Paella in Greenwich and Noodles in White Plains

Rui and Dana Correia’s expertise is quickly evident to diners at Douro in Greenwich. Rui was the executive chef at Oporto in Hartsdale (now closed), and Dana has been involved with several restaurants in NYC. Together they also own Piri-Q in Mamaroneck. Douro has been open for 2 ½ years, and has been in its current location on Greenwich Avenue since December. The restaurant was moved for an improved layout and Rui says customers love the urban vibe: hip and trendy yet comfortable at the same time.

Douro serves traditional Portuguese cuisine with a modern world twist. Specialties include six different paellas and frango, a wood charcoal, fire roasted chicken on the bone.

We tried two appetizers among the many listed on the menu. A roasted beet salad was served with baby arugula, goat cheese, candied walnuts and a balsamic glaze. Many restaurants offer beet salads but this one was particularly flavorful and beautifully presented. The grilled calamari starter, simply prepared with arugula, lemon and sea salt was also quite good.

On the two occasions we dined at Douro we couldn’t resist the Marisico paella which has shrimp, calamari, little necks, chorizo, peas, cilantro and saffron rice. The seafood was all perfectly cooked and was complemented by rice and delicious seasoning. On the menu are as selection of paellas in full and half portions, one with chicken and another for vegetarians. On our first visit I ordered the full paella and had enough left over for a meal the next day.

The grilled salmon is served with spring and summer vegetables, feta cheese and chick peas with a lemon oregano drizzle. This is certainly a lighter dish than paella but full of flavor as well.

Dessert was memorable – a slice of fresh pineapple brulee, topped with a scoop of Tahitian vanilla gelato, a dusting of cinnamon, candied walnuts and caramel sauce.

Douro is open for lunch every day at 11:30, the bar opens in the early afternoon and serves tapas, and dinner service starts at 4. The thought was to have continuous service all day.

Douro
363 Greenwich Avenue
Greenwich, CT
203-869-7622
www.dourorestaurantbar.com

(Review and photos of Douro contributed by Michele Levine)

Noodle+

We had just an hour to spare before the beginning of “The Dictator” at the Cinema Deluxe in White Plains and needed to find somewhere for dinner … fast. I remembered that a friend had mentioned “Noodle+” in White Plains and found it on Main Street directly across from the Barnes and Noble bookstore – tucked behind the optical store Metrovision in the space that formerly sold Tollhouse cookies.

Brightly decorated with a contemporary look there were tables available both inside and out. Pressed for time, we did a quick scan of the menu and found modestly priced noodles and dumplings in all shapes and sizes as well as appetizers, soups, and entrees.

We decided on steamed pork buns – which arrived quickly. Five plump steamed spicy pork dumplings were just $6.95 and sumptuous. Also available for appetizers were scallion pancakes, spring rolls, summer shrimp rolls and grilled chicken satay, all priced from just $3.95 - $6.95.

On my friend’s recommendation, we ordered “Noodle Soup Bowls” which come with a variety of ingredients. They proved to be large bowls of steaming broth chock-full of noodles, dumplings and more. I ordered the shrimp wonton noodle soup for $8.95 which was overflowing with both shrimp wonton and noodles. My husband ordered the same entrée but topped his off with roast duck. Both were delicious.

We noticed that others were eating pad thai, shrimp or duck salad and drunken noodles served with a choice of vegetables, chicken, beef, shrimp or mixed seafood.

The meal was served quickly, and was very flavorful. And – what a deal. Dinner for three was just $37.00, matching the price of three tickets to the movies. Parking is available at the City Center lot across the street.

Noodle+ also offers take-out and free delivery within 5 miles for a minimum order of $20. We were told that the deliveryman rides a bike – so give it a try and let us know if he spills the soup.

Noodle+
245 Main Street
White Plains, NY
914-948-4950
914-948-4920
Sunday – Thursday 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
Friday- Saturday: 11:00 am – 10:30 pm
www.noodle-plus.com