Cloudy With A Chance

I often eat at Hey Meatballs! in Little Italy but couldn't find the time last week even though it was National Spaghetti Day. But I was able to make it this Sunday for the usual spaghetti and meatballs ($12). This hearty plate with 3 large meatballs will keep you full all day. Recently, they have upped the ante on their hot sauce. In addition to the green sauce made from jalapeno, which most people find more than sufficient, they have added a jar of red scotch bonnets. I've tried it a few times but it's simply too hot. With the jalapeno, you can control the level of spiciness by the size of your dollop. But there's no such finesse with the bonnets.

Today, the other tables had mostly first-time visitors. They all ordered the Rodfather, an Italian sub stuffed with meatballs. It's a fine choice, but rather messy. Oddly, I find it too rich compared to the spaghetti. Though the latter is covered with oil and sauce, the former with the buns slathered in melted butter feels more excessive.