Dining Out Italian Tips

• Skip the bread basket; a typical roll dipped in olive oil contains 270 calories and 14g of fat.
• Start with a salad (not caprese) or a minestrone soup.
• Pass on the dressing, and instead use balsamic vinegar and Parmesan cheese for flavor.
• If you’re craving pasta, opt for the whole wheat kind, and share with a friend or order an appetizer portion as your main.
• Avoid fried foods, like calamari, eggplant, or chicken Parmesan.
• Avoid creamy sauces and high-fat cheeses, such as blue cheese, goat cheese and Fontina.
• Always request for your dishes to be prepared "light" (less oil) and ask for sauces to be served on the side.
• If vegetables contain oil, butter or sauce, eat half of the serving.
• If vegetables are plain and steamed, eat as much as you like.
• Feel free to order a cup of tea or coffee to help satisfy your sweet-tooth at the meal’s end.
• As for alcohol, wine and spirits are perfectly fine in moderation, but to save calories steer clear of sugary mixers, sweet dessert wines, and a regular beer.
• When it comes to dessert, stick to the three-bite rule. Studies show that people always rate the first and last bites as the best. Three bites give you a first, middle, and last, which is all you need to appreciate a dessert completely.

About Birreria

Summer in the city there’s two places everyone wants to be: the rooftop bar and the beer garden. On our mission to hit all of them up before the summer ends, we decided to kill two birds with one stone and headed over to Eataly to check their rooftop beer garden out. Upon arrival (with no reservation) we put our name in for a table and were told it’d be about 45 minutes. While this usually would be a strike against the restaurant for me, Eataly has so much to explore that the 45 minutes flew and I was up on the roof with a glass of wine in my hand in no time. The décor is casual and relaxed. After sizing up the crowd, mood and decor, we decided it’d be a great spot for a low-key date in which you would wear jeans and flats. It’s the kind of restaurant you can talk to someone and impress them with your vast knowledge (or one fun fact) about beer. The crowd matched the atmosphere; casual of mixed ages and looks, party sizes and ethnicity—remember, this is Eataly, the place can be a tad touristy. 

Staff was friendly and casual as well, in terms of both looks and attention—service teetered on slow. However, on a weekday night with no other plans or places to be, slow service wasn’t an issue. Ordering, on the other hand, concerned me. I braced myself with a bottle of wine (suggested by our borderline flirty waiter) and began surveying the menu. Item after item of meats, cheese and pastas, I considered just sticking with my wine (which was delicious and certainly hitting the spot), but alas I landed on the Portobello and was very much pleased with my decision. It was delicious and the portion was perfect. I finished my plate and was completely satisfied. Although the F-Factor approved options (listed below) were limited, I suggest the following and look forward to trying at my next visit.

From the Birreria Menu

Appetizers(s)

• Misticanza
• Insalata Cotta Cruda (no potatoes)
• Maitake Con Pecorino Sardo
• Carrots (side dish)

Main(s)

• Portobello
• Pesce Del Giorno
• Pollo Con Pesto Di Olive
• Bistecca Con Salsa

Beverages(s)

• Diet or club soda
• Unsweetened coffee or tea
• Wine or spirits on the rocks/with club soda

Dessert(s)

• Any dessert following three-bite rule

Remember Portion Size

Men: Eat 3/4 portion of lean protein
Aim for 4-6 oz., or the length of a man’s hand.

Women: Eat 1/2 portion of lean protein
Aim for 3-5 oz., or the size of a deck of cards.

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