Beppe Restaurant   

45 E 22nd St
New York, NY 10010
212-982-8422
www.beppenyc.com

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Former Coco Pazzo chef Cesare Casella translated his childhood (including the nickname for his grandfather, 'Beppe') into this warm, rustic and truly authentic Tuscan trattoria. Though Casella left in 2006 to focus on Maremma, his other venture, Beppe lives on. Think of it as an urban country house outfitted with a fireplace, exposed brick and black-and-white photographs of the Old Country. Some regulars and single diners just pop by for a glass of wine and a plate of garlic roasted mussels at the stretched-wood bar or walk-in tables. Others -- families, romantics and businessmen -- take their time enjoying 'Free Range Tuscan Country Cooking:' Chianti-simmered lamb potpie, slow cooked spareribs ribbed with tomato and garlic and Tuscan bread. Granted, some dishes venture out of the region, but most of them stick to the famous 11-herb trail. -- Yon Motskin