di Fara and King Umberto’s on Long Island, Adrienne’s aimed to create a pizza that could rival these benchmarks.
During our initial conversation, Nick (or perhaps another owner) greeted Ed, discussing plans for delivery and “par baking,” terms that hinted at their commitment to quality even beyond the restaurant walls. Leaving the ordering to Ed, we were soon presented with a sausage pizza and an eggplant parmesan. Ed’s confident order of the eggplant parmesan, alongside pizza, signaled a true appreciation for good food in all its forms.
The food arrived, visually stunning and radiating enticing aromas.
And a closer look revealed even more delicious details:
This pizza was a revelation. While the square shape and crispness vaguely recalled childhood memories of Ellio’s pizza, the comparison ended there. Adrienne’s pizza was a masterpiece. The crust was flavorful and perfectly crisp, the sauce had a bright, tangy character without being overpowering, and the cheese was generously yet harmoniously distributed. I admittedly indulged in more slices than I probably should have.
The eggplant parmesan was equally impressive.
This was not the heavily breaded, generic eggplant parmesan found in chain restaurants. This was a dish of refined simplicity, highlighting fresh ingredients and balanced flavors. The picture speaks for itself, conveying the dish’s freshness and appeal.
Dining al fresco on Old Stone Street felt like stepping back in time. The cobblestone street, pedestrian-only ambiance, and historic surroundings created a unique and charming atmosphere, a tranquil escape within the bustling Financial District. Amidst this enchanting setting, Ed and I shared stories about our career paths, discovering surprising common ground despite our different backgrounds.
As our lunch concluded, the conversation naturally shifted to Financier Patisserie, another establishment owned by the same team behind Adrienne’s, conveniently located nearby. A visit was deemed essential “just to check it out,” a sentiment that resonated perfectly with my own food-exploring ethos.
Financier’s pastry display was a feast for the eyes.
The pastries were impeccably crafted, and the atmosphere was welcoming and unpretentious, inviting everyone to enjoy expertly made sweets.
Ed immediately gravitated towards the Paillasson, strawberry jam-filled pastries known for their buttery richness.
Meanwhile, my attention was captured by a vibrant green pistachio eclair, a modern twist on a classic.
The pistachio eclair was indeed exceptional, a delightful balance of tradition and innovation. Ed’s Paillasson was, as he described, a “big hit of butter,” perfectly crisp and complemented by the tangy raspberry jam.
After our sweet interlude at Financier, we concluded our Old Stone Street exploration and headed towards the subway. As we parted ways at Union Square, I thanked Ed for a truly enjoyable and insightful lunch. Meeting Ed Levine at Adrienne’s on Stone Street was more than just a meal; it was a memorable experience that combined excellent food, a charming location, and engaging conversation. I highly recommend seeking out Adrienne’s and experiencing the unique charm of Stone Street for yourself. It’s a culinary corner of New York City that deserves to be discovered and savored.
