Menu Movers: Romance Over Food & Wine on Valentine’s Day
By Morris Gut
Italian Flavors to Swoon Over – Genial hosts Ernesto Capalbo and Charlie Gambino of Ernesto’s Ristorante, 130 W. Post Road, White Plains (914-421-1414), have given the restaurant a fresh contemporized look. The sparkling bar area offers happy hours Tuesday through Friday, 3 to 7 p.m. with reasonably priced beers, wines and $5 martinis. There is Kitchen Counter lunch for $10.95 served Tuesday through Friday from noon to 3 p.m., and 3-course Early Bird dinners are served 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday priced at a reasonable $17.95. There will be additional Valentine’s Day specialties. The regular Italian-American menu is always available as are private party facilities for up to 75 guests. Let the veteran floor staff led by Elio, Geovan and Juan see to your needs.
A Rhythmic Latin Valentine’s Day
Host-owner J R Morales and his team brought Sofrito, 175 Main Street, White Plains (914-428-4740), up from Manhattan in 2011 and the place has become a must-stop on the Latin-themed dining and nightlife crawl. A special 3-course Prix Fixe Menu will be served during Valentine’s Day. First course may include choice of: Seafood Sancocho, Valentine Salad, Lobster & Corn Quesadilla, Grilled Rib Eye Taquitos, or Wild Mushroom & Spanish Manchego Potato Cheese Croquette. Second course offers a choice of: Spaghetti with shrimp or chicken, Broiled Lobster Tail, Cornish Hen a la Plancha, Grilled Filet Mignon with red wine cumin sauce, or Crispy Malanga Crusted Filet of Basa Fish. And for the third course there is a dessert sampler for two. The house would be delighted to personalize your set up by advanced reservation. Check out the hot specialty cocktails at the bar and Latin Sushi, too! Open 7 days a week for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Dancing and live entertainment schedule. Municipal and valet parking. www.sofritowhiteplains.com
Fountains Flowers and Grappa
Mulino’s of Westchester, 99 Court Street, White Plains (914-761-1818) has been lavishing itself on a discriminating upscale crowd since 1993 at its present location under the careful guidance of proprietor Louis Gigante. A lovely multi-level dining room lush with flowers and outdoor fountain which can be seen through a giant window. Let seasoned general manager ‘Gimmy’ Cavagna and has staff take you through such decadent pleasures as the extraordinary Cold Seafood Platter, loaded with fresh chilled lobster, colossal U5 shrimp, Alaskan King Crab Legs, sweet lump crabmeat, east and west coast oysters, littleneck clams, Jonah crab claws, all beautifully decorated and served over crushed ice with 3 dipping sauces; Risotto ai Porcini; Linguine Nere con Coda d’Aragosta Marechiaro, black linguine with baby lobster tails; Garganelli alla Carbonara, tossed with pancetta, eggs and parmigiano reggiano; Nodino di Vitello Valdostana, stuffed double cut veal chop; Dover Sole pan-sautéed and de-boned; and the smooth house made Italian cheesecake. Bar/lounge. Municipal and valet parking. www.mulinosny.com
A Rose for the Lady
Owner Mohammed Alam of Mughal Palace, 16 Broadway, Valhalla (914-997-6090) will be offering long stem roses to all ladies attending Valentine’s Day brunch and dinner. The all you can eat Indian brunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., more than a dozen selections from salad, main courses to desserts with all the trimmings. Cost is $15.95 per person. Dinner will be a la carte and begin at 5 p.m. Mughal Palace continues to be one of the finest spots to enjoy the exotic sights, sounds, scents and flavors of regional India. Open 7 days. www.mughalpalace.com
Heart Shaped Pizza
How about sharing a heart shaped pizza with your loved one. John DeGrazio and Ray Krasniqi of Gennaro’s Pizza, 759 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale (914-472-6329) will prepare a heart shaped pie with all your favorite toppings by advanced order. Gennaro’s has been operating since 1972 and was founded by Gennaro Calvi, father of CBS News commentator Mary Calvi, who began her broadcast career on Westchester’s News 12. The white retro menu board hanging over the old Baker’s Pride pizza oven tells the story. Good pizzas, pastas, heros and parmigiana. Open 7 days. Seating for up to 40. Take out. Gennaro’s Pizza & Pasta.com
Pizza Cucina, 102 W. Post Road, White Plains (914-752-4611) will also prepare a heart shaped pizza pie for you with any toppings you like. According to proprietor Ernesto Capalbo, who also owns Ernesto’s Restaurant down the street, just call in the order in advance and they will have it ready for you. There is seating for up to 35 and free parking. Open 7 days. Take-out and local delivery service. www.pizzacucinamenu.com
Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food & dining scene in greater Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net.
Examiner Media – Keeping you informed with professionally-reported local news, features, and sports coverage.
