Banana R.
Yelp
So listen. I know Westchester Magazine started tooting this place's horn (cornetto, my Sicilians know what's up) and it's become the talk of the county, and like, I was dubious cause Westchester Magazine should really be called Pretentious Stick Up Its Ass Magazine, cause of, you know, the contents of the magazine. But this place is really good. 5 stars, in fact. Details are below.
We dined there on a Friday (I know, shitmuncher day of the week) but at 5:15 (lit time to eat). Had a reservation, were seated promptly. Was empty when we first got there, but very quickly became VERY full. By the time we left, every table was taken and even the bar was full. I don't think I've ever see all the bar seats taken at an Italian restaurant before. This is because Italians know that wine is food, so you generally want to have a table to eat your food, which is wine. Trust me, I'm an expert on Italian culture.
The space is nice - smaller than you might expect, but a bit hip - a little exposed brick here and there - without trying too hard to look hip. Photos from the 70s, presumably of Italians (maybe they were Jews, we sometimes look Italians that are allergic to vitamin D) lined the walls. Tables are a bit tight, but not uncomfortable. And I get it - you're opening up a new restaurant, you don't want to buy/rent some big ass building you may not be able to fill. Little kitchen too - open to air. Just one bathroom but it was clean.
The staff was pleasant. As I said, we were seated promptly. The menu and specials were explained, wine was recommended, etc. No complaints here.
The food was very, very, good. We had three appetizers or "antipasti", my Sicilians know what's up. The mozzarella was transcendent - soft, flavorful, beautifully salted. Made by the restaurant, ALLEGEDLY. The foccia with creamy butter looked quite beautiful - i dabbled in the butter, but couldn't have any foccia because I'm doing keto (I was too fat for my suit and had to rent a suit for my friend's wedding back in December so I have resolved to become less fat enough to wear my own suit), but my dining/life pardner said the foccia was very scrumptious. The hot oil peppers, which I know have an Italian name but I don't know it and I guess I could pull up the menu online but Imma just freestyle it were tasty as hell - the heat really builds on them - at first bite you're just like oooo this tasty and then after you're a minute you're like oh god Satan farted in my mouth but in a good way.
For main meal, aka entree (my Sicilians know what's up), we shared the bone-in ribeye, which came with glazed carrots and a cheesey mashed potato as sides. I had to sit out the sides cause keto (i know, i hate talking about it too, but my abs are fucking shredded, my Sicilians know what's up). My parnder said they were very good but the restaurant is serving Abruzzo-style food and she's Abruzzoian so she's a bit suspect. The ribeye was very good - it's the best cut of steak, cause fatty and delicious. We ordered medium rare and I'd say this was where my one teeny-tiny complaint would be - I'd say it was closer to true rare. Parts were a bit under for my taste, but I took home the leftovers and they'll reheat just fine.
Prices were largely fair - the only expensive item was the ribeye, but it was market price and they were upfront about it being such. Not a cheap restaurant, but I daresay an appropriately priced one.
I'm just gonna say "my Sicilians know what's up" one more time, cause I'm enjoying it. Goodbye.