Chef Marc Forgione Partners with Citymeals-on-Wheels for the Holidays

When it comes to restaurants, my personal silk road has always been Mercer street in Soho. Lined with my all-time favorites from Lure Fishbar to Bar 89 to Antique Garage it's rare that I'd ever deviate from that path. But when two good friends Karlie Kayser and Stefanie Rogers mentioned an amazing restaurant in Tribeca, I decided to trek off my beaten path to try it.

I found the place, Restaurant Marc Forgione, tucked on a quiet, nondescript block like a gem in a bush. The warm atmosphere and soft lighting was welcoming. The simple furnishings featuring wood chairs, brick walls and white candles make Marc Forgione's as ideal for a group of friends as it is for a one-on-one meal. The real star of the show though is the bold, hearty delicious menu created by Brooklyn born chef, Marc Forgione, which earned a Michelin Star in the 2010 guide.

With a group of friends, we feasted on healthy appetizers like the Dayboat Maine Lobster Bolognese and Nantucket Bay Scallops. They were followed by delicious Black Pearl Salmon, the perfect New York Strip Steak and citrus scented Connecticut Sea Scallops. It was hard to pick, but the most popular item of the evening was one launched specially for the holidays: liquer and cheese pairing using Nocino Della Cristina Walnut Liquer and Marcellis Farmstead cheese. The pairing debuted on the menu on the 16th and can be enjoyed until the 30th of this month. Proceeds from it go directly to Citymeals-On-Wheels, which proves home-bound elderly New Yorkers with weekend and holiday meals.

Visit Chef Forgione's restaurant at 134 Reade Street to order this from 5pm to 11. Reservations can be made at 212-941-9401.