Tarry Lodge

By now you may know that famed restauranteurs Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich have come to Westchester.  With the opening of Tarry Lodge on Mill Street in Port Chester, local residents can taste the fare of the heralded twosome who run Babbo, Esca and Del Posto plus many other wonderful eateries in New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Their new home is actually over 100 years old and has served as everything from a speakeasy to a family restaurant.  With high ceilings, a beautiful mosaic floor and a sweeping bar, the restaurant feels like a destination.  Book a reservation on Open Table well in advance, or stop by and take your chances in the bar, where the full menu is served on a first come, first served basis.



We went to celebrate a birthday and the atmosphere was festive. The staff was welcoming and forthcoming with their recommendations from the extensive menu.  The theme is Italian trattoria and there’s something to please everyone.  For wine lovers, the back of the menu features several hundred varieties, sorted by Italian region.

The list of Vini Italini commands more than a cursory reading.

Start your meal with a selection from the antipasti list including a sampling of three freshly sliced prosciuttos, Bacal Mantecato (whipped, salted cod ) or fennel with blood oranges.  For the less adventurous there are salads and thirteen fresh-baked pizzas.  Our table shared the Quattro Formaggio with grilled eggplant, which was warm, cheesy and ample.

It was difficult to select a dish from the pasta courses as so many of them were appealing.  Fusilli alla Crazy Bastard was a spicy, creamy tomato and cheese mixture that I would love to try to replicate at home.  Garganelli with Funghi Trifolati (three mushrooms), Black Fettucine with Lobster and Chiles and Linguine with Clams and Pancetta were all delectable.  



The “Secondi” included an array of lamp chops, veal, fish and steak all accompanied by innovative sauces and sides such as cardoons, mint pesto, and blood orange marmalade. In addition, each weeknight features a special so there’s something new whenever you go.  The list includes Chicken all Cacciatora, Braised Lamb Shank with Celery Root and on Sundays Lasagna all Napoletana.

We ran out of room for dessert and finished with coffee and biscotti. So you’ll have to go yourself and report back on the sweets.



Highly recommended!


 

ADDRESS: 18 Mill Street, Port Chester NY 10573 
 
PHONE: 914.939.3111 
 FAX: 914.939.0444 
 
CHEF/ OWNERS: Mario Batali, Joseph Bastianich,  Andy Nusser, Nancy Selzer 
 
HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE Yes 
 
DRESS CODE Casual 
 
RESERVATIONS Recommended but not required 
 
CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED  All major 
 
PRIVATE PARTIES/ROOM Yes 
 
WEBSITE www.tarrylodge.com