Once in a great while, a very special restaurant comes into your life. This was (is) the case with Spadaro, located in New Rochelle, NY. After a recent visit to a cousin in Rye, NY, we were leaving to have dinner at a favorite spot in the Bronx , and NOT on Arthur Ave. ( more about that another time) and she suggested that we 'foodies" try a place that recently opened and she knew it would be a fabulous find for us.
That was Spadaro. A gastronomic experience on every level. For those of you who have been fortunate enough to visit Italy, especially Florence or the Amalfi Coast, you will feel at home- transported. For those of you who have not been, do go! It is the closest you will ever feel to being there!
Run by an Italian born & bred couple, the husband is the chef and the wife, Rena, runs the front of the house. It is a small place- 9 tables, so do make a reservation- even during the week. The wine list is large and top notch.
**A Warning- Come hungry. There is NO menu. and this is NOT your traditional or typical Italian food- this is ITALY in NY. She feeds you!
The first course is a 14 dish antipasto- first cold, then hot. From smoked cured meats like prosciutto and supperasada , to cheeses like parmesan reggiano and fresh mozzarella, to olives roasted peppers, eggplant componata, to beans in a spicy red sauce, to mussels in garlic & wine, escarole, broccoli rabe, fresh sauteed string beans, grilled garlic infused crusty peasant bread, and on & on.
Do I have your attention so far?
Then, the pasta- made fresh- to order- and it depends on what they have made that day, but at least 3 or 4 to choose from. I suggest doing 2. I have had the papparadelle with wild boar ragu, spaghetti bolonese with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and roasted garlic, to black linguine (squid ink pasta) with roasted shrimp and calamari in a spicy tomato sauce to the fettuccini with wild mushrooms- OMG! They are all phenomenal.
Next, Meat or Fish. Bisteca- Italian steak- melts in your mouth with sensational flavors, and the whole roasted Branzino is off the charts. She also offers Grilled Octopus, and so much more. It all depends on your appetite and your palate. Then comes the salad- fresh and delicious and refreshing with baby arugula, endive, radicchio, and the like.
If you still have room after all of this, I strongly suggest their homemade cheesecake- it is indescribably good- the real deal, and just the most delicious cheesecake you will ever have. They also have tiramisu, homemade apple cake, or whatever they have made that day. All fabulous.
I have sent dozens upon dozen of people there in the past year or so, and every single one has been back & they, in turn, have sent friends & family to enjoy this treasure. I hope she will still stay small and do what they do best and not have to grow even though we keep sending her customers and bringing friends and family!
Don't be turned off by the ride- It has never taken me more than 40 minutes- from Long Island. its right off Boston Post Rd on Main Street, and surprisingly, in a strip shopping center, so it is not what you would think driving up. It looks or appears to be a typical pizza/Italian restaurant. Trust me- there is nothing typical about it.
This is an experience you will truly enjoy, and, if it was a bit closer, I would be there more than once a week!
Mangia!!!!
(tell Rena "ila" sent you- it sometimes helps to get a table! LOL)
Enjoy
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