Piero's: Old World Italian in Port Chester

Piero's: Old World Italian in Port Chester

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Published: Tuesday, 31 December 2013 16:42

pieros Port Chester has become a destination for foodies from far and wide. The city's diverse population is reflected in the range of international cuisine you'll find at restaurants around town, offering good options for everything from Indian, Italian, and Mexican food plus more exotic menus from Peru and Brazil. Even Mario Batali has embraced the scene with his famed Tarry Lodge, and upscale food emporium, Tarry Market.

One restaurant that was here long before Batali discovered Port Chester is Piero's on Regent Street, now in its 19th year of operation. Family-owned and run by brothers Peter and Andre Rosapina, this low key and intimate restaurant serves consistently good food to those lucky enough to get one of the just 17 tables in the rather cramped dining room.

With white tablecloths and mirrored walls Piero's has old-world charm and the décor and delicious aromas brought back memories of my own childhood. Entering the crowded room I heard laughter, clinking glasses and a buzz from the waiters who bustled from table to table serving guests in this small but workable space.

To start, I ordered the special portabella mushroom appetizer only to learn that it was sold out. Figuring I couldn't go wrong with the tri-color salad and chiceknmarsala sautéed spinach with garlic, I asked for those instead. Hey, many times it's the basics that will set a place a part from the rest. The vinaigrette on the salad was bold and I practically licked my fork to savor it. The portion was decent and kept me at bay as I anxiously awaited my Chicken Marsala.

Even though it seemed like an eternity, when the dish finally showed up, it didn't disappoint. The chicken and firm mushrooms were immersed in a rich sauce of butter and Marsala wine. The generous portion filled the entire plate and I offered everyone at the table a bite. They quickly asked for another and when the chicken was gone they took turns dipping bread into the remaining sauce, supping up every bite.

My guests ordered the Veal Milanese, Penne Genovese, and Ravioli with Ricotta. The ravioli was amazing with a light airy taste to the pasta and the ricotta must have been made that day. Both were divine.

There were six choices of wine and we went for a bottle of the Rioja. Although it was a bit young, we polished that off and tried the Super Tuscan which complemented all of our dishes.

pennegenovese A mainstay in Port Chester for nineteen years, there is no doubt that a table at Piero's will remain one of the hottest in Westchester in the decades to come.