July 2010

Dining Out

La Piccola Casa Settles
Into New Quarters in Mamaroneck!

Proprietor/self-taught chef Walter Ricci is originally from Peru and had an Italian grandfather. Thru the years he worked many popular kitchens in greater Westchester including the former Umberto’s in Rye and Giorgio’s in Port Chester which he ran for 10 years.

Last May he moved his cozy 14-year-old La Piccola Casa from the old Le Shack location along Rt. 1 in Mamaroneck to handsomely refurbished new quarters in the landmark DeLancey House where author James Fenimore Cooper lived for a time across from scenic Orienta Bay along Boston Post Road. (It had previously operated as Down by the Bay.)

He has premiered a new updated, value-conscious menu featuring many of his well known specialties. There is no rocking-the-boat here, just concentration on the finest ingredients which Walter shops for daily.

Great starters include: Clams Oreganata (brought to new heights here!); lovely fresh Seafood Salad with shrimp and calamari marinated with lemon, onions, olive oil served with roasted peppers; classic Caesar Salad; Arugula & Endive Salad; and Fried Calamari with dipping sauce.

Hearty pastas prepared with his special house made sauces include: Angel Hair La Piccola Casa, light Bolognese with cream, tomatoes, prosciutto, beef and peas; Linguini Pescatore, chocked full of mussels, clams, fish, shrimp and calamari in tomato sauce; Ravioli Filetto di Pomodori filled with spinach, veal and cheese, with fresh tomato-basil sauce; Farfalla with Meat Sauce; Veal Tortellini in a light Bolognese sauce; and Angel Hair with Red or White Clam Sauce. The La Piccola Casa pink sauce is so popular it is available for take home.

Beautifully prepared main courses include: Snapper Possilipo, sautéed with white wine, onions, garlic, marinara sauce garnished with shrimp and clams; Veal Chop Milanese, pounded thin breaded and pan-fried with olive oil topped with fresh chopped tomatoes and arugula salad; Pollo Scarpariello, chunks of chicken, white and dark meat, sautéed with garlic, onions, mushrooms and white wine; Shrimp or Chicken Francese style; and Veal Marsala, scallopini of veal sautéed with marsala wine and porcini mushrooms. There’s a hefty Broiled Veal Chop and Sirloin Steak Pizzaiola on the menu too, along with such favorites as Chicken or Veal Parmigiano. At lunch there are several entrée-size salads available such as the Grilled Chicken Caesar, Grilled or Grilled Shrimp Salad.

Special Hint: If you enjoy soft shell crab season, this is the spot to have them. Ricci knows how to keep his soft shells plump, juicy and meaty. The best version I’ve had in Westchester so far this year!

La Piccola Casa is friendly and cozy with a delightful view of Orienta Harbor from the bar/lounge room and their new outdoor deck. A great spot for networking.

La Piccola Casa is located at 410 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck. The restaurant is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Lunch: main courses $9.95 to $13.95. Dinner: main courses $16.95 to $31.95. Bar/lounge with TV, ok for dining. Outdoor deck. Major credit cards. Casual dress. Free street parking. Reservations accepted; suggested for larger groups. Phone: 914-777-3766.

(Morris Gut is a restaurant consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in greater Westchester for over 25 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)

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