Despite numerous roadblocks including a bizarre reservation policy (though their on-hold music is quite peppy I must say) and horrible train service Monday evening, this week's chosen ten made it to Mario Batali's Lupa for a tasty Italian dinner.
The group was split into two: The Ballers and The Bargain Hunters. The Bargain Hunters - Matt Daniels, John Paasonen, Cassie Walls, Sterling Ingui, and Mina Chang - made it out of Lupa at just over $20/head as a result of teamwork, solid planning, and flawless execution.
The Ballers on the other hand - Chris Chen, Brian Polen, Nathan Bhatt, Victor Colombo and, much to her dismay, Rachna Govani - spent about $50/head, but clearly left the more sated of the two groups. And we got to sit next to...ummm...some actress whose name I now can't recall - so pretty cool really!
Despite the disparity, all guests seemed quite pleased. Highlights included pillowy-soft gnocchi, orchiette with sausage and kale in a light buttery sauce (pictured above), and a hungry-man sized plate of Italian sausage.
Three tips from the group: don't go if you are a vegetarian, don't go if you are averse to spicy foods, and if you are going to spend $50+, you might as well aim for Babbo.
Thanks to JP for suggesting Lupa, and to Mina for snapping photos!
