Spadaro in New Rochelle

A good friend had the prescience to make a reservation at Spadaro in New Rochelle before the New York Times review appeared in the Westchester Section this weekend.  We were the fortunate diners who got to relish our dinner as a crowd hovered outside the window on a chilly May night, hoping to get a table at this suddenly-hot eatery. 

Sited in a strip mall adjacent to Quiznos on Main Street in New Rochelle, the unassuming locale belies the delights within. The setting is intimate to say the least, and the size of the table makes it difficult to juggle all of the small plate offerings.

The best part of the meal is the beginning.  After Rosa takes your drink order, which is either “red” or “white”, out comes irresistible toasted Italian bread brushed with olive oil.  If you nod your head when she mentions the antipasto, a veritable feast arrives in short order, each served on small plates, served family style. 

On the night we were there, the antipasto featured fresh roasted vegetables included broccoli rabe, asparagus, string beans and red peppers and olives.  Before we could sample these, a bowl of steamed muscles were served, followed by a plate of creamy buffalo mozzarella and freshly sliced Prosciutto de Parma and another of spicy soppresetta and Italian cheese. 



There are no menus, relieving me of the burden of scrutinizing complicated selections and making tough decisions. Instead, Rosa returned to inform us of the pasta selections for the evening, which included a pappardelle with Bolognese sauce, a white and green pasta in cream sauce with peas, a ravioli and the Pasta Spadaro with mushrooms. 

After we gobbled up the steaming pasta, Rosa returned to tell us about the roasted or grilled meat, chicken and fish selections.  Our branzino arrived, complete with head, tail and bones and was fishy, but tasty.

And you would think we would have passed on the desserts, which included amaretto cheesecake, profiteroles and tiramisu – but we indulged in those and also opted for steaming cappuccino.  The check arrived and we were pleased to see that the tab was about $50 per person, quite reasonable for the size of the feast we had just enjoyed.



The biggest challenge is figuring out how to get in. Reservations are recommended!



Spadaro

211 Main Street

New Rochelle

(914) 235-4594