If Splendora ever decided to open a restaurant, we would model it after the intoxicatingly fun and vibrant Lupa. Located on a narrow street in Greenwich Village this casual trattoria has won favor with even the most discerning of palates for their down-home, rustic, Roman fare. Under the aegis of super chef Mario Batali, this eatery serves up the hugest selection of antipasti and house-cured salumi that we have ever seen. We noshed on a selection that included brussel sprouts with pecorino, smoked baccala, ricotta gnocci with sausage and Fennel, and Linguini with mussels. The gnocci was light as a feather, the secret being that it is made with potato starch and not out of whole potatoes. At Lupa you can go light or lay it on thick, anything goes at this elbow to elbow gem. Not familiar with every Italiante item on the menu? The friendly staff is ready to assist and conveniently the menu is outfitted with a extensive glossario. Although it may be hard to score a table, you can always have a seat at the wide bar and sample NYâ ™s largest selections of bitters, various grappas, and other Italian liquors.