Dining Out & About 2015/04

You don’t have to go far to find great food.

Just look inside!

Dining Out & About

Your guide to eating out in Port Chester, Rye Brook and surrounding areas.

The Savona panini from Piccolo Italian Gourmet boasts grilled Angus steak, Swiss cheese, fresh zucchini, mushrooms and tomatoes with ranch dressing sauce on ciabatta. For the review of this new Port Chester restaurant, see page 4.

Claire K. Racine|Westmore News

A Supplement to the

2

WESTMORE NEWS | Friday, April 3, 2015

Dining Out & About Advertisers receive extended listings.

POLLO A LA BRASA

MISTI RESTAURANT “Our Specialty is Roasted Chicken”

Authentic Peruvian Cuisine SERVING Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Peruvian Pepper Steak Chicken Dishes Pork Dishes Seafood Soup Fried Seafood Shrimp Dishes OPEN - 7 DAYS Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Friday - Sunday 8 a.m. - Midnight

American American Legion Post 93 78 Pearl Street Port Chester 937-5562

Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar 44 Westchester Avenue Port Chester 690-9453

Delivery Available Se Habla Español

939-9437

Lunch Specials Takeout also

Come Celebrate Cinco de Mayo • Tues., May 5 & Mother’s Day • Sun., May 10 With Us OPEN 7 DAYS Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Sat. & Sun. Brunch 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Party & Catering Packages Available We accept most major credit cards

DINNER SPECIALS Monday Night

Any Fajita with FREE House Margarita

Tuesday Night

FREE Cheese Quesadilla with Purchase of 2 Entrees

Wednesday Night

FREE Nachos with Purchase of 2 Entrees

Thursday Night$

1/2 Pitcher of Sangria

10

The Kneaded Bread

Cousin Frankie’s USA Grill 112 Willett Avenue Port Chester 305-4878

Fairways Restaurant 1323 King Street Greenwich, CT 203-531-1138

Halstead’s Bar & Grill 7 Purdy Street Harrison 835-8335

Hilton Westchester 699 Westchester Avenue Rye Brook 939-6300

Panera Bread

10 Westchester Avenue Port Chester 939-0079

Port Chester Hall & Beer Garden

MaryAnnsPC@gmail.com 23½ North Main Street Port Chester, NY

1 Mill Street Port Chester 939-2001

Doral Arrowwood Anderson Hill Road Rye Brook 939-6630

116 South Ridge Street Rye Brook 908-4184

317 Boston Post Road Port Chester 937-0008

914-939-8700

Sam’s Bar & Grill

181 North Main Street Port Chester 937-9489

Port Chester Coach Diner

Mexican Restaurant

Rye Ridge Deli

Rye Ridge Shopping Center 126 South Ridge Street Rye Brook 937-2131

Chop’t Creative Salad Company

Härth

110 North Main St., Port Chester, NY

American

Port Chester Railroad Station 3 Broad Street Port Chester 305-8383 Specialties include: Fried pickles, sashimi tuna tacos, Chicken Tikka Masala, wontons, bacon-wrapped BBQ shrimp, kobe sliders, red pepper hummus; meat & cheese platters, Mediterranean platter; grilled lemon chicken, Maui fish tacos, steak frites, grilled petite filet, grilled vegetarian bowl, grilled bratwurst with sauerkraut, shepherd’s pie; classic Caesar chicken salad; smoked rib eye sandwich, warm grilled chicken sandwich; beef, tuna and turkey burgers; sweet potato fries, asparagus sides.

Happy Hour Tues.-Fri. 4-7 p.m.

Trivia Tuesdays. Live Music Wednesdays. Hours: Tues.-Thurs. 5-10, Fri.Sat. 5-12. Most credit cards. Limited parking available on premises.

Q Authentic Barbecue Restaurant 112 North Main Street Port Chester 933-7427

River House Bar & Grill 435-7 North Main Street Port Chester 937-9695

Rye House

126 North Main Street Port Chester 481-8771

The Pub

Asian Buddha

1 Rye Ridge Plaza Rye Brook 481-4651

Euro Asian Bistro 30 Westchester Avenue Port Chester 937-3680

Manchu Garden

Chinese & Japanese Cuisine 504 Westchester Avenue Port Chester 939-8688

Burgers Elevation Burger 176 South Ridge Street Rye Brook 305-6700

Westchester Burger Co. 275 South Ridge Street Rye Brook 305-6095

Brazilian Café Brazil USA

37-39 North Main Street Port Chester 939-1139

Churrascaria Copacabana

29-31 North Main Street Port Chester 939-6894

International Café & Brazilian Bakery 103 Adee Street Port Chester 939-1002

Rio Minas Brasil U.S.A. Buffet 140 Midland Avenue Port Chester 481-5724

Central American El Tesoro Restaurant 92 Purdy Avenue Port Chester 935-9440

El Tesoro Restaurant II 14 South Main Street Port Chester 937-2086

Sofia’s Café

22 South Main Street Port Chester 939-0005

Friday, April 3, 2015 | WESTMORE NEWS

Dining Out & About Advertisers receive extended listings.

Chinese China House

170B North Main Street Port Chester 939-7288 or 939-7290

East Wok Restaurant 140 Midland Avenue Port Chester 939-0068

Ho Sai Gai

544 Willett Avenue, Port Chester 937-8337 or 937-8339

King Garden Chinese Restaurant 32 Grace Church Street Port Chester 939-4310

Number 1 Chinese Restaurant 120 Westchester Avenue Port Chester 937-8465

Dominican Hollywood Chicken International 216 Westchester Avenue Port Chester 934-8137

Reyna Restaurant

The Great Cuisine of Arthur Avenue

66 Poningo Street Port Chester 939-9251

Ecuadorian El Criollito Restaurant 138 Irving Avenue Port Chester 934-8010

Rinconcito Ecuatoriano Restaurant 150 North Main Street Port Chester 937-7343

Fast Food

2 Putnam Avenue, Port Chester, NY

914-934-7770

Open Easter Sunday

213 Westchester Avenue Port Chester 937-4699

260 Boston Post Road Port Chester 934-7877

Burger King

April 5

Sichuan Pavilion

Dunkin Donuts

RegulaR Menu ReseRvations Requested

Panda Restaurant

480 Westchester Avenue Port Chester 939-8889

Wah Yuan Chinese Restaurant

Post Road Plaza 262 Boston Post Road, Port Chester 939-7776

Coffee Shops Bow & Rose Café 604 North Main Street Port Chester 934-9497

Pan America Bakery & Café

22 South Main Street Port Chester 939-0005

Starbucks Coffee Company

Rye Ridge Shopping Center 118 South Ridge Street Rye Brook 937-1597

Colombian Aqui Es Santa Fe Café 32 Broad Street Port Chester 305-1060

Asi Es Colombia 172 North Main Street Port Chester 934-7675

El Encuentro

132 North Main Street Port Chester 305-1828

330 Boston Post Road Port Chester 939-8331

Dunkin Donuts 295 Midland Avenue Port Chester 935-9034

Garden Catering 140 Midland Avenue Port Chester 934-7852 or 934-7810

Hubba

Kentucky Fried Chicken

262 Boston Post Road Port Chester 935-0741 321 Boston Post Road Port Chester 937-3355

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

Nuevo Latino Cuisine

Subway Restaurant

“Nothing about the food here is ordinary...”

Excellent The New York Times

275 Boston Post Road Port Chester 262 Boston Post Road Port Chester 934-5045

Subway Restaurant 302 Midland Avenue Port Chester 937-0022

Subway Restaurant

Los Chuzos de Juancho

303 Boston Post Road Port Chester 939-0695

Makondo Restaurant 139 North Main Street Port Chester 305-6147

Come experience Sonora.

You will not be disappointed.

McDonald’s Restaurant

19 North Main Street Port Chester 914-481-5255

8 South Main Street Port Chester 481-1340

Hours: Tues. - Thurs. 11:30 a.m.- 10 p.m. • Friday 11:30 a.m.- 11 p.m.

Saturday 3 - 11 p.m. • Sunday 1 - 9 p.m. • Closed Mondays Most major credit cards • On premises parking

24 North Main Street Port Chester 939-7271

El Rincon Paisa 130 North Main Street Port Chester 939-9364

CATERING AVAILABLE Private Parties (up to 70 people)

Taco Bell

Texas Chili Restaurant 36 Broad Street Port Chester 937-0840

Listings continue on page 5

Easter Sunday Cinco de Mayo April 5 Celebration 3-Course Meal Prix Fixe Menu Lunch $25 • Dinner $35

Reservations Requested: 933-0200

Tuesday, May 5 • 4-10 p.m.

3-Course Dinner $35 Add a Taste of Tequilla or Margarita $50 Call Early for Reservations: 933-0200

Open for Lunch & Dinner Private Room Available • Cooking Classes 179 Rectory Street, Port Chester

914-933-0200

www.sonorarestaurant.net

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WESTMORE NEWS | Friday, April 3, 2015

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Fresh Italian food with a twist at cozy Piccolo Italian Gourmet

I

By Jananne Abel

t didn’t take long after the Italian coffee shop zeppoleme closed in January for another eatery to take its place. The bright, lovely space at 321 North Main St. reopened with a new kitchen and some cosmetic changes about a month ago as Piccolo Italian Gourmet.

Still awaiting their liquor license, expected in about two weeks, the restaurant has remained low key with minimal promotion while it revs up and gets all the kinks out. The owners plan to host a grand opening in mid to late April.

My family and I have had several experiences at Piccolo since it opened Mar. 5. My husband and I even showed up on the second day when the menus were printed on 8½”x11” pieces of paper, not yet formatted and difficult to read.

I still find the menu with its 102 items hard to navigate, but once you realize there are 35 different panini and 20 different salads tossed with eight unique dressings, you are on your way.

Co-owner Peter Neglia, whom I met during the past year when he was helping promote The Travelers Club restaurant at Westchester County Airport, had a concept in mind of taking traditional Italian food and putting a modern twist on it when he dreamed up Piccolo. As it came to fruition, Piccolo boasts “high end quality food with a focus on exotic paninis at affordable prices,” said Neglia.

Although everything at Piccolo is not yet perfect, the focus

on freshly made food is evident, there are some incredible preparations, and so far everything on the menu costs less than $20.

When I say things are not yet perfect, on my last visit they were out of clams, mussels and kale and the Pescara Salad we ordered was made with feta cheese instead of bleu as described on the menu, making the combination of flavors less satisfying. Neglia said these shortcomings were the result of a delay in the food order, but he apologized for the cheese substitution and agreed we should have been notified.

Piccolo will not be open Easter Sunday.

The perfect team and location Neglia, who grew up in Brooklyn, moved to Armonk when he was a freshman in high school and now lives in Silver Lake.

He studied hotel and restaurant management at Westchester Community College and got experience in the restaurant business from a young age since his family owned Christopher’s Supper Club in Brooklyn. He said his father taught him everything. In his 20s Neglia got involved in politics and ended up landing a job in county

Pasta Bolognese, butternut squash gnocchi and an angus steak panini rest on the granite counter at Piccolo Italian Gourmet in Port Chester.

Claire K. Racine|Westmore News government, starting at the Board of Elections and moving his way up to assistant commissioner of Westchester County Parks in charge of the legacy field program under County Executive Andy Spano. Then he worked in a similar position in Mt. Vernon until Mayor Clinton Young lost his re-election bid and he was out of a job. He then became a lobbyist and a PR person, still dabbling in restaurants since his cousins owned three on Long Island.

“The whole time I was trying to figure out what to do with my life,” said Neglia, 43. “I wanted to do something on my own.”

So he paired up with longtime friend and chef Joseph Sandolo of Greenwich, who has been involved in restaurants for 40 years.

Sandolo oversees the kitchen while Neglia is the administrator of the restaurant, taking care of the day to day operations.

Neglia found an ad on Craig’s List for the former zeppoleme location and felt “it could fit with the concept I was trying to do.” Two weeks later he signed a contract.

“I just loved the location and the inside and the smallness of it,” he said. He liked the open kitchen and its New York City feel.

From the size came the name Piccolo, which means “small” in Italian. This cozy little restaurant seats 24 at tables of two and four plus six at the attractive beige and brown quartz granite bar.

To help carry out their concept, Neglia and Sandolo found and hired Fernando Gomez of Greenwich, who was returning to the area after having trained in Miami with chef Adrianne Caldo at Adrianne’s Vineyard and Wine

and chef Bryan Adams who does catering for the rich and famous.

“His resume was outstanding,” said Neglia. “It was a perfect fit.” The fact that Gomez is also a baker and came up with his own “exotic” desserts “is a great asset to Piccolo,” he added.

Menu highlights Besides the many panini and salads, the folded paper menu features soups, antipasti, bruschetta, Italian tapas, pasta and entrées plus a children’s menu where each item is named for a family member. The panini are all named for cities in Italy except the turkey combinations which are called Byram, Port Chester and Harrison and the shrimp sandwiches which are named for Port Chester buildings: Castle, Landmark and Mariner.

Neglia recommended the Squid Ink Primavera ($16.75 lunch, $18.75 dinner), squid ink style pasta with mixed vegetables topped with chicken or shrimp in garlic and oil. He also said “the Bolognese sauce is phenomenal,” complimented the vodka sauce and suggested anything made with broccoli rabe. Neglia said they have gotten “rave reviews Please turn to page 7

If you want to go:

Piccolo Italian Gourmet

321 North Main St., Port Chester 914-481-5678 Open Sun.-Thurs. 11-9, Fri. & Sat. 11-10, then 10 p.m.-12 a.m. for tapas, Sat. & Sun. 11-3 for brunch Piccolo co-owner Peter Neglia stands next to the daily specials board and the oversized coffee cup bearing the restaurant’s name.

Claire K. Racine|Westmore News

Must try: Arancini (rice balls), Caesar Salad, Piccolo Bolognese, Butternut Squash Gnocchi, Gamberi (shrimp) Pesto

Friday, April 3, 2015 | WESTMORE NEWS

Dining Out & About

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Advertisers receive extended listings.

Greek/American One Station Plaza 111 Westchester Avenue Port Chester 939-3416

Guatemalan Café Guatemala 28 Grace Church Street Port Chester 937-8537

Keylee’s Restaurant 11 Pearl Street Port Chester 481-1650

Indian Tandoori Taste of India 163 North Main Street Port Chester 937-2727 or 935-9680

International

Irish/American

Italian

McShane’s Pub & Restaurant

123 North Main Street Port Chester 937-7800 Specialties include: Colcannon croquettes, spiced lamb sliders; flatbread pizzas (Buffalo mozzarellla, tomato pesto, kalamata olives * Make Your Own), soup of the day, McShane’s Caesar salad, lobster salad; shortrib grilled cheese sandwich, corned beef reuben sandwich, burgers; country cottage pie, baked Atlantic salmon, 12 oz. New York strip steak, McShane’s bangers & mash; penne pasta. Kids’ menu available. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Book your party or event at McShane’s. Kitchen open until 3 a.m. Happy Hour Mon.-Fri. 3-7 p.m.

Municipal parking available.

Italian

Fortina

Rye Ridge Shopping Center 136 South Ridge Street Rye Brook 937-0900

Marianacci’s Restaurant 24 Sherman Street Port Chester 939-3450

Nessa Ristorante 325 North Main Street Port Chester 939-0119

Dining Out

The best place to find that perfect dining experience.

Italian

Pasquale II Ristorante

2 Putnam Avenue Port Chester 934-7770 The great cuisine of Arthur Avenue comes to Port Chester. Specialties: Stuffed Artichoke, Linguine Pescatore (with chopped clams and shrimp in white or red sauce, Costata di Vitello (veal chops), Chicken Balsamic, Zuppa di Pesce (lobster, shrimp, calamari, clams and mussels in red sauce over linguine), Fusilli Primavera (zucchini, peas, mushrooms, broccoli in light red sauce, Veal Scaloppine. Homemade Cheese Cake and Tira Mi Su. Closed Monday. Hours: Tues.-Thurs. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., Sat. 3 p.m.-11 p.m., Sun. 1-9 p.m. Most major credit cards. Free on-premises parking.

Tarry Market Café 179 North Main Street Port Chester 253-5680

Tarry Lodge

18 Mill Street, Port Chester 939-3111

The Travelers Club

Westchester County Airport 240 Airport Road, Rye Brook 437-7650

Italian/Mediterranean Il Sogno Ristorante

To advertise in this special monthly dining section call Elaine at the

Piccolo

321 North Main Street Port Chester 914-481-5678

316 Boston Post Road, Port Chester 937-7200

Listings continue on page 6

at 914-939-6864.

Brisa Marina Restaurant 40 Grace Church Street Port Chester 934-9090

Sonora Nuevo Latino Cuisine

179 Rectory Street Port Chester 933-0200 Specialties include: Lobster and plantain bisque, traditional Colombian free range chicken and potato soup, tuna and yucca cake with mango and wasabi sauce, Ecadorian ceviche: shrimp, tomato base, avocado, red onions and citrus, lobster and avocado quesadilla, steamed Rhode Island mussels, pan roasted Chilean sea bass with white beans, chorizo and lobster broth, Sonora seafood paella, grilled lamb chops with wild mushrooms, mashed potatoes and roasted garlic mojito sauce, grilled skirt steak with mojito thyme sauce and lobster moro rice. Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dinner starts at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Closed Monday. Cooking classes. Latin jazz music every Thursday. Private room available. Free on-premises parking.

Alba's

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EasTEr sunday • april 5 1 p.M. - 9 p.M.

Irish/American

Dining

N

TradiTional EasTEr MEal

575 Boston Post Road Port Chester 708-1985

538 Willett Avenue Port Chester 937-2106 Full Irish menu includes Gaelic Mixed Grill, Shepherd’s Pie, Corned Beef and Cabbage. Also Irish Beef Stew, Corned Beef Sandwiches, Fish & Chips, Irish Soda Bread, salads, pastas, seafood, steak, Chicken Pot Pie, turkey, burgers, soup, chili, Sherry Trifle, New York Style Cheesecake, Guinness Dark Irish Beer, Hart Irish Beer. Lunch: Sun.-Sat. 11:30-5, Dinner: 5-10 p.m. Credit cards: VISA, MC, AX. Some off-street parking.

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NORTHERN ITALIAN CUISINE

Whole Foods Market

Davy Byrnes Irish Pub & Restaurant

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RATED

HHH Very Good

—The Advocate and Greenwich Time

Very Good

—New York Times

400 North Main Street Port Chester, NY Reservations Suggested

Out & About

(914) 937-2236

The best place to find that perfect dining experience.

FAX (914) 937-2271

Private Rooms Available

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WESTMORE NEWS | Friday, April 3, 2015

Dining Out & About Advertisers receive extended listings.

147 Irving Avenue Port Chester 939-0900

Antonio’s Pizza and Restaurant Pathmark Shopping Center 130 Midland Avenue Port Chester 939-5137

MI

MI

E TAKE F A C O TI

Angelo’s Pizza & Pasta

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Arcuri’s Pizza & Salad 46 North Main Street Port Chester 937-5120

Peruvian Food Specializing in Natural Juice Catering Available

OPEN Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Wednesday through Monday • 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.

100 North Main Street, Port Chester, NY Proprietors: 914-939-2204 Se Habla Español Javier & Rosa Castillo

Fax: 914-939-8491

Belle Fair Deli & Pizzeria

KITCHEN OPEN TILL 3 A.M. DAILY SPECIALS Reasonable Prices $550 to $1495 HAPPY

7 Plasma TVs for your viewing enjoyment

538 Willett Avenue (off Putnam Ave.) Port Chester, N.Y. • 914-937-2106

Dougie’s Standby 604 North Main Street Port Chester 939-0022

Lenny’s Bagels

Lyon Park Deli, Café & Catering

35½ North Main Street Port Chester 305-3220

Domino’s Pizza 262 Boston Post Road Port Chester 967-5070

D’Onofrio’s Pizza & Pasta

199 South Regent Street Port Chester 934-2900

Frank’s Restaurant and Pizzeria

John’s of Arthur Avenue

servIng great Food sInce 1990 & gettIng better

Club Sandwich

7 Rye Ridge Plaza, Rye Brook 939-3475

Coals

414 Willett Avenue Port Chester 939-0202

S Salads, Pasta, Burgers, FULL U PL Sandwiches, Steaks, Seafood IRISH MENU AND Our Famous Bar Pizza and Buffalo Wings

Café 800

800 Westchester Avenue Rye Brook 914-694-5758

20 BelleFair Boulevard Rye Brook 939-2370

Frankie & Louie’s Restaurant

SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER

Bagel Emporium

211 Irving Avenue, Port Chester 937-5252

200 South Ridge Street Rye Brook 939-1379

23 Putnam Avenue Port Chester 939-8299

IrIsh Pub & restaurant

Luncheonettes

508 Westchester Avenue Port Chester 481-8888 or 481-8889

Michael’s Famous Pan Pizza 125 Midland Avenue Port Chester 939-2241

Papa John’s Pizza 117 North Main Street Port Chester 481-5096

Pizza Pasta & Things Kohl’s Shopping Center 529 Boston Post Road Port Chester 939-8000

T & J Pizza & Pasta 227 Westchester Avenue Port Chester 939-4134

Villa Rustica Pizzeria & Trattoria 261 South Ridge Street Rye Brook 939-8888 or 939-8885

Japanese Edo Japanese Steak House

140 Midland Avenue Port Chester 937-3333

29 Putnam Avenue Port Chester 937-1171

Marini’s Deli 340 Willett Avenue Port Chester 939-4201

Vinny’s Luncheonette 182 North Main Street Port Chester 939-9591

Mexican Bartaco

1 Willett Avenue, Port Chester 937-8226

Chipotle Mexican Grill Rye Ridge Shopping Center 100 South Ridge Street Rye Brook 937-0351

Coyote Flaco

115 Midland Avenue Port Chester 937-6969

El Tio Restaurant 143 Westchester Avenue Port Chester 939-1494

Kiosko

220 Westchester Avenue Port Chester 933-0155

Luis’ Place

135 South Main Street Port Chester 939-3132

Mary Ann’s Mexican Restaurant

23½ North Main Street Port Chester 939-8700 Specialties include: Turkey chili, avocado spring rolls, chicken or beef tostadas, tuna salad, super steak wraps, variety of quesadillas; enchiladas, fish tacos, grilled salmon, shrimp chipotle, grilled chimichangas, variety of burritos, sizzling chicken breast/skirt steak fajitas, pollo chipotle, mixed grilled skirt steak/chicken breast & chorizo, taco and taquito Mexican combo, tamales. Seasonal outside patio dining. Open 7 days: Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 pm., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-12 a.m., brunch Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Parties and catering available. Most major credit cards accepted.

Listings continue on page 8

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Italian/Pizzeria

Friday, April 3, 2015 | WESTMORE NEWS

7

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Fresh Italian food with a twist at cozy Piccolo Italian Gourmet Continued from page 4 about the rice balls” and put in a good word for the meatballs.

I can attest to the fact that the Piccolo Bolognese ($14.50 lunch, $16.50 dinner) is amazing. For this dish, rigatoni cooked al dente is topped with the restaurant’s flavorful, yet surprisingly light meat sauce and garnished with slices of shaved parmigiana. It was so good that I managed to easily eat the entire helping.

The arancini, too, are exceptional. You get two for $9 or three for $12.50. Good-sized, crispy on the outside and stuffed with creamy fresh mozzarella and peas, they are served with a delicious marinara dipping sauce.

Another menu highlight is the Butternut Squash Gnocchi ($9), listed under Italian Tapas. You get a good portion of the soft dough dumplings in a sweet yellow butternut squash cream sauce with chunks of the orange vegetable.

This dish is beautifully presented garnished with basil leaves.

The Caesar salad ($8) is listed in bold on the menu for a reason.

You get a huge white bowl of romaine hearts, croutons, shaved parmigiana and Piccolo’s own

salt, pepper, olive oil and parmesan although the menu says it is supposed to be sautéed with tri-color tomatoes in this special kale pesto sauce. Either way it would be a wonderfully savory dish.

My husband had the mussels in a spicy marina sauce ($11), listed under tapas. They were served with two toast points, the sauce had a nice zing and it was a plentiful portion for a tapa.

Two shortcomings, however. The mussels should have been served with a small fork to more easily get the mollusks out of their shells and an extra bowl to use for discarding them.

After experiencing three meals where we ordered entrées, I was surprised that we didn’t get any bread, so I asked Neglia about it. He said they had been toying with the idea and would be adding it, probably with olive oil for dipping. Their bread for the bruschetta and panini comes from Good Bread Bakery on New Broad Street.

For dessert we had Piccolo’s version of New York cheesecake ($6.50), which has a hint of lemon and a graham cracker

Fernando Cortes, a line cook from White Plains, uses the panini press to make a mouthwatering sandwich.

Claire K. Racine|Westmore News Both came with mixed greens on the side tossed with a minimal amount of dressing.

Other desserts Besides the delightful cheesecake, the chef ’s own tiramisu, cannoli and chocolate mousse cake are offered for dessert daily plus two types of zeppole, not listed on the menu, for those who miss zeppoleme. Later Gomez may add special desserts such as chocolate mousse or lemon mousse blend from time to time.

Simple décor

Rigatoni with Piccolo’s Bolognese meat sauce costs $14.50 for lunch, $16.50 for dinner. Claire K. Racine|Westmore News Caesar dressing. While fresh and delicious, it could use a tad more garlic.

Specials In addition to the large menu, there are 3-4 daily specials including a soup of the day (recently carrot ginger) besides the three soups on the menu. Artichoke tortellini with cream sauce sounded intriguing. The specials are scrawled on a fancy built-in blackboard framed in wood.

Dinner for two For dinner one night my husband and I shared an avocado salad: romaine lettuce, chunks of avocado, small black beans, halves of cherry tomatoes, green onions, small pieces of cucumber and cilantro, a large portion tossed in a clean-tasting lemon vinaigrette dressing ($9.25).

For entrée I had the Gamberi Pesto ($17.75, $15.75 for lunch) which brought four large shrimp sautéed with green beans, carrots, onions, broccoli, celery and water chestnuts in a fantastic sauce made with kale, parsley,

crust. Very light for cheesecake, it was beautifully presented with a blackberry and strawberry garnish.

We had two coffees ($1.50 each), served with a pitcher of warm milk which I appreciate, with our dessert, bringing the tab to $47.50.

On my three visits, service has been generally pleasant and efficient though not yet perfect.

When it’s sunny, Piccolo, with its many windows, is bright and cheery. Dark wood tables covered with white paper placemats and matching chairs fill the dining room. Tables are set with small votive candles which create a romantic feel as the natural light fades into night.

A large white cup boasting the Piccolo Italian Gourmet

logo sits prominently on the granite bar at which patrons are welcome to sit and eat.

White plates bearing a utensil motif decorate café au lait-colored walls. A TV in one corner is tuned to the Food Network. Plants sit on the window sill at one side of the small dining room which is capped off with a synthetic wood floor.

Once the weather turns warm, the front doors can be opened up onto the sidewalk.

Although nessa ristorante next door owns the garden and patio between the two restaurants, Piccolo will have use of them Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. for lunch and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for brunch.

Starting in two weeks, brunch will be offered Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with cool breakfast items like French toast, Belgian waffles, crepes and a bacon, egg and cheese panini.

Hours and parking Piccolo is open seven days: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday and Saturday. The plan is to then open from 10 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday as a lounge with tapas and drinks “for a high end, sophisticated crowd,” said Neglia. “I think that’s what’s missing in Port Chester—where someone can go with their wife for a drink, a nice lounge for older people.”

There will be a wine tap that carries over from zeppoleme which keeps wine fresh, crisp and clean. Wine will be offered on tap, by the glass or bottle.

There will also be a full bar menu with whiskeys, gins and cocktails.

Metered parking is available on the street where it is enforced until 9 p.m. However, parking is free on Main Street from Horton Avenue to Rectory Street Monday through Thursday.

Free delivery Piccolo offers free delivery within a 10-mile radius with a minimum $10 order, so I called in two panini for delivery to my office and was told it would take 45 minutes. They actually arrived in a half hour or less.

I shared a Calabria ($8): carmelized onions, sliced apples and bleu cheese on ciabatta which was crunchy and provided a good combination of flavors. I also shared a Belmonte ($10): freshly breaded chicken cutlet, mixed greens, fresh mozzarella and roasted red peppers with herb aioli on ciabatta. Very fresh tasting but a little bland.

Piccolo resides at 321 North Main St. and shares a garden and patio with nessa, the Italian restaurant next door.

Claire K. Racine|Westmore News

8

WESTMORE NEWS | Friday, April 3, 2015

Dining Out & About Advertisers receive extended listings.

Mexican Pollos al Carbon los Gemelos 6 North Pearl Street Port Chester 939-1913

Rancho Grande 8 Poningo Street Port Chester 939-8125

Salsa Picante Mexican Restaurant 110 Adee Street Port Chester 481-5488

Come Join Us Easter Sunday April 5 • Cinco de Mayo Tuesday, May 5 • Mother’s Day Sunday, May 10 Reservations Suggested

914-937-7800

• • • •

Open Daily Serving Lunch & Dinner Daily Specials Kitchen open until 3 a.m.

We have Flat Bread • Pizzas Sandwiches • Burgers Salads • Steaks • Seafood Kids Menu Available

Sin Dulce Pastry & Bakery 146 North Main Street Port Chester 481-1283

Taqueria La Picardia 118 Westchester Avenue Port Chester 937-2003

Tortilleria los Gemelos 167 Westchester Avenue Port Chester 934-0372

Northern Italian Alba’s Ristorante

400 North Main Street Port Chester 937-2236 Specialties: All fish and pasta dishes; veal, chicken and beef dishes; salads; variety of homemade desserts including Tara Misu and Strawberries Flambé. Hours: Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 12 noon-3 p.m.; Dinner: 5:30-10:30 p.m. weekdays, 5:30-11 p.m. weekends. Call or fax ahead for lunch.

Catering. Private party rooms. Sundays: Private parties only. Rooms available for 40-120 people. Call for reservations. All major credit cards.

On premises parking.

Piero’s Italian Restaurant

$6 Food & Drink Specials 4-7pm Monday - Friday

44 South Regent Street Port Chester 937-2904

Peruvian Acuario Cevicheria y Mas 163 North Main Street Port Chester 937-2338

Bambú Restaurant & Nightclub 30 Broad Street Port Chester 481-5040

El Chalan Restaurant 45 Midland Avenue Port Chester 934-2244

El Parral Restaurant 2 South Main Street Port Chester 939-0409

El Plebeyo Restaurant

RESTAURANT AND BEER GARDEN

25 North Main Street Port Chester 690-2797

La Gladys Restaurant 453 Ellendale Avenue Port Chester 481-1365

Peruvian Misti Café Takeout

100 North Main Street Port Chester 939-2204 Specialties include: Sliced hotdogs and French fries; potato stuffed with beef, onions, egg and olives; chicken and rice soup (Peruvian style); fish soup; salads; shrimp cooked in onions and tomatoes with rice; Peruvian style shrimp fried rice; fried calamari; rotisserie chicken with salad and French fries; Peruvian style beef/chicken with spaghetti; Peruvian style fried steak with onions and rice; chanfainita (Sat. & Sun.); purple corn soft drink. Open Wed.-Mon. 9 a.m.-10 p.m., closed Tuesday. Catering available. Street parking. VISA, MC accepted.

Misti Restaurant

110 North Main Street Port Chester 939-9437 Specialties include mussels cooked in onions, tomatoes and sweet corn kernels, Peruvian-style seafood sushi; soups: beef, chicken, seafood; variety of salads; fish morsels cooked in onions and tomatoes; shrimp cooked in spicey sauce, steamed seafood in Peruvian spices; rotisserie chicken (pollo a la brasa) with French fries and salad, chicken fried rice, Peruvian-style beef with spaghetti, pepper steak, roast beef, “Hungry Joe” Steak with fried plantains, egg, bacon and rice, beef tripe stew with rice; custard. Open Mon.-Thurs. 8 a.m.-11 p.m., Fri.-Sun. 8 a.m.-12 midnight.

Lunch specials. Delivery or takeout available. Street parking. VISA, MC accepted, ATM on premises.

Nico’s Chicken 137 Irving Avenue Port Chester 939-7090

Pio’s Chicken 148 Irving Avenue Port Chester 305-2491

Salvadoran La Pupusa Loca de Port Chester

165 Westchester Avenue Port Chester 935-0767

Rinconcito Salvadoreno Restaurante 20 Broad Street Port Chester 937-9287

Seafood El Palacio de los Mariscos 134 North Main Street Port Chester 939-2222

Port Chester Seafood 295 Midland Avenue Port Chester 937-2232

South American Inca & Gaucho Restaurant Seafood & Steakhouse 173 Westchester Avenue Port Chester 939-2100