February 2010

Where to Romance Over
Food & Wine On Valentine’s Day!

By Morris Gut

Trattoria Vivolo
301 Halstead Avenue, Harrison
914-835-6199
Chef-owner and personable host Dean Vivolo serves his robust regional Italian cuisine out of a casual 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: Fresh Salads; Venison Stew with soft polenta and juniper berries; Risotto with fennel, anisette and shrimp; Osso Buco, tender braised veal shank; 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. The restaurant takes on a special glitter evenings. Party facilities. Open 7 days. Free parking.

Gusano Loco
1137 W. Boston Post Road
Mamaroneck
914-777-1512
The newly enhanced enclosed patio is just the right setting for a south-of-the-border meal at the ‘crazy worm’. Currently celebrating their 10th Anniversary, Guadalajara-bred chef-owner Manuel Garcia and his friendly staff will take you on a tour of regional Mexican cooking. Fine versions of Stuffed Enchiladas are here, as are the Fajitas, but we suggest you move on to Garcia’s signature Mexican dishes such as: Mariscada Vallarta, with mixed seafood; Char-grilled Guava Glazed Chicken; or Puerco en Coloradito, tender chunks of boneless pork. Even the ‘pico de gallo’ on the side is made the authentic Mexican way with fresh fruits. Top it off with a warming Mexican hot chocolate. Strewn with festive artifacts. Live music on weekends; sometimes even Manuel himself sings with his guitar. Open 7 days.

Limoncello
974 E. Boston Post Road
Mamaroneck
914-630-2311
Managers Frank Tummolo and Louis Gigante Jr. reopened this former steakhouse with the idea of serving a bouncy, tasty regional Italian trattoria-type menu. As soon as you spot the bright yellow awnings from Rt. 1 you are set at ease. The staff is friendly and veteran Chef Silvio Vitiello is ready to serve you his flavorful takes on such dishes as: Arancini, Sicilian-style rice balls made with Arborio rice, ground beef, peas, saffron, red wine and mozzarella; Quattro Formaggi, grilled portobella mushroom stuffed with smoked mozzarella, parmigiano, pecorino romano and gorgonzola served over a bed of arugula; a wonderful Insalata de Frutti de Mare with shrimp, calamari, scungilli and scallops; Gemelli ai Gamberi, wild mushrooms, shrimp, fresh tomatoes and basil; Sacchetti Pomodoro, pasta stuffed with prosciutto served in a plum tomato sauce; Salmon Piccata, capers and baby artichokes in a white wine lemon sauce; and tender Filet Mignon in an aged balsamic and red wine reduction capped with Portobello.
Photos available on Valentine’s Day. Open Tuesday thru Sunday for lunch and dinner. Bar/cocktail lounge. Valet parking nightly. www.limoncellony.com

(Morris Gut has been tracking and writing about the dining scene in greater Westchester for more than 25 years. 914-235-6591. gutreactions@optonline.net)

 

 

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