The Dining Scene In 2011!

POSTED: JANUARY 2012

Looking back on 2011 the dining scene improved on several levels. A whole new crop of restaurants appeared while survivors of this difficult economy saw their way thru with good dining deals and a major kick up in quality and hospitality. These are commodities that are essential to the restaurant business and not hard to provide if operators use the right skills. Here is a look back at a few of my more memorable culinary encounters this past year…

BENJAMIN’S HEFTY STEAKS & SPIRITED HAPPY HOURS!
Benjamin Prelvukaj and Executive Chef Arturo McLeod of Benjamin’s Steakhouse, 610 West Hartsdale Ave., White Plains(914-428-6868), have been marking their first anniversary here with tasty new specialties and a wonderful Happy Hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday thru Friday. It’s been drawing a spirited networking crowd for its half price drinks and half price bar menu. The sliders are very good as is the jumbo lump crab cake, fresh Tuna Tartar served with house made chips, and fried crispy calamari served with dipping sauce. You can even indulge in such steakhouse staples as extra thick sizzling Canadian bacon, sold by the slice, and fresh clams or oysters served with all the trimmings. The dry aged steaks like the Porterhouse, Rib Eye and Rack of Lamb are deliciously tender. The salmon and Chilean sea bass are top of the line too. Their clubby dark wood floors, fireplace, banquette seating and chocolate leather chairs make for a comfortable setting. The bar/lounge is highlighted by a stunning glass-enclosed wine room. John, the general manager and his staff keep it all very accommodating. Patti Schwartz, Benjamin’s events coordinator, can help if you are planning a special event. Free and valet parking.www.benjaminsteakhouse.com

ROBUST ITALIAN OUT OF A DINER AT TRATTORIA VIVOLO!
Chef-owner and personable host Dean Vivolo of Trattoria Vivolo, 301 Halstead Ave., Harrison (914-835-6199) serves his robust regional Italian cuisine out of a vintage diner just across from Harrison’s Metro-North station. Sit at the counter, tuck into a booth, or take a table in the rear greenhouse and enjoy the surprising contemporary and traditional flavors emanating from his kitchen: tasty thin-crusted pizza; fresh old-fashioned Meatballs and Sausage; Rabbit Cacciatore; Crostino di Polenta, topped with wild mushrooms, gorgonzola and tomato sauce; Lasagna Bolognese al Forno; Osso Buco, tender braised veal shank; occasional Roasted Porchetta; and warm fresh Zabaglione with fresh fruit for dessert. If the name Vivolo sounds familiar, Dean’s dad Michael Vivolo is owner of the venerable La Riserva in Larchmont. Good wine list. The restaurant was recently featured on the new TV series: Pan Am. Open 7 days. Free parking. www.trattoriavivolo.com

DINING BIG AT CHIANTI, TUCKAHOE!
Here’s a big guy who likes to cook big! Chef/proprietor Paul Caputo of Chianti, 174 Marbledale Road, Tuckahoe (914-346-8844) his bustling ode to Italian-American cuisine served in generous style, is a 36-year kitchen veteran. He previously operated Gina Marie’s Bella Vita in Mt. Vernon and the former Bella Vita in Mahopac. Over the years he has worked for a storied cast of kitchens from Rigoletto’s and Amici’s on Arthur Ave. in the Bronx to the original Valentino’s in Yonkers to the former Gregory’s in White Plains. Over on one wall in the dining room is inscribed: “chi mangia bene, viva bene” (if you eat well, you live well), and that’s the overriding philosophy here. Chef Caputo has a history of serving big portions of fresh made-to-order food; ‘family style’ some call it. Check out such specialties as: Spiedini ala Romana; his amazing Garlic Bread Paoliccimo with chopped broccoli rabe; Zuppa Di Pesce over Capellini; Steak Compagniola; or giant Veal Chop De Benedictis. Don’t worry; there are always plenty of doggie bags on hand for take home. Complete lunch and dinners available daily. On and off-premise catering.

(Morris Gut, restaurant consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor, has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the greater Bronx-Westchester-Fairfield area for over 25 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)

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